Codeine Addiction
Codeine is an opioid medication commonly used for pain relief and cough suppression. Like other opioids, codeine has the potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.
Codeine addiction is a severe condition that affects more people than is often realized due to this medication’s common use and widespread availability. Like many other unassuming opioid medications, codeine’s various medical applications can often mask its more dangerous side effects. Treatment centers with programs for opioid recovery can help minimize the effects of codeine abuse on your life.
What Is Codeine Addiction?
Codeine addiction is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences for affected individuals and their loved ones. As an opioid pain medication, codeine is available over the counter and by prescription.
It is a derivative of morphine and has similar effects, commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain, coughing, and diarrhea. An addiction to this substance can develop when someone takes codeine for long periods of time or in high doses or if it is taken with other drugs, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
If you or someone you know is struggling with codeine abuse, please reach out for help today.
Why Is Codeine Dangerous?
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Codeine Addiction?
Because codeine is such a common household medication, it can be difficult to know when your use of this substance may be problematic. Fortunately, there are several signs and symptoms of codeine addiction that you can look out for.
Some of the most common physical symptoms of codeine abuse include:
- Drowsiness or lethargy
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Itching
- Blue tinge to the lips and fingernails
- Rash
- Changes in vision
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Slowed breathing
- Dizziness
- Fainting
This substance use disorder can also be recognized by the psychological symptoms codeine abuse can produce, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor memory
- Cravings for codeine
- Slowed breathing
- Dizziness
Finally, the biggest indicators of a codeine addiction you will want to look out for are the behavioral signs of substance abuse. These may include:
- Continuing to use codeine despite this having negative consequences.
- Withdrawing from or experiencing problems with friends and loved ones.
- Running into legal or financial problems because of codeine use.
- Experiencing problems at work or school because of codeine use.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping codeine use.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a codeine addiction, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Codeine addiction can be successfully treated with medication, therapy, and professional support.
Codeine Addiction Facts & Statistics
In 2019, an estimated 9.7 million people were reported to have abused prescription drugs, of which codeine was a key contributor to these numbers. The majority of these individuals ranged from adults aged 26 and older, making up about 7.4 million of these cases.
Unfortunately, despite the increasing recognition of codeine abuse and addiction in the U.S., some studies have revealed that those affected often do not seek formal treatment for this condition.
This may be due to a lack of awareness surrounding the addictive potential of codeine. However, as an opioid, it is important to seek professional help if you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to addiction.
If you or a loved one are suffering from codeine addiction, please contact the team at Royal Life Center for assistance in entering professional treatment.
Why Is Codeine Dangerous?
Codeine is a prescription opioid pain medication that can be dangerous if not used as directed. One of the biggest dangers of abusing codeine is the risk of addiction. As an opioid, this drug can cause physical dependence when taken regularly, leading to withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if your codeine use is stopped.
There is also the risk of respiratory depression when taking too much of this drug. Codeine can slow down your breathing, which can be dangerous if you have a history of respiratory problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In serious cases, slowed breathing can even lead to coma and death.
It is also possible to experience negative Interactions with other drugs while taking codeine, including certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects, including slowed breathing, sedation, and coma.
Finally, there is a significant possibility of overdose – which can be deadly – if codeine is taken in high doses or if it is combined with other drugs that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
If you are taking codeine, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take it as directed by your doctor. You should also avoid taking codeine with other substances without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Codeine Addiction and Mental Health
Codeine addiction can have a significant impact on mental health. The drug can worsen existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and can also lead to the development of new mental health problems.
There is also the chance that codeine can interact negatively with other medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and make them less effective. Furthermore, codeine can mask the symptoms of mental health conditions, making it more difficult to diagnose and treat them.
There is also a high chance of developing an addiction to codeine when this drug is abused. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to use this medication to cope with their mental health problems, putting them at an increased risk of dependence.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
When Do You Need Codeine Addiction Treatment?
Codeine addiction can have a devastating impact on your life, leading to problems with your relationships, your work, and even your health. If you are struggling with codeine addiction, there are many resources available to help you.
Of course, it can be difficult to know when it is time to seek help. Some signs that you may need codeine addiction treatment include:
- You are using codeine more often than you intended.
- You are using codeine in larger amounts than you used to.
- You are unable to stop using codeine even when you want to.asing since 2012.
- You have cravings for codeine.
- You are using codeine to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.
- You are neglecting your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of codeine.
- You have lost interest in activities you used to enjoy.
- You have problems with your relationships because of codeine.
- You are experiencing physical problems, such as constipation, nausea, or insomnia, because of codeine.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to seek professional help. Codeine addiction is a serious disease, but with the right treatment and support, long-term recovery is possible.
Have any questions?
How Long Is Codeine Addiction Treatment?
The length of codeine addiction treatment can vary depending on the severity of the addiction and your response to treatment. Generally, though, treatment for codeine addiction can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Those with less severe addictions will usually need to spend less time in treatment and may not need intensive care. Individuals who are struggling with a more severe substance use disorder, however, may need to seek out higher and longer-lasting levels of care.
Codeine Addiction Treatment Options
For most people recovering from a codeine addiction, the first step in their treatment process will be detoxification, which is the process of safely removing codeine from the body. This can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting, usually taking anywhere from 5-7 days.
This may be accompanied by medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which is a type of treatment that uses medications to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Some common medications used for codeine addiction include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.
Behavioral therapy is another important component of treatment for codeine addiction. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing can help people identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction and develop better-coping mechanisms for maintaining independent sobriety.
Finally, aftercare is an important part of helping people maintain what they have learned in treatment. Aftercare can help people stay sober and prevent relapse and may include support groups, individual therapy, and family therapy.
Are you looking for help with addiction? Let us support you on the path to lasting recovery
Codeine Addiction Treatment at Royal Life Centers
At Royal Life Centers, we strive to provide high-quality care to those who are struggling with addictions of all types, including opioids like codeine. Our facilities offer a full continuum of care to address each of our client’s specific needs, including:
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Behavioral therapies
- Holistic treatments
- Sober living and aftercare
If you or a loved one is struggling with codeine addiction and ready to get started on the path to recovery, we are here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about how our treatment programs can be a great fit for your needs!
Codeine Addiction Treatment in Washington State
If you are looking for treatment in the Washington State area, The Haven Detox serves as a trusted partner to our comprehensive, compassionate, and dedicated approach to the addiction treatment process.
With services ranging from medically assisted detox to residential treatment and aftercare support, this facility is capable of addressing a wide range of addiction issues. As one of the leading healthcare providers in the state, you can rest assured knowing each of your treatment needs will be met with the proper care and support.
To learn more about our treatment programs and partners in the healthcare industry, reach out to us now. We are happy to answer all of your treatment questions and help you get started on your recovery journey.
Looking for Codeine Addiction Treatment Services?
If you or someone you love is struggling with codeine addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our codeine detox services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and we have affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
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