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Codeine Addiction
Codeine is a naturally-occurring substance known as an opiate commonly used as a cough suppressant and anti-diarrheal in prescription formulas, such as Tylenol 3 and Tylenol 4. It’s also sometimes prescribed to treat mild-moderate pain.
Codeine is an alkaloid compound culled from the opium poppy. It has a lower potential for misuse and physical dependence than many other opiates and opioids, but recreational use and addiction can and does occasionally occur.
Codeine Use Disorders
After codeine is ingested, it is metabolized by the liver. The drug then affects the brain’s please and reward centers, producing feelings of mild euphoria and well-being, among other sought-after effects. Because nearly all opiates and opioids (semi-synthetic and fully synthetic versions of opiates) have some potential for abuse, developing an addiction due to the continual use of codeine is wholly possible.
For this reason, in the U.S., codeine is only available legally by prescription. Legal limitations on the use of this substance are based on a product’s concentration of codeine, meaning that higher amounts of codeine receive a higher DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) classification, and the opposite is true, as well.
Addiction to painkillers can onset rapidly and be challenging to surmount. Addiction is hallmarked by the development of dependence, tolerance, and compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite the incurrence of adverse consequences.
Tolerance is a condition caused by the body’s propensity to decrease the effects of certain substances in response to repeated use. Unfortunately, tolerance often drives users to consume more of the drug more often in an attempt to experience the desired effects. This behavior can rapidly accelerate the onset of dependence and addiction.
Codeine Dependence and Withdrawal
The body’s chemical adaption to the presence of a particular substance is the primary marker of dependence. After this has occurred and the dependent individual decides to discontinue use, the abrupt absence of the substance destabilizes the body and induces unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In some instances, such as with complications involving alcohol or benzodiazepine (benzo) use, these effects can become uncustomarily severe and even life-threatening.
Common codeine withdrawal symptoms include the following:
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Muscle aches and pains
Tremors
For many, these symptoms can feel much like those of a severe flu. However, the withdrawal experience can be significantly worse for long-term, heavy users and require medical intervention and professional care and support. Therefore, it’s best to consult with a health provider or addiction specialist before discontinuing codeine if dependence or addiction is suspected.
Although opioid withdrawal is not typically life-threatening, it can lead to severe dehydration without professional treatment and be too challenging to bear. Relapse can be especially dangerous, as many people are unaware that even a short break from opioid use can decrease tolerance, and returning to use at the same dose as was taken before can precipitate an overdose.
Signs of Codeine Addiction
There are some characteristic signs associated with the abuse of all opiates/opioids, but the most common side effect of drugs that include codeine is nausea. These symptoms may be more pronounced in persons who abuse codeine often, in excessive amounts, or for a prolonged period.
Other effects of codeine abuse include the following:
Anxiety and depression
Moodiness
Sleepiness
Loss of appetite/weight loss
Clamminess in hands/feet
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Itchiness
Slowed or labored breathing
Vision changes
Over an extended period, codeine abuse raises the risk of lung infections, bowel damage, irregular heart rate, sleep disorders, and brain damage. Relationships and responsibilities tend to be considered a low priority as a person becomes increasingly obsessed with obtaining and using codeine. As a result, the individual may lose friendships and have conflicts with family members, and work or school performance can significantly decline.
Furthermore, continual drowsiness and mood swings may make it difficult to concentrate. The inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia) is also a common symptom of opiate addiction that can last for a prolonged period after a person is no longer using.
We Believe Recovery Is Possible For Everyone.
If you or a loved one need help with substance abuse and/or treatment, please contact Just Believe Recovery at (888) 380-0667. Our specialists can assess your individual needs and help you get the treatment that provides the best chance for long-term recovery.
General signs of codeine addiction may include the following:
Taking more codeine per dose or for longer than prescribed
Wanting to quit but being unable to do so
Obsessing over and spending too much time obtaining, using, or recovering from codeine use
Experiencing irresistible cravings to use codeine
Neglecting important life obligations at home, school, or work due to codeine use
Continuing to abuse codeine even if it is causing conflicts in essential relationships with family and friends
Giving up important occupational, academic, social, or recreational activities for codeine use
Continuing codeine use even after it begins to endanger the user and those around them
Continuing to abuse codeine even when it is causing or exacerbating a known physical or psychoemotional problem.
Requiring ever-increasing amounts of codeine to achieve the desired effects (tolerance)
Experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can be lessened or prevented by consuming more codeine (dependence)
Using codeine by any other method of administration than prescribed, such as crushing pills and snorting the powder
Overdose
Although codeine is a relatively mild opiate compared to others, overdose is still possible and can be deadly. Opiates/opioids depress the central nervous system (CNS), regulating vital body functions such as heartbeat and the respiratory system.
Particularly when combined with other opioids, benzos, or alcohol, overdose can occur, which can cause breathing to be decreased to dangerous levels, thereby impeding oxygen delivery to the brain.
Once this occurs, rapid cell death will likely onset, and the affected person can slip into a coma, develop brain damage, and ultimately die. Therefore, an opiate/opioid overdose is considered a medical emergency, and intervention should be sought immediately by contacting 911 or visiting the nearest emergency department.
Codeine overdose symptoms may include the following:
Unconsciousness or coma
Slowed or stopped breathing
Cold, clammy skin
Hypotension
Weak pulse
Bluish lips or fingernails
Weakness and fatigue
Profound drowsiness
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Muscle twitches
Intestinal spasms
In the event of an overdose, first responders will administer the drug naloxone, an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of other opioids. Naloxone stops the life-threatening symptoms of an opioid overdose and diminishes its impact to avoid further damage. Then, treatment can begin.
Moreover, if the drug used contained acetaminophen in combination with codeine (e.g., Tylenol 3), there is also a dramatic risk of acute liver damage if excessive amounts are ingested.
Treatment for Codeine Addiction
Just Believe Recovery Center offers an integrated approach to treating codeine addiction. Throughout our programs, we provide several services vital to the recovery process, including behavioral therapy, individual and family counseling, group therapy, health and wellness programs, psychoeducation, and aftercare planning for the long-term support and maintenance of sobriety.
We Believe Recovery Is Possible For Everyone.
If you or a loved one need help with substance abuse and/or treatment, please contact Just Believe Recovery at (888) 380-0667. Our specialists can assess your individual needs and help you get the treatment that provides the best chance for long-term recovery.
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