Codeine Addiction: Spotting the Early Warning Signs

Signs Of Codeine Abuse

Codeine is commonly found in over the counter pain relief and is also widely used in hospitals as well as being prescribed by GP’s. Understanding Codeine Addiction: Spotting the Signs is crucial, as it is licenced for mild to moderate pain and is also used to control chronic coughs. Sadly, it is widely misused. While chemically not as addictive as other opioids, it is very habit forming and still as dangerous.

Here at Find Me a Rehab, we have a collection of experienced addictions clinicians with many decades of experience treating people with codeine addiction. If you need Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice call and speak to one of our addictions clinicians.

For Free Clinician Drug Advice call us: Now.

Codeine Addiction: Spotting the Signs

If you are able to recognize signs of addiction early in a loved one, friend, relative, or employee, you are in a position to open up a conversation about rehab and recovery. While everyone who abuses Codeine will experience different things, there are some common features:

• Large pupils
• Poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Imparied judgeement
• Apathy
• Short span of attention

The Dangers Of Codeine

Due to it’s chemical composition, Codeine is not as strong as other opioids such as morphine or oxycodone. However, the side effects of using Codeine can be seen much sooner than when using other opioids and will certainly get worse over time. Sadly, a lot of people think Codeine is harmless. Codeine is a depressant so it can affect your breathing. If very large doses are taken it can lead to fatality as well as coma and seizures. Being aware of Codeine addiction — spotting signs early — is crucial to prevent such dangers.

Immediate Side Effects Of Codeine

All medications have side effects and Codeine is no exception. These side effects vary from user to user. Some are “self limiting” in that they resolve themselves. Others are more serious: Some are dangerous:

• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Itching
• Rash
• Seizures
• Dizziness

Long-term Side Effects Of Codeine Abuse

Continued and frequent use frequently leads to health problems and problematic behaviours, such as:

• Poor memory
• Muscle spasms
• Liver damage
• Kidney failure
• Death
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Tiredness

Recognizing A Codeine Addiction

Codeine is an opioid, as like all opioids, continued use changes brain chemistry. Opioids work on particular pathways in the brain and if used over time, will change these pathways leading to tolerance. In time, you will need more and more of the drug to have the same effect as the dose you took at the start.

Codeine Addiction: Spotting the Signs

When someone develops a dependency to Codeine, they will have an extreme fear of not being able to cope without it. As it is available over the counter (in small doses) and also given out by GP’s it is often difficult to spot signs of addiction. Unlike heroin or crack which is purchased illegally, Codeine can be purchased on every high street. Early actions in spotting the signs can facilitate intervention.

Here at Find Me a Rehab, we have a collection of experienced addictions clinicians with many decades of experience treating people with codeine addiction. If you need Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice call and speak to one of our addictions clinicians.

For Free Clinician Drug Advice call us: Now.

Intervention For A Codeine Addiction

Having that difficult conversation can be planned and informed. As mentioned above, because it can be purchased legally or prescribed, it can be more challenging for someone to accept they have an issue than if they were scoring heroin at three AM in a deserted carpark. Codeine addiction symptoms, when spotted, require sensitive intervention.

Codeine Withdrawal, Treatment, And Next Steps

The signs of withdrawal from Codeine are the same as those from Heroin and Morphine. Depending on the extent of the dependency, these could range from minor to severe. Usually, if you stopped taking Codeine suddenly it would not result in a medical emergency but this is not always the case. The problem is that because the ride can be very rough, relapse is a real threat.

Treatment for Codeine dependency involves a short course of opioid substitution therapy. Indeed, it may well be possible to taper using Codeine. Other treatment options may be Methadone or Buprenorphine. The mainstay of recovery is therapy in a rehab centre. Trying to recover from opioid dependency at home very, very, rarely works. This is because unless the underlying psychological work is done the person in recovery will not be able to tackle cravings meaning relapse is inevitable.

Codeine Addiction: Spotting the Signs

Group therapy is the cornerstone of recovery in rehab and every centre in the world grounds it programme around this. Individual therapy is also important as are family therapy (where appropriate) as well as adjunctive treatments such as art therapy.

In a rehab centre, you have the security of experienced, trained and qualified medical staff and therapists. Support staff, often in long term recovery, are also on hand: 24/7.

Here at Find Me a Rehab, we have a collection of experienced addictions clinicians with many decades of experience treating people with codeine addiction. If you need Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice call and speak to one of our addictions clinicians.

For Free Clinician Drug Advice call us: Now.

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