What Is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a prescription pain medication containing a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic, making Vicodin effective in treating moderate to severe pain, but also giving it the potential for addiction.

Vicodin was approved by the FDA in 1978 and became commonly prescribed in the 1990s-2000s. Due to Vicodin’s accessibility, misuse and abuse became more common, leading to widespread addiction. The brand name Vicodin has since been discontinued, but other generic forms of the drug with varying amounts of hydrocodone vs acetaminophen (e.g. Norco, Lortab, Xodol) still exist.

Side Effects of Vicodin Abuse

Abusing Vicodin can cause varying levels of side effects depending on the individual, their tolerance level, health history, and severity of their addiction.

Some of the immediate side effects of Vicodin abuse include:

• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Impaired judgment and confusion
• Drowsiness
• Slowed breathing

Long-term or excessive use of Vicodin can cause more dangerous side effects, including:

• Respiratory Problems: Shallow or labored breathing.
• Hyperalgesia: Increased sensitivity to pain.
• Liver Damage or Failure: This can occur due to prolonged use of acetaminophen.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin caused by impaired liver function.
• Bowel Obstruction: This may result from chronic constipation.
• Low Testosterone Levels: This can lead to decreased sex drive and energy levels.
• Mental Health Decline: This may occur due to chemical imbalances.

Vicodin Abuse and Addiction

Hydrocodone, the opioid component in Vicodin, works by binding to specific receptors and blocking pain signals before they reach the brain. It also activates the brain’s reward system and releases dopamine, creating feelings of pleasure and calm.

Over time, the body adapts and requires higher doses of medication to achieve the desired effect and prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring, leading to Vicodin abuse and addiction.

In 2014, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) changed all hydrocodone-containing products (HCPs), including Vicodin, from Schedule III to the more restrictive Schedule II due to their high potential for abuse and addiction.

How to Recognize Vicodin Abuse

Vicodin abuse occurs when individuals begin misusing their prescriptions. Many users start out taking their Vicodin prescription appropriately, but over time require higher or more frequent doses to achieve desired effects, feelings of euphoria, or just to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Signs of Vicodin abuse might appear as:

• Taking Vicodin any other way than as prescribed
• Taking Vicodin for the way it makes them feel, vs for pain relief
• Taking Vicodin with alcohol or other drugs to increase the effects
• Going to multiple doctors or lying about pain to get more Vicodin

Signs of Vicodin Addiction

Once individuals begin to abuse their prescriptions, it can quickly turn into an addiction. A Vicodin addiction includes physical and psychological dependence, which can manifest in a wide variety of behaviors.

Signs of Vicodin addiction can include: 

• Strong cravings for Vicodin
• Compulsive use of Vicodin despite negative consequences
• Increased tolerance (taking higher or more frequent doses than prescribed)
• Mood swings (altered mood and emotional response)
• Social withdrawal from family and/or friends
• Financial issues (due to constantly buying more Vicodin)
• Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms when not taking the normal dose of Vicodin (e.g., sweating, nausea, irritability)

Vicodin Withdrawal

Withdrawal from Vicodin occurs when the body becomes accustomed to receiving certain doses of Vicodin to function normally and then suddenly decreases or stops these doses. The body may then react by exhibiting uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Vicodin withdrawal symptoms can appear as quickly as 6-12 hours after the last dose, peak in severity between 24-72 hours, and last for days or weeks. Withdrawal from opioids is often described as moderate to severe flu-like symptoms. Vicodin withdrawal symptoms may be mild and handled at home or require close monitoring and medical attention.

Vicodin withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety and restlessness
• Sweating and chills
• Body aches and muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Depression and irritability
• Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
• Fatigue and low energy
• Mood swings

Vicodin Overdose

When an individual consumes more Vicodin than their body can process, an overdose can occur. Overdoses involving hydrocodone can be deadly and must be addressed immediately.

Vicodin overdose symptoms often include:

• Severe drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Respiratory depression or apnea (slowed breathing or absence of breathing)
• Extreme confusion
• Cold, clammy skin
• Bluish lips or fingertips
• Pinpoint pupils
• Slowed heart rate or low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Death

If someone is exhibiting signs of an overdose, you should call 911 immediately. If Naloxone (Narcan) is available, administer it. If the person is conscious, you should try to keep them awake and roll them on their side to prevent choking in case they vomit while you wait for help to arrive.

Vicodin Addiction Treatment

Vicodin addiction may seem overwhelming or even impossible to break, but treatment is available. Various types of detox and recovery programs exist to meet your individual needs and best suit your lifestyle. A medical professional or addiction specialist can help you determine the most appropriate method for detox, withdrawal, and recovery, to best treat your level of addiction.

Vicodin Detox

Detoxification is the process by which a substance exits your body. This detox process can cause a wide variety of symptoms and should be treated on a case-by-case basis.

For milder addictions, detox may sometimes be completed outpatient or in your own home. The initial detox period can be challenging and even dangerous if Vicodin has been used in high doses or for long periods, and should be done under medical supervision.

A medical detox(link to your page?) can be completed at a facility or in your home with 24/7 care and supervision. Detox programs typically last 5-7 days and medications may sometimes be used to ease withdrawal symptoms so you can safely and effectively navigate the detox process.

Vicodin Rehab Programs

Rehabilitation programs can be inpatient or outpatient and usually last longer than the initial detox period. Rehab may include a slow tapering off of Vicodin to minimize symptoms and/or medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT uses medications to block cravings or minimize withdrawal symptoms to encourage continued recovery.

Inpatient rehab for Vicodin recovery usually lasts 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the level of addiction being treated. Inpatient rehab includes constant support and supervision while teaching healthy coping mechanisms in a controlled environment free from triggers.

Outpatient rehab for Vicodin recovery offers support while continuing to live at home. Outpatient rehab can be a good option for those coming out of inpatient rehab programs to ease them back into a normal routine or for those with milder addictions who wish to quit Vicodin without interrupting their schooling, job, or personal life.

Outpatient rehab programs can be flexible and include daily or weekly check-ins and therapy sessions, and last weeks to months.

Therapy for Vicodin Addiction

Participating in mental health therapy during Vicodin detox, withdrawal, and recovery can help individuals better prepare for the challenges that come with each phase and create a plan to overcome them.

Therapy helps individuals recognize and correct negative thought patterns that can contribute to their addictive behaviors and help create healthier habits and lifestyles for successful, long-term recovery.

Therapy used in addition to rehab programs has been shown to increase the likelihood of a successful recovery.

Vicodin Statistics

Vicodin and other opioids have had a majorly impact on the U.S. for decades and continue to endanger Americans today.

• In 2010, around 139 million prescriptions were filled for Vicodin in the United States
• In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services named the opioid crisis a public health emergency
• 10.1 million people misused prescription opioids in 2019
• Nearly 75% of drug overdose deaths in 2020 involved opioids
• Studies indicate the risk of addiction for patients on long-term opioids to be about 25%
• The number of overdose deaths in 2022 was 10 times greater than in 1999
• From 1999 to 2022, approximately 294,000 people died from prescription opioid overdoses
• Nearly 8.6 million Americans reported misusing opioid prescriptions in 2023
• Non-medical use of opioids is shown to increase the risk of all-cause mortality and overdose death

Find Help and Treatment for Vicodin Addiction

Confronting a Vicodin addiction may feel daunting or lonely, but millions of other Americans face the same challenge, and help and support are available.

Talk to your doctor about how to start your road to recovery from Vicodin addiction, or use SAMHSA’s online treatment locator at or call 1-866-902-6268 24/7 free of charge.

Written by

Kerilyn Ward

Registered Nurse

Kerilyn Ward, BSN, RN, is a compassionate Registered Nurse who specializes in maternal and neonatal health. Focusing on supporting drug-affected mothers and their infants, she combines medical expertise with empathy to empower her patients and educate them on healthy lifestyles. Through her writing on AddictionHelp.com, she reaches a broader audience, offering practical insights into health and recovery.

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Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.

Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.