Codeine Addiction

Codeine is an alkaloid narcotic medication used to treat pain and chronic cough. Like any type of narcotic medication, codeine has the ability to cause an addiction when it is used for purposes other than it was prescribed for. Most of the codeine synthesized for medical use comes from morphine, which makes it an effective cough suppressant. Street names for codeine include cody, captain cody, school boy, doors & fours, loads and pancakes and syrup.

Common side effects that a user will experience from codeine include; euphoria, dry mouth, constipation, pupil constriction, vomiting, nausea, itching, urinary retention and depression. Other side effects include lack of sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, allergic reaction and swelling of the skin and rashes. A tolerance to codeine develops quickly with prolonged use and is an indication of codeine addiction.

Chronic use of codeine can cause a physical dependence and when a user abruptly discontinues codeine, withdrawal symptoms begin. Symptoms of codeine withdrawal include, but are not limited to the following:

• Physical cravings
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Stomach cramping
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle spasms
• Chills
• Mood swings and irritability
• Pain

To minimize the withdrawal symptoms caused by codeine, a person should do a gradual step-down in the dosage while under the care and supervision of licensed healthcare professionals. Codeine addiction is a very serious disease and should never be treated lightly or dismissed, overdoses and fatalities have been reported.

Signs and symptoms of a codeine addiction can result in the following:

• Changes in the function of the brain and central nervous system
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage
• Stomach ulcers
• Stomach bleeding
• Constipation
• Depression
• Seizures
• Sexual problems
• Poor night vision
• Impaired mental function
• Pinpoint pupils
• Agitation and aggression
• Mental confusion

An addiction to codeine is always possible and a risk that presents with prolonged use. Even in moderate doses, codeine can sometimes result in a fatal overdose. With increased doses of codeine, a person may feel a bit nauseous and then progress into passing out and experience respiratory depression and eventually death. Because codeine works on the reward system of the brain, a user craves the drug and focuses on taking the drug. When a person cannot control the urge to take codeine and engages in drug-seeking behavior, there is a high likelihood of codeine addiction and a person needs to seek help.

When a person has an addiction to codeine, there are treatment centers which provide a safe and structured program and detoxification services. An addiction to codeine slowly destroys the body and mind, before the addiction completely takes over and destroys anything and everything an addict holds dear, treatment should be sought. Most people who have an addiction to codeine cannot stop alone and must have some type of medical and rehabilitation assistance.

If you or someone you love is experiencing an addiction to codeine, please contact us today for help.

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