Codeine Abuse

Codeine, a medication commonly prescribed for pain relief and cough suppression, has increasingly become a substance of abuse and addiction for many individuals. While it is considered less potent than other opioids, its accessibility and perceived safety can often lead individuals down a path of dependence and addiction without them even realizing the risk they’re taking. At Royal Life Centers at Chapter 5, we understand the complexity of codeine addiction and the challenges it presents to those struggling with this powerful dependency. Our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses not just the physical aspects of addiction but the emotional and psychological components as well.

What Is Codeine?

Codeine is a prescription pain-relieving opioid medication. Unlike other opioids, it is not very potent, however, there is still a high risk of overdose. Codeine is mostly available in prescription-grade cough syrup, and has become increasingly popular to abuse among younger generations. Many people who abuse this form of the drug will mix the cough syrup with a carbonated drink like soda, adding in hard candy and even other substances, and drinking the mixture.

Because it has a lower potency, it is not regulated or monitored as strictly as opiates such as morphine which are thought to be much more powerful and dangerous. This allows for much easier access to abuse. Regardless, it is actually quite chemically similar to morphine. Like other opioids, tolerance develops quickly, and when mixed with other depressants, can lead to comas or even death.

Effects of Codeine Abuse

As people take more codeine, they quickly become more tolerant to the drug. Just like other opiates, it has several effects that users find to be pleasant, such as euphoria and relaxation. Once tolerance begins to build up, more and more will be needed to feel these pleasant effects. That, combined with a tendency to mix codeine with other substances will lead to detrimental side effects or overdose.

Side effects of codeine abuse include:

Constricted pupils
Drowsiness
Nausea
Slurred speech
Confusion
Slower reaction time
Kidney or liver damage
Memory loss
Respiratory problems

In extreme cases, codeine abuse can lead to coma or death.

Risk of Codeine Overdose

As tolerance increases and users continue to take higher doses of codeine, the risk of overdose also increases. Codeine is a depressant drug that slows down the central nervous system, including breathing and heart rate. Taking too much can cause these vital functions to slow down to dangerous levels, resulting in coma or even death.

Furthermore, mixing codeine with other substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines greatly increases the risk of overdose. These substances all have sedative effects on the body and combining them can amplify their effects, leading to respiratory failure and death.

Warning Signs of Codeine Addiction

It is not always easy to tell if substance abuse is occurring. If you see any of these traits in one of your loved ones, they may be struggling with codeine addiction:

Risky behavior
”Doctor shopping”
Buying over-the-counter cough syrup
Using medicine when not ill
Keeping secrets or dishonest behavior
Withdrawal from friends or new social circles
Using other substances with codeine like alcohol

Codeine is considered a gateway drug, especially to other opiates. Many people who abuse codeine will turn to morphine or heroin to get a more intense effect. If you start to notice any of these side effects or behaviors in yourself, or someone you love, it may be time to seek professional assistance. At this point, reducing your intake may prove dangerous or lead to painful withdrawal symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you start to experience any symptoms or side effects to make sure that you are not at risk of abusing it.

Codeine Withdrawal

One of the many dangers of codeine withdrawal, is that of similar opioids: the potential of relapse due to how difficult withdrawal is. It is not particularly life threatening, and many choose to just stop it without treatment. However, because it does lead to some terrible discomfort, relapse occurs. Without professional help, many people suffering from the sickness of withdrawal end up relapsing just to feel normal again.

Dependence on codeine can be alleviated with much less pain and suffering through the assistance of a professional and accredited detox facility, such as Royal Life Centers. Understanding the dangerous effects of withdrawal will help you to prepare yourself for what is to come.

Codeine withdrawal symptoms include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Depression
Anxiety
Stomach pain
Sweating
Fever

Depending on how much codeine you’ve taken, for how long, your age and overall health profile, withdrawal could last more than 8 days. Typically, you will notice withdrawal within 8 hours of your last dose. During the first day, relapse happens most commonly because of how intense the withdrawal is felt. The first few days are the most painful physically, but the days that follow are extremely psychological.

Codeine Detox

During codeine detox, meds are commonly used to treat opioid addiction. These medications help to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and make the detox process more manageable for individuals struggling with codeine addiction.

In codeine withdrawal, relief during the five to ten days of these symptoms can be provided through various medications including:

Clonidine
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine with naloxone

These detox medications aim to ease the physical discomfort and help the user get some rest and relaxation. Warm baths, mild exercise, electro-chemically balanced nutrition, and the compassionate support of recovery-sensitive physicians, nurse, and counselors help ease a person through withdrawal. The last item is the most important, because your drug counselor will facilitate your entry in the most important part of codeine withdrawal, recovery-sensitive therapy, once you are able to attend. At Royal Life Centers, we make sure that all of our guests are given the same level of love and care so that they can start their life of sobriety with success.

Codeine detox medicine such as buprenorphine should be discontinued as soon as possible because buprenorphine maintenance can change into buprenorphine addiction, just like how codeine maintenance turned into codeine dependence or codeine addiction.

What Happens After Medical Detox?

Following medical detox at Royal Life Centers, guests will begin a comprehensive, collaborative approach to substance abuse treatment designed to support physical, mental and spiritual wellness. We offer a variety of detox options for treating drug addiction beyond just codeine. Our rehab program helps to promote a lasting, sober lifestyle through sobriety and beyond.

Royal Life Centers at Chapter 5 believes that emotional healing is just as important as physical healing. Our residential treatment features state-of-the-art activity, movement, and adventure therapies to create programs that treat mind, body, and spirit. Our addiction specialists, from our therapists and case managers to our facility staff, are dedicated to providing the best in care and support. For this reason, our holistic, research-based approach to psychotherapy incorporates individual and group sessions. We use other holistic methods, such as art, music and animal therapy to help our guests to learn to express themselves and communicate.

Guests may begin their recovery journey in our residential inpatient program and continue with us through PHP, IOP, OP, and sober living at our graduate housing residences. At Royal Life Centers, the guest is always our top priority, and we consistently do all we can to effect lasting change, that they might continue to lead healthy, sober lives long after they have left our care. This is not just our goal, but our mission.

Codeine Rehab in Arizona

Navigating through the journey of recovery from codeine abuse requires more than just willpower; it demands a supportive environment that fosters healing, growth, and long-lasting change. That’s where Royal Life Centers at Chapter 5 steps in. Our approach to treatment is holistic and individualized, ensuring that each person’s unique needs are met with empathy, expertise, and research-based practices. From detoxification to aftercare planning, our goal is to empower our guests to reclaim their lives from addiction and embark on a path toward health, happiness, and sobriety.

If you or a loved one has a dependency or addiction to codeine, or any substance use disorder, please reach out to us about your detox and treatment options. Royal Life Centers admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns. We can be reached at 888-534-9140. Because We Care.

Codeine Abuse

What Is Codeine?

Effects of Codeine Abuse

Risk of Codeine Overdose

Warning Signs of Codeine Addiction

Codeine Withdrawal

Codeine Detox

What Happens After Medical Detox?

Codeine Rehab in Arizona

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