Hydrocodone in a semi-synthetic opiate drug. It has pain killing properties approximately equal to the same dose of oral morphine, but produces less histamine release, and thus milder negative side effects, such as itching and nausea/vomiting.
This drug has some recreational potential, in a small amount of users it can even be said to surpass the recreational effect of other medium potency opiates, such as morphine and oxycodone, which are highly addictive, and potently induce euphoria, even at clinically prescribed doses.
In some users it can actually cause a boost in energy, talkativeness, confidence, and mood. This effect is also seen in oxycodone use, and occurs at lower doses. At higher doses, all opiates will eventually have a sedative effect, aiding sleep, reducing anxiety, and inducing a semi-dream like state, sometimes accompanied by hallucinations.
The main limitation to vicodin abuse is the fact that most formulations, especially is the US, are compounded paracetamol (acetaminophen), which causes liver damage, with a maximum safe dose of 1000mg ever 4 hours, and 3000mg (3g) per 24hr period.
To abuse the drug, a cold water extraction may be performed, wherein the compound pills are dissolved in water, then passed through a filter or any material that allows water but not solid particles (such as a T-shirt, towel or even a tissue). At cold temperatures, the hydrocodone will dissolve in the water and pass through the filter, while the paracetamol will be minimally soluble and remain in the filter, allowing the user to drink the water containing pure dissolved hydrocodone. At higher temperatures, this technique is less effective, as paracetamol's solubility increases with temperature.