Vicodin is a painkiller that an increasing number of people are reporting an addiction do. This drug and similar ones is becoming the drug of choice for those looking to get high. There are some individuals that accidently become addicted after they have been prescribed the drug for pain by their physicians. Other individuals take the drug solely for recreational (initially) purposes and then find themselves in the throes of an addiction.

What: A Vicodin addiction can develop very quickly. Doctors warn patients before they prescribe the drug for serious pain. However, this warning seems to do little to protect some users as a good number of those will have a difficult time quitting and drug and thus become addicts.

Signs: One sign that a person has developed a Vicodin addiction is the inability to stop taking the drug even after a person realizes that their use or dependency on the drug has gotten out of control and has become unsafe.

Those addicted to the drug may think about it all of the time and are constantly planning their next dosage. Some people will plan their day around consuming the drug and become enraged or agitated when they are unable to take Vicodin as planned.

Needing to take an increased dosage of the drug in order to feel its effects is also a sign of addiction or at least dependency. Another clue is the presence of withdrawal symptoms when a person attempts to quit. These may include the inability to sleep, and profuse sweating at night.

Causes: Many people who develop a Vicodin addiction do so after an injury or surgery by their doctor. This particular prescription drug is very addicting and subsequently, it can pretty quickly become difficult to stop taking.

Prolonged used of Vicodin can result in the brain's diminished ability to manufacture endorphins. Endorphins help us feel good and when our body stops producing them we feel bad. In order to prevent being 'down' or feeling bad many people continue to take it.

Effects of a Vicodin Addiction: A Vicodin addiction can ruin a person's life. Individuals high on Vicodin all of the time will find it difficult to perform important daily task. Supporting their habit and obtaining the drug can put individuals at risk for becoming involved in illegal and/or illicit activities.