Codeine is a form of narcotic drug that is prescribed as a pain reliever after major surgeries and other medical procedures or, in extreme cases, for treating diarrhea and coughs. Codeine belongs to a group of substances that originate from opium poppies. In this blog, we explore how codeine medication can lead to addiction along with the treatment options available.
The Basics Of Codeine
When codeine is used in reasonable amounts under the guidance of a medical professional, it is safe and effective. However, abusing codeine can be very dangerous. Codeine can cause drowsiness, constipation, and shallow breathing. It can also lead to addiction and overdose. Explore what is an opioid overdose and the many signs of an overdose, along with methods to treat an opioid overdose.
Usually prescribed, codeine is taken in the form of a tablet, capsule, or syrup. As a result of its addictive nature, codeine is only available with a prescription from a doctor. However, small amounts of codeine can also be found in certain over-the-counter cough syrup brands and pain relievers.
Codeine binds to the body’s opioid receptors, which are located in the brain and spinal cord. This action results in a decrease in the perception of pain and an increase in feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Codeine addiction occurs when someone becomes dependent on codeine in order to experience pleasant feelings through substance abuse. Codeine binds to receptors in the central nervous system, producing a sense of euphoria and pain relief. However, the body quickly becomes tolerant to these effects, leading users to increase their dosage in order to achieve the same results. Over time, this can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
The Effects Of Codeine Abuse
Individuals who abuse codeine may start taking larger doses of the drug or taking it more often than prescribed. As codeine addiction takes hold, people may start to experience changes in their mood and behavior. They may become more irritable or aggressive, and they may have difficulty sleeping. Codeine addiction can also lead to lapses in judgment, which can put people at risk for accidents or injuries.
Excessive codeine use can even lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, kidney damage, and respiratory failure. Treatment for codeine addiction typically includes detoxification, followed by counseling and therapy to address the underlying causes of the addiction.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Codeine withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the individual, but there are some common signs to look out for. People who are addicted to codeine may start to feel restless and irritable when they stop taking the drug. They may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, stomach cramps, sweating, goosebumps, fever, anxiety, irritability, and diarrhea. In some cases, codeine withdrawal can lead to more serious problems, such as seizures or hallucinations. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, it’s best advised to seek the help of a medical professional.
To answer the big question of “how to break addiction”, there are multiple treatment options available.
Codeine Addiction Treatment Options
One codeine addiction treatment option is behavioral therapy. This therapy can help people to identify the root causes of their codeine addiction and assist them in developing healthy coping mechanisms. Another codeine addiction treatment option is medication-assisted treatment. This treatment utilizes medications to help an addicted individual manage their codeine cravings and avoid relapse. There are also various kinds of treatment programs available at treatment centers. Treatment programs provide around-the-clock care and supervision and can be an effective way to detox from codeine and set out on the road to recovery.
Share This Post With Love