Why is Vicodin so addictive?

Question

My dentist gave me it after i had my 4 wisdom teeth removed and my mom told me not to take it unless i was in pain. She said that it was very addictive. Why?

Answer 1

Well I'd worry more about the acetaminophen that is in them than anything.  It kills your liver more than alcohol does.  Vicodins are basically a semi synthesized opiates from codiene and thebaine.  So it's not exactly a true opiate but it's derived from opiates.  Opiates are very addicting due to the fact that we have natural opioid receptors in our brains.  Vicodins are not the most addicting of the opiate variety pills though actually they are one of the more mild one, and it would take about a week to two weeks to get a addicted to it depending on the person of course and how much you take.  Though when taking opiates when your in great pain then it's very unlikely you will get addicted unless it is over a great period of time.  Though in any event an opiate addiction is something you do not want.

Answer 2

it's an opiate...it's like a mild dose of heroin.

Answer 3

Most painkillers are addictive and the stronger they are the more addictive they are