Codeine abuse is a growing concern in today’s society, with its accessibility and widespread prescription contributing to an alarming increase in addiction rates. This opioid pain medication, while effective for managing mild to moderate pain and cough suppression, holds a high potential for dependence and abuse. The journey into codeine addiction often begins innocently, with a legitimate prescription or casual use that spirals out of control, leading individuals down a path fraught with challenges. Recognizing the signs of codeine dependence and understanding the risks involved are crucial steps toward seeking help. At Royal Life Detox, we are committed to providing comprehensive support and treatment for those struggling with codeine addiction.
What Is Codeine?
Codeine is a commonly used medication in the treatment of pain, coughing, and diarrhea. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids, which work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and blocking pain signals. Codeine is derived from the opium poppy plant and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for pain relief. A prescription of codeine is available in various forms including tablets, syrups, and injections.
In addition to its pain-relieving properties, codeine also has sedative effects on the body. This makes it useful in treating coughs that are caused by certain respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The sedative effects help calm down the cough reflex and allow the individual to rest.
Because it has a lower potency, it is not regulated or monitored as strictly as opiates such as morphine which are thought to be much more powerful and dangerous. This allows for much easier access to abuse. Regardless, it is actually quite chemically similar to morphine. Like other opioids, tolerance develops quickly, and when mixed with other depressants, can lead to comas or even death.
Signs of Codeine Abuse
It is not always easy to tell if substance abuse is occurring. If you see any of these traits in one of your loved ones, they may be struggling with substance abuse:
- Risky Behavior
- ”Doctor Shopping”
- Buying over-the-counter Cough Syrup
- Using Medicine when not ill
- Keeping Secrets or Dishonest Behavior
- Withdrawal from Friends or New Social Circles
- Using Other Substances
Codeine is considered a gateway drug, especially to other opiates. Many codeine abusers will turn to morphine or heroin to get a more serious effect. If you start to notice any of these side effects or behaviors in yourself, or someone you love, it may be time to seek professional assistance. At this point, reducing your intake may prove dangerous or lead to painful withdrawal symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you start to experience any symptoms or side effects to make sure that you are not at risk of abusing it.
Side Effects of Codeine Abuse
As users take more codeine, they quickly become more tolerant of the drug. Just like other opiates, it has several effects that users find to be pleasant, such as euphoria and relaxation. Once tolerance begins to build up, more and more will be needed to feel these pleasant effects. That, combined with a tendency to mix codeine with other substances will lead to detrimental side effects or overdose.
Side effects of codeine abuse include:
- Constricted pupils
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Lower reaction time
- Kidney or liver damage
- Memory loss
Dangers of Codeine Abuse
One of the many dangers of codeine is that of similar opioids: the potential of relapse due to how difficult withdrawal is. It is not particularly life-threatening, and many choose to just stop it without treatment. However, because it does lead to some terrible discomfort, relapse occurs. Without professional help, many people suffering from the sickness of withdrawal end up relapsing just to feel normal again.
Codeine Withdrawal
Dependence on codeine can be alleviated with much less pain and suffering through the assistance of a professional and accredited detox facility, such as Royal Life Detox. Understanding the dangerous effects of withdrawal will help you to prepare yourself for what is to come.
Common codeine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Pain
- Sweating
- Fever
Depending on how much codeine you’ve taken, for how long, your age and overall health profile, withdrawal could last more than 8 days. Typically, you will notice withdrawal within 8 hours of your last dose. During the first day, relapse happens most commonly because of how intense the withdrawal is felt. The first few days are the most painful physically, but the days that follow are extremely psychological.
Codeine Detox
In a codeine detox program, relief during the five to ten days of these symptoms can be provided through various medications including:
- Clonidine
- Buprenorphine
- Buprenorphine with naloxone
These detox medications aim to ease the physical discomfort and help the user get some rest and relaxation. Warm baths, mild exercise, electro-chemically balanced nutrition, and the compassionate support of recovery-sensitive physicians, nurse, and counselors help ease a person through withdrawal. The last item is the most important, because your drug counselor will facilitate your entry in the most important part of codeine withdrawal, recovery-sensitive therapy, once you are able to attend. At Royal Life Detox, we make sure that all of our guests are given the same level of love and care so that they can start their life of sobriety with success.
Codeine detox medicine such as buprenorphine should be discontinued as soon as possible because buprenorphine maintenance can change into buprenorphine addiction, just like how codeine maintenance turned into codeine dependence or codeine addiction.
What Happens After Medical Detox?
At Royal Life Detox, the journey to recovery begins with medical detox, followed by a comprehensive and personalized approach to substance abuse treatment. Our program is designed to nurture physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, empowering guests to build a sustainable, sober lifestyle. With a team of dedicated addiction specialists—including therapists, case managers, and facility staff—we provide unparalleled care and support every step of the way.
Our evidence-based, holistic treatment model combines individual and group therapy with creative and therapeutic outlets such as art, music, and animal-assisted therapy. These methods help guests explore self-expression, improve communication, and foster emotional healing, which we believe is as crucial as physical recovery. Additionally, we incorporate innovative activity-based therapies, including movement and adventure programs, to create a well-rounded approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
Guests typically embark on their recovery journey with our residential inpatient program and can seamlessly transition through each stage of care, from PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) to IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), OP (Outpatient Program), and finally, sober living in our graduate housing residences. At every phase, we prioritize the needs of our guests, striving to create meaningful, lasting change.
At Royal Life Detox, our mission is simple yet profound: to equip individuals with the tools and support they need to lead fulfilling, sober lives long after their time with us. This isn’t just our goal—it’s our promise.
Codeine Addiction Treatment
At Royal Life Detox, our approach to codeine addiction treatment focuses on individualized care. Each guest’s treatment plan is tailored to address their unique needs. We understand that overcoming addiction is not just about treating the physical dependencies but also addressing the psychological and emotional underpinnings of substance abuse. Through a combination of medical detoxification, therapy sessions, holistic wellness programs, and aftercare planning, we aim to empower our clients on their journey toward sobriety. Our dedicated team of professionals brings compassion, expertise, and unwavering support to facilitate healing and transformation in a safe and nurturing environment.
Codeine Detox In Arizona
At Royal Life Detox, we recognize the challenges and complexities of overcoming codeine addiction. Our holistic treatment approach is designed to address both the physical dependence and the underlying psychological factors that contribute to opioid abuse.
If you or a loved one is struggling with codeine addiction, we’re here to help. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to provide guidance, answer your questions, and discuss tailored detox and treatment options.
Because We Care.
