Codeine Side Effects

What is Codeine Abuse?

One of the fastest-growing concerns in the United States today is codeine abuse.

When taken appropriately, codeine is an effective way to treat moderate to severe pain.

It can also be used to help treat chronic cough.

But, when codeine is abused, users have a high risk of experiencing addiction or even an overdose.

Anytime you take codeine more often than it is prescribed, in higher doses than it is prescribed, or without a prescription, this is considered codeine abuse.

This is a very serious problem for users as it can quickly lead to codeine addiction.

Understanding Codeine

Codeine is a type of opioid, which is naturally found in the opium poppy plant. Some opioids are still made from these poppy plants, while others are now created in labs. It is available in capsules, tablets, and liquid cough syrups.

While codeine helps to relieve pain and coughs, it does not treat whatever problem is causing the symptoms.

All opioids work by blocking pain receptors in your brain and body or by decreasing activity in the area of the brain responsible for making you cough. At the same time, opioids affect the area of the brain responsible for making you feel good, called the reward circuit. It does this by flooding your brain with dopamine, which makes you feel extremely happy and relaxed.

This side effect of opioids is what makes them so addictive and leads to codeine addiction.

The Effects of Codeine Abuse

When codeine is taken for short periods of time, it is typically effective at relieving pain. It also has a low risk of leading to a codeine addiction.

However, when someone participates in codeine abuse, their risk of addiction becomes extremely high. In the short-term, codeine can make you feel happy and relaxed. But, the longer you take it, the more likely you are to experience a range of negative side effects.

These negative effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Poor coordination
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure

The longer you participate in codeine abuse, the worse these side effects can become.

People who have existing breathing problems, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), are at a higher risk of having serious breathing issues while taking codeine.

When codeine slows down your breathing too much, you are at risk of experiencing an overdose. Other symptoms of an overdose include blue lips, confusion, fainting, nausea, and dilated pupils. If not treated quickly, an overdose can lead to coma and even death.

Mental Illness and Codeine Abuse

When it comes to codeine addiction, problems with your physical health are not the only thing you have to worry about. It can also have a negative impact on your mental health.

Codeine addiction can cause issues like anxiety, aggression, depression, hallucinations, and paranoia. Half of all people who have a codeine addiction develop at least one mental health symptom. This makes these people twice as likely as a non-addicted person to have a mental illness.

One of the most common mental illness symptoms that people who have a codeine addiction deal with is feeling like they are isolated from other people. It is very common to feel like you are alone in dealing with your addiction, but this is far from the truth.

There are many different treatment options available to people struggling with codeine addiction. At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we have years of experience in helping those struggling with codeine abuse overcome their addiction. That is what helps make our patients feel confident in our addiction treatment programs.

How Do I Know if I Have a Codeine Addiction?

For many people, the hardest part of having a codeine addiction is admitting they have a problem. This can be especially true if you have or had a prescription for it in the first place. But even with a prescription, codeine abuse can still happen. There are many changes that a person goes through when they are abusing prescription drugs.

Some of the signs that show you may have a codeine addiction include:

• Constant thinking about codeine and worrying about when you can take it next
• Taking codeine in a way other than it was prescribed to you
• Finding a new doctor in order to keep getting a codeine prescription
• Getting codeine from someone other than a doctor, such as stealing, shopping online, or buying them from other people on the streets or from friends or family
• Using codeine for a long time
• Feeling angry if someone talks to you about abusing codeine
• Drastic changes in personality, habits, or sleep since starting taking codeine

If one or more of these statements apply to you, there is a chance you have a problem with codeine abuse. And, if you can say that more than just a few apply, it is likely that your codeine addiction is very serious.

Now is the time to start thinking about getting help for your addiction.

Treatment Options for Codeine Abuse

For people with codeine addiction, there are many treatment options available that are effective in helping you overcome this addiction.

We use medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This treatment program uses medication, along with behavioral therapy, to help treat codeine addiction.

There are currently three different medications approved to treat an addiction to opioids, like codeine. These include methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and lofexidine. These medications reduce cravings for codeine and make withdrawal symptoms less uncomfortable. They work by blocking your ability to get high from opioids. This helps overcome your brain’s cravings for codeine and return your brain’s chemicals to normal levels.

The most important part of your recovery plan is therapy. We often suggest that clients try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This program helps patients become aware of the thoughts and behaviors that trigger their drug use so that they can change and avoid them.

We also give tips and tricks on how to better manage stress so that you do not turn back to drugs in order to feel better when times are tough.

Free Insurance Verification for Codeine Addiction Rehab

Get the Help That You Need

At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to individualized, evidence-based treatment.

Our comprehensive clinical and medical programs help our patients achieve long-term, sustainable recoveries.

Our state-of-the-art facility was built in a highly private location to ensure patients are able to get away from things that cause them stress or trigger their addiction.

We also focus on ensuring that each of our patients feels safe and comfortable so they can approach their recovery in the most positive way possible.

We realize that many of our patients wonder about how they are going to pay for their treatment.

That is why we accept most major insurances through our free insurance verification.

Simply give us a call, and one of our addiction specialists can verify whether or not your insurance will cover your detox and rehab.

We also communicate with your insurance provider to ensure you receive every benefit that you are entitled to.

You can complete a simple form right from our website or call us directly.

While codeine addiction may be becoming more and more common in the United States, it is not an easy thing to deal with.

From negative health symptoms to the difficulty in getting clean, it can be a difficult uphill battle.

But, at Emerald Isle, we are here to help design your recovery plan for maximum success.

Let us help by providing the tools you need to get on the path to a healthy life.

Call us today to get started on the path to sobriety.