Symptoms of Vicodin addiction appears over time, with physical tolerance developing in one or two weeks of regular use. However, physical dependance isn't the only requirement for a diagnosis of addiction. The psychological pattern is much more important. When a narcotic like Vicodin becomes a necessary and detrimental part of life, and even knowing this, a person cannot seem to stop -- then addiction is more likely to be the diagnosis.
The two symptoms of Vicodin addiction work in tandem. The physical dependency triggers cravings and the emotional connection to the drug leads to other behaviors. It's the combination that appear as symptoms of Vicodin addiction.
Because of the emotional connection in symptoms of Vicodin addiction, addicts will overreact when they feel their supply of the drug is threatened --either directly by cutting it off or indirectly by not allowing them the opportunity to use. For some, a confrontation by restricting access will make it plain the problem is serious. For others, denial becomes a protective mechanism and they will avoid facing the issue.
The stress about keeping a supply can appear as trying to get the drug illegally or hoarding medication by refilling prescriptions early. In more extreme cases, Vicodin may be purchased from dealers of patients may even try to forge prescriptions.
Beyond the concern for getting the drug, symptoms of Vicodin addiction appear as lying about drug use and devoting more and more time to thinking about using or finding opportunities to use. Every crisis becomes a reason to take more Vicodin. Addicts will start to use the drug when they feel down or can't sleep -- things the drug is not designed to treat. Surprisingly, there is very little in the way of good feelings after awhile. Taking Vicodin becomes more a matter of avoiding bad things and getting back to "normal" than enjoyment of the experience.
Mood swings connected to symptoms of Vicodin addiction become apparent and addicts will take the drug to avoid irritability or depression. Periodically they may try to stop on their own, usually with little success. The normal side effects of narcotic use disappear after a short time on the drug (constipation, fatigue, euphoria) but the opposite effects emerge when the drug is stopped (diarrhea, insomnia, depression). Sometimes, the most obvious symptoms of Vicodin addiction appear during one of these attempts to stop when Vicodin withdrawal starts.
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