What fictional drug addiction does Gregory House struggle with in House M.D.?

Gregory House struggles with Vicodin addiction in House M.D., taking the prescription painkiller to manage chronic leg pain and later developing dependence on it.

Vicodin is a brand name for a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic, while acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever. The medication is fictionalized in the series mainly through House’s behavior, not because the drug itself is fictional.

House’s use begins as an attempt to control pain caused by an infarction in his quadriceps muscle. Over time, his reliance affects his judgment, relationships, employment, and medical license. Several storylines depict attempts to stop taking Vicodin, withdrawal symptoms, relapse, and treatment.

Viewers sometimes call House’s problem simply “painkiller addiction,” which is understandable but less specific than the show’s recurring reference to Vicodin. The series also depicts other substances and compulsive behaviors, but Vicodin is the central drug associated with House throughout the story.