Researchers believe Vicodin abuse rates quadrupled in the last decade. When it comes to Vicodin addiction facts, since its debut, most of its production is consumed in the United States, is the most common opioid prescribed in the country. Then, street names for Vicodin and hydrocodone include:ĥ Interesting Vicodin Addiction Facts You Should Know The active ingredient in Vicodin is hydrocodone thus, many street names are related to this name. However, most develop a tolerance for the drug and continue to increase and misuse the medication either for its pain-relieving effects or as a recreational drug. Under this classification, drugs have a high potential for abuse and dependency and require supervision and caution. It wasn’t until 2014, after the opioid epidemic, that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) changed its classification as a Schedule II drug. Initially, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, prescriptions for Vicodin were rising. Vicodin’s effects mimic those of heroin because it also works by stimulating receptors in the brain that manage its reward mechanism. However, Vicodin contains a blend of acetaminophen to increase the effects of hydrocodone. Vicodin is the brand name for hydrocodone, an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to chronic pain. Even though the Vicodin brand has discontinued in the US, generic versions are still available and still place risk for addiction. Vicodin is a popular painkiller medication that accounts for most pain relief prescriptions in the United States-with the rise of opiate prescriptions and misuse cases, learning more about Vicodin addiction facts helps increase awareness and prevention. Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Program.Addiction Treatment for College Students.