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How Long Does Vicodin Stay in Your System?

Vicodin, which contains hydrocodone, is a powerful opiate often prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain. However, many people also illegally use Vicodin to get high. Teens participate in pill parties and doctor shopping to get Vicodin, which provides a calming effect. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, one in five teens has experimented with Vicodin. Further data reveals that 4.5 million American adolescents have abused prescription drugs. These alarming statistics show that teens need support in stopping their Vicodin use. A Vicodin addiction treatment center will help your teen end their substance use disorder and focus on their future.

How Long Does Vicodin Remain in the Body?

Vicodin can alleviate pain for four to six hours—the active ingredients acetaminophen and hydrocodone work to relieve pain within the body. Acetaminophen will remain in a healthy person’s blood for up to three hours and 24 hours in urine. However, impaired liver function can cause the drug to stay in the system longer. The other active ingredient, hydrocodone, can be present in a person’s urine for up to four days but will leave blood after four hours. Traces of Vicodin can remain in a user’s body for several days, and tests can find it in a hair sample for up to 90 days. The times are estimates but can be impacted by factors such as:

  • Age
  • Amount of the last dose
  • Body fat
  • Body mass index
  • Length of Vicodin use
  • Liver function
  • Other drugs in the body

Why Do Teens Use Vicodin?

Many young adults who use Vicodin start as a result of peer pressure. They are often with friends who want to experiment with prescription drugs. Once they have experienced the calming effect of Vicodin, they may continue to use it because they believe it is helping them deal with other issues, including:

  • Mental health disorders
  • Uncontrolled emotions
  • A constant need to fit in with peers
  • Low self-esteem
  • Past traumatic experiences

It is not uncommon for teens to attend pill parties where they can experiment with Vicodin and other prescription drugs. However, this is a dangerous activity that can lead to overdose and death. If your son or daughter abuses prescription drugs, a Vicodin addiction treatment program will help them deal with emotional triggers and common co-occurring disorders. However, it is not an activity that you should ever ignore. When teens become addicted, Vicodin’s side effects are only part of the problem.

What Are Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse?

When a teen begins using Vicodin consistently and in larger doses, they create a dependency on the drug, which is also known as addiction. Vicodin side effects also include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Anxious
  • Unclear thoughts
  • Dry throat
  • Experiencing difficulty in urinating
  • Abnormal emotions
  • Itchy skin
  • Slowed, irregular breathing
  • Dilated pupils
  • Skin rash
  • Hallucinations

While a Vicodin user will not always experience each side effect, there is the potential to have these symptoms. Recognizing the signs of abuse early can help you find your teen the support they need to recover successfully.

Get Support for Vicodin Abuse at Destinations For Teens

You should never ignore substance abuse. When teens participate in drug or alcohol use, they are positioning themselves to become addicted. Addiction carries many consequences, including interrupting school, damaging positive relationships, and legal troubles. At Destinations for Teens, our Vicodin addiction treatment program will guide your son and daughter to stay away from prescription drugs. Through our individual and group therapy sessions, your teen will gain the support to understand their emotional triggers and develop the necessary coping mechanisms to remain in recovery. Contact Destinations for Teens at 877.466.0620 to find support for your teen struggling with Vicodin addiction.