Is prescribing someone 180 pills of vicodin a month for about 11 years a safe way to help someone in pain? these were 7.5 hyrdocodone 750mg tylenol (acetaminophen)

Generally no: But unfortunately common. Firstly, this would be 4.5 grams of tylenol (acetaminophen) per day, which is higher than the 4 grams/day previously considered safe, and much higher than the 2 grams/day now considered safe. If the vicodin was the only thing done for the pain, it is clearly not a good choice. In many people, tolerance leads to gradually increasing dose and decreased safety, as well as diversion/od.

No: There are many other non- narcotic options to treat chronic pain. It depends on the underlying condition, and seeking out expertise from a pain management md or addictionologist is a good starting point.