Long-term Side Effects of Hydrocodone Abuse. Long-term addiction to Hydrocodone can lead to severe health consequences. Chronic health problems are common due to the constant poisoning of the body. A long-term addiction that involves high doses of hydrocodone may involve a longer recovery period than addiction from short-term use. A mental health evaluation should be part of your recovery. When people become addicted to this medication, they can suffer many serious side effects, especially if they abuse the drug on a long-term basis. Hydrocodone by itself can be dangerous, and large doses of acetaminophen can cause serious harm as well. Long Term Effects of Vicodin on the Brain Vicodin affects a person’s brain in its pleasure center. Vicodin increases a person’s ability to feel pleasure, and it can cause a person to feel happy and euphoric. Like other narcotics, hydrocodone can cause long-term harm to the body and brain. Risks of Hydrocodone Use Even people who take hydrocodone medications as prescribed may experience side effects. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opiate that comes from codeine which is taken from the poppy plant. It is a narcotic that blocks pain messages and is known for its long term effects on the brain. Ending Long-Term Problems Caused by Hydrocodone Abuse According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 1.9 million people in the US struggled with opioid addiction, including addiction to hydrocodone, in 2014. Note: This document contains side effect information about acetaminophen / hydrocodone. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Vicodin. Regular, repeated use of painkillers can have multiple long-term effects on the brain. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of painkillers and stops functioning normally on its own. This effect can start a chain reaction of serious long-term health problems that often require intensive care and rehabilitation. Long-term effects of hydrocodone use can include a broad range of physical problems—from acetaminophen toxicity and liver damage to sensorineural hearing loss. Some of the most damaging results of being addicted to hydrocodone, however, may be the adverse effects on your personal life. Drug addiction can.