Codeine Addiction and Rehabilitation

   Oct. 20, 2015
   24 minute read
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Last Edited: March 17, 2020
Author
Claudia Rose
Clinically Reviewed
Mark Frey, LPCC, LICDC, NCC
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and certified by an addiction professional.

Dangers of Codeine Abuse

Codeine is a short-acting narcotic used for the treatment of pain. It is an Opiate based substance used for mild to moderate pain symptoms. Codeine can be highly addictive, leaving the person who is using it with a sense of calm and pleasure. This kind of pleasure can lead to both psychological and physical dependence. Some people are prescribed Codeine for medical reasons and over time develop an addiction. Other people become addicted to Codeine by using it solely for the euphoric feelings it produces. Use of Codeine over a period of time will lead to the person creating a tolerance, which means that they need a larger dose to achieve the same euphoric feelings they once felt. With Codeine being a low-intensity Opiate, people who become addicted will sometimes turn to stronger Opiate substances such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, or Oxycontin, as a way to get the euphoric feeling that codeine once produced. They may also switch to stronger substances in order to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms. There are options to recover from Codeine addiction. We specialize in assisting people to find detox and rehab centers for substance abuse treatment.

Street Names for Codeine

Codeine can go by a verity of different names as well. The important thing to note is that Codeine can be a gateway to more hardcore drugs such as Heroin. Codeine and Heroin contain a lot of the same chemicals. So, no matter what the substance is called it could be dangerous if not taken correctly. Captain, Cody, Schoolboy, Purple Drank.

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Codeine Effects

Codeine abuse can cause significant damage to an individual’s life. Liver damage, kidney damage, acute pancreatitis, legal issues, financial problems, inability to hold a job and incarceration are just a few effects that Codeine abuse can have on one’s life. The most common side effects of Codeine include vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, constipation and skin reactions. Everyone will have a different reaction to drugs and alcohol, but most of these symptoms are common in most drugs. Prescription drug abuse should not be taken lightly. Many people let Codeine abuse slide in loved ones because they think it might not be as bad as Heroin or Meth. That is not true, there are still huge risks when abusing Codeine. The effects can be stronger than people realize.

Warning Signs of Codeine Abuse in a Loved One

Codeine is one of the more commonly abused prescription drugs. Just because it is not always purchased illegally, prescription pills can still be addictive and bare harsh consequences. Addiction is a disease that hurts people on an hourly basis. The only harder than suffering from an addiction, can be to see someone you care about battle a substance abuse problem. People who suspect a loved one of abusing Codeine or other drugs should look for some of these signs:

  • Your loved one might start the day saying and thinking they will not use Codeine. But by the end of the day they are high off a large dosage. This could be a sign that they physically cannot go without consuming Codeine, there is a chance they have a chemical dependency to the drug.
  • Most people who are addicted to a substance, can only relax if they are on it. If your loved one gets sick or easily annoyed when they are not on Codeine, then they might be addicted. Their brain may be rewired to think it can only relax if they use Codeine and other prescription drugs.
  • Another red flag that might tip you off about someone’s Codeine addiction is if that person is using all his or her energy and money to get Codeine. Many who abuse prescriptions go to great lengths to illegally purchase them once they lose medical authorization.

Factual Dangers: Codeine

Codeine is commonly prescribed and often used for longer and more frequently than needed. A growing trend in Codeine abusers are mixing their prescription Codeine cough medicine with Mountain Dew or Sprite along with Jolly Ranchers, referring to it as Purple Drank or Lean. Abusing Codeine in this manner makes it all too easy to ingest way more Codeine than the recommended dose yielding a high risk of a potentially life-threatening overdose. Taking Codeine for longer than four months can be dangerous and is not advised. Codeine inhibits the memory forming functions and may cause memory issues. It also can suppress respiration and lower blood pressure. This drug should not be stopped suddenly, as life-threatening withdrawal seizures can occur.

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