Codeine Addiction, Side Effects, and Rehab

Codeine addiction is a serious issue that can be life-threatening if not addressed and treated. It occurs when someone becomes reliant on the use of codeine to get through their day.

Drug addictions like codeine addiction are hazardous and can be detrimental to almost every area of your life. Many Americans have become addicted to or misused opioids in their lifetime.

There are many treatment options for codeine addiction, which can often be tailored to your individual needs.

Read on to learn more about codeine addiction, substance abuse treatment, and the effects of opioid addiction.

Codeine is a narcotic used for its analgesic effects to treat mild to moderate pain. It is also commonly used in cough syrups.

An opiate, codeine is a natural opioid, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, which are associated with a high risk of abuse and addiction.

The painkiller is associated with addiction and abuse due to the way it works. In order to relieve pain, codeine binds to opioid receptors in your brain. This prevents your brain and central nervous system (CNS) from sending pain signals to the rest of your body.

Another reason opioids are considered addictive is because they release endorphins when you take them.

After time, some people become addicted to the dopamine-release endorphins and feel obligated to take codeine more frequently or in larger doses to chase that feeling.

Though abuse and addiction are often used interchangeably, it’s important to know that codeine abuse and codeine addiction are separate conditions. Codeine is a prescription drug, so not all codeine use is considered abuse.

Codeine abuse refers to any irresponsible use of the medication. This can present many different ways including, taking the drug without a prescription, taking more than you are prescribed, taking it more frequently than you are prescribed, or taking it longer than you are prescribed. As a disclaimer, it is common for abuse to progress to addiction.

As for codeine addiction, this condition occurs when someone becomes mentally reliant on codeine to function. Addiction can cause individuals to feel that codeine use is necessary to perform daily tasks.

Yes, codeine abuse can cause dependence. Physical dependence is a common occurrence with the use of opioids.

Opioids are commonly associated with physical dependence due to the way they block pain and alter brain chemistry. Much like with any other substance, the longer you take an opioid like codeine, the more your body will build up a tolerance to its effects.

As a result, many people find themselves needing a larger dose of codeine to feel the same effects they originally felt. This can cause your body to physically rely on the medication to function properly, which is physical dependence.

When you develop physical dependence, it can be very difficult to stop using codeine and can result in addiction. This is because you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms upon quitting codeine use.

Codeine addiction can cause several signs and symptoms to manifest. Learning to identify symptoms of codeine addiction can be incredibly helpful if you suspect a family member is abusing codeine. They can also help you to self-identify addiction.

Signs and symptoms can include:

• Dizziness
• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Decreased heart rate
• Heavy codeine use
• Social withdrawal
• Engaging in risky behavior
• Taking higher doses of codeine
• Inability to stop thinking about codeine

Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms occur with physical dependence and can make it difficult to stop using codeine or even exacerbate addiction.

Codeine withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Anxiety
• Runny nose
• Yawning
• Hyperventilation
• Increased body temperature
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Goosebumps
• Increased pain
• Irritability
• Shaking
• Depression

All drugs, including codeine, come with side effects. Particularly with codeine abuse, there are some pleasant and unpleasant side effects. These can either be short-term or long-term effects, the latter occurring after long-term misuse.

Short-term effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty urinating
• Blurred vision
• Euphoria
• Restlessness
• Low blood pressure
• Rashes
• Respiratory depression
• Decreased heart rate
• Heart palpitations
• Stiff muscles
• Opioid overdose
• Death

Long-term effects can include:

• Increased risk of overdose
• Organ failure
• Hyperalgesia
• Memory problems
• Mental health disorders
• Increased risk of bone fractures
• Chronic constipation
• Sleep-disordered breathing

There are certain risk factors associated with developing an opioid addiction. However, it is possible for anyone to develop a codeine addiction with continued misuse.

General substance addiction risk factors can include:

• Family history of addiction
• Early exposure to drugs
• Lack of family involvement
• Mental illness
• Peer pressure

Codeine addiction risk factors may include:

• Being prescribed codeine
• Being prescribed codeine for a prolonged period
• Being prescribed a high dose of codeine
• Being aged teens to 20s
• Having chronic pain
• Easy access to codeine
• Party-seeking/risky behavior

An accurate codeine addiction diagnosis can only come from a qualified medical professional. That being said, signs and symptoms can certainly help indicate the need for a medical evaluation.

Medical evaluations can help your healthcare provider assess your behaviors, patterns, and choices to determine if you have a substance use disorder (SUD).

You may be asked questions about how you use codeine, including how much you take, how frequently you take it, and the reasons you use it.

Codeine addiction treatment comes in many shapes and sizes. Substance abuse treatment is all about your needs, so you may find a particular type of treatment program to be more suitable for your needs.

Many people encounter several treatment services throughout their recovery journey.

Opioid Detox Programs

Medical detoxification is a very common and important service when it comes to addiction recovery. Detox is the process of removing any remaining opioids from your system.

Some people try to detox from codeine on their own, and while it is not impossible, it can be very dangerous. It’s always recommended to detox under medical supervision.

In an opioid detox program, you will have 24/7 care during your detoxification process. Your care team will monitor your vitals, help you manage withdrawal symptoms, and administer any necessary medications or treatments during this service.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment service that uses FDA-approved medications to treat addiction. It is evidence-based and particularly effective in opioid addictions.

Medications like buprenorphine, Suboxone, naltrexone, and methadone are used for extended periods of time in MAT to reduce cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and encourage long-term sobriety.

In combination with other treatment services, MAT can be very effective in treating codeine addiction. Many people continue it even after their treatment program and are slowly tapered off the medication.

Opioid Rehab

Opioid rehabilitation comes in two main forms: inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment. Depending on your needs, you may choose one or the other, or start in inpatient and transition to outpatient.

Inpatient rehab offers the highest level of care with round-the-clock medical supervision. This type of treatment combines the use of several treatment options and requires participants to live in a treatment facility for the duration of the program. These programs follow a strict schedule.

Outpatient rehab is also very effective but may be better suited for people who cannot leave their home for the length of a treatment program.

This type of treatment requires participants to travel to a rehab center several days a week for treatment. Individuals will likely encounter a variety of treatment services here as well.

After completing a codeine rehab program, it is likely you’ll transition into continuing care or aftercare. Both of these terms refer to care services that you continue after leaving a treatment program.

Many people find aftercare to be an essential part of their recovery journey as it helps ease the transition out of a rehabilitation program and decrease the risk of relapse.

There are countless options when it comes to continuing care, but you and your care team will determine which services may be best for you.

Some people choose to continue regular therapy sessions, some continue MAT, and others may choose alternative therapy or to attend support group meetings.

Another option commonly seen is sober housing. This is a great option for people who want to start their post-treatment journey in a sober environment with peers in the same position.

You may not realize it, but codeine addiction can completely take over your life and be hazardous to many different areas of it.

That being said, the benefits of treatment can be immense and completely change your life for the better.

Benefits of codeine treatment can include:

• Improved health in all areas of life
• Decreased risk of codeine overdose
• Decreased risk of death from codeine
• Improved personal relationships
• Strengthened familial bonds
• Improved professional relationships
• Improved career
• New friendships
• Improved well-being

Many people worry about relapse when they complete addiction treatment, but it’s important to note that having a relapse prevention plan can greatly decrease the risk of relapse.

The adjustment between treatment and day-to-day life can be stressful and introduce many triggers. However, relapse prevention can ease these obstacles.

Some relapse prevention strategies include:

• Setting up a support system
• Joining a support group
• Developing new, health hobbies
• Attending regular therapy or counseling sessions
• Learning healthy coping skills
• Surrounding yourself with supportive people

Codeine addiction can happen to anyone and be completely life-changing. Luckily, professional treatment can make long-term recovery and a healthier lifestyle achievable.

If you have any additional questions regarding opioid addiction or treatment, give our helpline a call today.