Effects of Vicodin Abuse

Vicodin is a controlled substance containing hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. It is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, explains Drugs.com. Vicodin is taken as an oral tablet; it is usually prescribed to be taken as needed for symptoms of pain. The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that some individuals abuse hydrocodone, taking it inappropriately or for reasons other than pain control.

Physical Effects

Abuse of Vicodin has numerous effects on the body. The acetaminophen in the product, when taken in high doses, can damage the liver, leading to liver failure and death. Hydrocodone in high doses can depress the respiratory system, causing shallow breathing, severe drowsiness and fainting. The heart rate may slow and the individual may appear confused to others. "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing" explains that hydrocodone and similar drugs induce euphoria, mood changes, decreased interest in sex and constipation.

Psychological Dependence

The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that hydrocodone and similar drugs affect places in the brain that are associated with pleasure. Repeated abuse of hydrocodone can cause an individual to become psychologically dependent on the pleasurable feeling obtained by its use. This can lead to seeking out Vicodin from multiple doctors or purchasing it illegally as a street drug. The person who becomes psychologically dependent on hydrocodone may continue its use despite severe legal consequences and damage to career and relationships.

Physical Dependence

The body can become physically dependent on hydrocodone, explains the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This happens after the drug has been taken for a moderate to long period of time. Symptoms of physical withdrawal, while seldom dangerous, can cause the individual to feel miserable, especially if he is attempting to stop taking the drug immediately and without medical supervision. Symptoms of withdrawal include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, sweating, inability to fall asleep, mood changes, bone pain and muscle jerking and aches. The severity of these symptoms may cause the individual to seek out more Vicodin to relieve the withdrawal symptoms, worsening a vicious cycle of physical dependence. He may then spend a large amount of time and money finding new sources of the drug to avoid experiencing the withdrawal symptoms again.