How Much Does Vicodin Cost?
Unlike prescribed Vicodin, street Vicodin is not regulated, and the price can fluctuate. Today, street Vicodin has an average price of $6 to $8 a pill — more than double that of prescribed Vicodin. However, despite the inflated price, black-market Vicodin remains a popular option to feed an opioid addiction. Unfortunately, illegal Vicodin may contain additives like fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid responsible for more than 187 overdose deaths per day.
The safest way to buy Vicodin is with a physician’s prescription.
If you or someone you know has an addiction to Vicodin, Zinnia Health treatment centers can help. We offer evidence-based programs designed to help you detox safely and reduce your risk of relapse. Contact us at (855) 430-9439 to learn how we can help you achieve sobriety.
How Much Does Vicodin Cost on the Street?
The combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol) — commonly sold under the brand name Vicodin — is used for moderate to severe pain management and as an antitussive (cough suppressant). Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid, similar to oxycodone and related chemically to codeine and morphine.
The pharmacy price of Vicodin, according to Drugs.com, is $142 for 100 pills, though prices vary. However, people may ask for more after their initial prescription, whether due to unresolved chronic pain, the addictive nature of Vicodin, or both.
Since Vicodin is an opioid, some physicians will not renew the prescription painkiller, leading people to seek Vicodin on the black market.
According to the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection, a person seeking Vicodin on the black market should expect to pay anywhere between $6 to $8 per pill. Due to the higher price, people buying Vicodin on the black market generally obtain small quantities.
What Factors Can Impact the Price of Vicodin?
There are several factors impacting the street price of Vicodin in the United States:
- Location: Vicodin in rural areas generally costs more than in cities.
- Supply: Low supply can mean high prices.
- Demand: High demand increases the price.
- Operational Risks: Carrying Vicodin without a prescription and with intent to sell is a punishable crime. The risk of prison time raises the price of street Vicodin.
What Does Vicodin Cost in Other Countries?
Vicodin is an opioid, but it’s considerably less popular than other drugs in the opioid category. For this reason, it is difficult to find on the streets in countries other than the U.S.
What Is the Trend for People Searching for Vicodin?
In the past five years, search interest for the phrase “Vicodin price” on Google Trends was at its highest in March of 2019. The most recent trending topics related to Vicodin include “allergy” and “symptoms of COVID-19,” indicating a pattern of increased interest in Vicodin for pain and cough relief.
In November of 2022, the term “Vicodin street value” trended in the United States with a low search volume of 100. This may indicate a low desirability for the drug on the black market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Legal Status of Vicodin?
Vicodin contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone, which is an opioid pain reliever. Hydrocodone is highly effective in controlling pain related to surgeries, injuries, and chronic health conditions, such as fibromyalgia. However, due to its opioid nature, Vicodin is heavily regulated.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Vicodin falls under the Schedule II controlled substance category due to its opioid inclusion.
Schedule II controlled substances have a high potential for abuse, which can lead to dependence. However, despite this classification, Vicodin remains legal in the United States with a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.
Before buying Vicodin on the street, contact your healthcare provider for a less addictive alternative. If you’re finding it difficult to avoid using Vicodin despite the risks, call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439. Our treatment facilities offer inpatient and outpatient addiction treatments for those struggling with substance abuse.
What Does Vicodin Look Like?
Vicodin pills differ in appearance depending on the manufacturer. According to Drugs.com, Vicodin 500mg/5mg comes in a white oval shape with the word “VICODIN” imprinted in capital letters on the front and a line imprinted down the back.
Vicodin 5 300 has “5” printed on the back left and “300″ printed on the back right, divided by a line down the center. Like the previously mentioned Vicodin, this pill features the word “VICODIN” imprinted on the front in capital letters.
Counterfeit Vicodin is hard to spot since it often looks like the real thing. These pills may be white and oval with the same imprints on the front and back as legitimate Vicodin.
However, they may contain dangerous additives like fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that increases the risk of an overdose.
How Many Vicodin Pills Do People Purchase on the Streets?
Individuals who purchase Vicodin on the streets may obtain as little as a few pills to as much as a whole bottle.
According to Drugs.com, the daily dosage of Vicodin 5 mg/300 mg should not exceed eight tablets in 24 hours. The usual adult dosage is one to two tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.
Post-operative patients are generally given a short course of Vicodin before switching to a milder form of pain relief like ibuprofen. However, those with chronic health conditions may require a longer course of Vicodin. According to the National Institutes of Health, the lowest dose necessary for pain relief is recommended to reduce the risk of dependence.
How Do People Use Street Vicodin?
Vicodin is prescribed in pill form, though hospitals may administer it intravenously. Illegally obtained Vicodin is typically in tablet form. However, Vicodin users may crush the tablets into powder before injecting them, snorting them, or mixing them with other substances like Percocet, methadone, or Oxycontin.
It’s important to note that some black-market Vicodin doesn’t contain hydrocodone or acetaminophen, so using them in any form could be dangerous.
What is Vicodin Addiction?
Vicodin has a high abuse potential because it includes the opioid hydrocodone.
Misusing Vicodin can lead to physical cravings that are hard to ignore. Using Vicodin more than necessary and longer than necessary can lead to Vicodin addiction and withdrawal.
Symptoms of Vicodin addiction include:
- Intense cravings for Vicodin
- Increased tolerance of the medication
- Difficulty or impossibility of quitting
- Continual use of Vicodin despite adverse consequences
- Stealing or sneaking around to obtain more
- Neglecting essential responsibilities, such as child-rearing or work, due to Vicodin use
Vicodin contains acetaminophen, which can cause kidney and liver damage in high doses. In many cases, this damage is irreversible. If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, getting help is important. Seeking help can significantly reduce the risk of future health complications and withdrawal symptoms.
When to Get Help for Vicodin Dependence
If you cannot control your prescription opioid use, if you isolate yourself from others, or if you have deteriorating physical or mental health due to Vicodin abuse, you may have an addiction.
Zinnia Health offers a residential detox program for those struggling with prescription drug abuse. We provide medication-assisted detox to lessen the effects of withdrawal while providing you with the tools necessary to manage your pain without abusing opioids.
Our fully accredited facilities are located nationwide and provide programs like 12-step and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to reduce your risk of relapse.
If you’re ready to kick substance use disorder for good and get back to the things that matter most, contact Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439. Our operators are available 24/7, and all calls are free and confidential.