According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 108,000 individuals in the United States died from drug-involved overdoses in 2022. Mixing prescription medications with alcohol is a hazardous practice that many underestimate, often with life-threatening consequences. Vicodin, a widely prescribed painkiller containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol. While both substances are depressants, their combined effects can amplify sedation, impair vital bodily functions, and increase the risk of severe health complications, including respiratory depression, liver damage, and fatal overdose.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is a prescription pain medication that combines two active ingredients: hydrocodone, an opioid that helps alleviate moderate to severe pain, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever that also reduces fever. It’s often prescribed after surgeries, injuries, or for chronic pain conditions where over-the-counter medications aren’t effective. While effective for pain management, Vicodin carries a high risk of dependency and addiction, particularly if misused or taken over a long period.
How Long Does Vicodin Stay in Your System?
The length of time Vicodin stays in your system depends on several factors, including dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and overall health. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Hydrocodone (the opioid in Vicodin) has a half-life of about 3.8 hours, meaning it takes this long for half of the drug to be eliminated from the bloodstream. However, it can take up to 20 hours for hydrocodone to leave the system entirely.
- Acetaminophen (the other ingredient) has a shorter half-life of approximately 2 to 3 hours and is typically cleared within 24 hours.
Detection windows in drug tests:
- Urine tests: Hydrocodone can usually be detected for 2 to 4 days after the last dose.
- Blood tests: Detectable for up to 24 hours.
- Saliva tests: Hydrocodone may show up for 12 to 36 hours.
- Hair tests: Can detect usage for up to 90 days, though this is less commonly used.
Individual factors like age, liver function, and hydration levels can affect these timelines. Chronic or heavy use may also prolong how long Vicodin remains detectable in the body.
How Does Vicodin Work?
Vicodin works by targeting the central nervous system (CNS) to alleviate moderate to severe pain. It is a combination medication consisting of hydrocodone, an opioid analgesic, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever.
Hydrocodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which are part of the body’s pain management system. By activating these receptors, it alters the way the brain perceives and responds to pain. This mechanism also induces feelings of euphoria and sedation, which can make the medication effective but also prone to misuse.
Acetaminophen enhances the pain-relieving effects of hydrocodone while providing additional analgesic and fever-reducing properties. Unlike hydrocodone, acetaminophen works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins—chemical messengers involved in the sensation of pain and inflammation.
Together, the two components of Vicodin create a synergistic effect, providing more effective pain relief than either substance alone. However, this combination also carries significant risks, particularly when misused or taken in higher doses, as it can lead to respiratory depression, liver damage from acetaminophen, and dependence on the opioid component.
Careful dosing and monitoring are critical when using Vicodin, and it should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
What are the Effects Of Alcohol Vs. Vicodin?
Alcohol and Vicodin are both depressants, so that they will have overlapping effects on the body. Therefore, it is helpful to review how each affects the body. The common side effects of alcohol include:
- Slower speech or slurred speech
- Struggle with coordination
- Unable to think clearly
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Impaired vision
- Lapse in memory
- Intense mood swings
- Slow heartbeat
The effects of Vicodin include:
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Dry mouth
- Ringing in the ears
- Vomiting, upset stomach
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Shallow breathing
- Seizures
These side effects will be based on how much alcohol or Vicodin is used and how often they are used. So naturally, if too much alcohol or Vicodin can put someone at risk of accidental overdose.
Is Mixing Alcohol with Other Substances Dangerous to the Central Nervous System?
Absolutely! As mentioned before, these are two depressants being used together. This means that both substances are slowing down body functions. This is especially dangerous for our respiratory system. Both create respiratory distress, which means they will exacerbate one another. Because it also makes the body want to rest and causes speech impediments, mixing the two is extremely dangerous. One cannot tell someone that they are struggling to breathe. They can’t get to a phone and ask for help because their motor skills have been compromised. They need to see a doctor immediately and cannot alert others. They are now at an increased risk of overdose and death. A shortlist of problems include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Coma
- Death
- Weak heart rate
Can You Become Addicted to Alcohol and Vicodin Use?
Since one can be addicted to alcohol or Vicodin, yes, you can be addicted to the combination of alcohol and Vicodin. This is often referred to as polysubstance abuse in treatment facilities around the country. It’s not a new thing; people have been mixing substances for a long time. However, as the opioid crisis has become the forefront of the daily news, people are getting creative with mixing their substances.
Are There Withdrawal Symptoms From Taking Vicodin?
As with any other drug, Vicodin and alcohol use come with withdrawals that make it difficult to want to stop. The withdrawals are severe enough that it is recommended you never stop on your own. It would be best if you were in a detox center so they can monitor your health throughout the process. The pain is excruciating at times and you will need the support. Other withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased anxiety
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Sweating and clammy skin
- Goosebumps
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
While in detox, the doctors can use other drugs to help ease your discomfort and make it easier. It will be recommended that you take inpatient or outpatient treatment to help you address your substance use disorder.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
The good news is that many people recover from Vicodin and alcohol abuse. An assessment usually takes place to determine if there are any mental health concerns and evaluate the types of drug abuse. The addicted and the assessor then come up with a plan for successful treatment. Options include:
- Inpatient hospitalization – occurs after detox to stabilize mind and body
- Residential rehabilitation – last from several months to a year
- Outpatient treatment – includes group and individual therapy
- Support groups
We are here to help; call us today at (317) 707 9848 and we can guide you through the process of recovery.
