Long term addiction effects

[rainman158]

Sadly, I have been a vicodin abuser for almost a year.  I will go weeks without them, then come back to them.  After reading forums such as this and researching "Withdrawal Symptoms", I can admit to having a few of these.  However, am grateful that at least for right now, they are not severe enough to where I am unable to function without the pills.  Like everyone on here, I want to be done with them completely.  My work, social life, etc, do not suffer for the moment.  (My concentration with school has actually increased significantly and have gotten nothing but 4.0s in Graduate School).  I do know it is time to quit and just be done.  I am able to function without them as I stated.  My question that has been difficult to find an answer to, relates to long term effects.  I have not been able to find at least an approximate length of time or dosages that can lead to eventual liver cancer in the future.  I am currently 26 years old, in relatively good shape physically, do not drink or have any other vices that may exacerbate the vicodin effects on my liver, but am still concerned.  I do not know if after a year of off an on usage will inevitably lead to death by liver cancer by the age of 30.  I am aware that this is wrong, and with the help of forums like these, am working harder than ever to stop usage completely.  Any help would be most appreciated.  Good luck to everyone on here, that may be going through a similar situation as I am, or worse.  

[AllenMartin]

Long term abuse will have negative impacts. Addiction is a relapsing disease which is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use which causes adverse impacts on the brain. In the long run effects of addiction will be depression, paranoia and anxiety.The situations can be life threatening too.So whenever you will decide for change, that will be the best part for improvement and recovery.

[marycarmel]

Most likely your liver is fine.  But stop now while you're ahead of the game.  The 4.0 will not remain.  Eventually narcotics turn on you.  I was dependent for years.  In the beginning, I did function better.  They helped the pain.  But it changed.  I went from being very social to isolating.  From being super organized to chaos.  I was put on a lot of different meds at high doses so I'm not sure if I'll ever be where I used to be.  I hope so.  You're young.  Keep reading these forums (and posting for support.)  It's not worth it.

[Driver20]

I was addicted to Vicodin for over 12 years, taking 4-6 per day until Sept. 2011, when it increased to over 16 per day. I have had many tests since and have come back with a clean bill of health. I stopped cold turkey 6 days ago and so far so good. Just make a conscious decision that you don't need them and get off the juice! It'll pay in the long run, believe me!

[Pat1956100]

The liver is an amazing organ and the only one that can repair itself.  I think if you stop now you will be fine.  The next time you go to your doctor, ask him to do a liver function test to put your mind at ease.

[lal757]

        These pain meds taken in high doses do cause damage so dont over do it like you said liver cancer ant nothing to take lightly or any cancer so keep it simple and go to your doc if you think you need to and stay clean then you will have a better chance at living.  praying for ya.

[london_man]

When I stopped using I was very paranoid about the long term effects of cocaine use and believed that I was going to die from a heart attack.
My doctor ran some tests (liver, glucose, kidney, cholesterol etc.) The test results were fine but after further investigation I was informed that I have dyspepsia – I am grateful for being diagnosed as I can now look to manage this condition and make the necessary dietary amendments.
Having these tests really put my mind at rest, although the paranoia was mainly due to drug abuse.
Congratulations on wanting to quit your addiction – maybe you need to seek some professional help to put your mind at ease