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The abuse of prescription pill medication is a serious public health concern. Prescription medications such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives are very useful treatment tools but sometimes people do not take them as directed and can become addicted (chemically dependent). Non medical use of prescription pill medications like opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants can lead to abuse and addiction, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.
Vicodin Abuse and Addiction
Vicodin is an opioid. Prescribed as a pain reliever, Vicodin use can easily lead to abuse and addiction.
Vicodin, which is a form of hydrocodone, a type Opioids …
Opioids act by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When these compounds attach to certain opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, they can effectively change the way a person experiences pain.
Opioids, such as Vicodin, are commonly prescribed because of their effective analgesic, or pain relieving, properties. Studies have shown that properly managed medical use of opioid analgesic compounds is safe and rarely causes addiction. Taken exactly as prescribed, opioids can be used to manage pain effectively.
Long-term use also can lead to physical dependence—the body adapts to the presence of the substance and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced abruptly. This can also include tolerance, which means that higher doses of a medication must be taken to obtain the same initial effects. Note that physical dependence is not the same as addiction—physical dependence can occur even with appropriate long-term use of opioid and other medications. Addiction, as noted earlier, is defined as compulsive, often uncontrollable drug use in spite of negative consequences.
Potential Warning Signs
- Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your use of prescription drugs?
- Have you ever felt annoyed by remarks your friends or loved ones made about your use of prescription drugs?
- Have you ever felt guilty or remorseful about your use of prescription drugs?
- Have you ever used prescription drugs as a way to "get going" or to "calm down?"
Answering yes to one or more of these questions could indicate there is a problem. If so, seek immediate medical counseling.
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