Codeine Abuse: Use, Side Effects, And Treatment
Is Codeine a Narcotic?
Codeine is classified as an opiate and narcotic. It belongs to a group of medicines classified as narcotic analgesics that act on the central nervous system to reduce and alleviate any pain that is being experienced. Codeine is prescribed to individuals to treat mild to moderate pain. It comes in various forms including a tablet form and it is also the main ingredient in cough suppressants. Codeine can also be mixed with acetaminophen which is also known as a tylenol 3.
What is the difference between Tramadol and Codeine?
Tramadol and Codeine are similar as they both are defined as opioids and are both narcotic drugs. Both prescription medications are used to treat mild to moderate pain levels. However, codeine is twice as potent as tramadol. One of the main differences between tramadol and codeine is that codeine is derived from the poppy plant similar to other opiates including morphine. Whereas tramadol is a synthesized opioid that was created in a lab to have similar properties of codeine but has chemical compounds that are different from an opioid deriving from the poppy plant.
Is codeine a hard drug, a mild one, or in between?
Codeine when used as prescribed is considered to be a mild form of prescription opioids. As a narcotic analgesic, it is considered to be one of the weaker forms of prescription opioids when taken as prescribed. However, when someone begins abusing codeine, the risks associated with codeine addiction become higher as the dose that individuals are taking becomes higher, therefore, putting your body at risk of a physical dependence and addiction to opioids. This can often lead to someone overdosing on codeine or turning to other harder opioids such as heroin abuse or fentanyl to reach the same desired effect.
Call Daybreak Treatment Solutions today at (844) 695-0083 for help in overcoming your addiction.
What are the side effects of codeine?
Individuals that are abusing codeine are often searching for an intense high that produces feelings of euphoria or relaxation. When you are abusing codeine, it can produce the following side effects:
- Stomach aches and cramps
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Drop in blood pressure
- Constipation
- Blurry vision
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Inability to or difficulty urinating
- Trouble paying attention
- Decrease in coordination skills
- Decreased sex drive
- Flushing of the skin or itchiness and rash on the skin
Long term effects of codeine abuse are:
- Impaired memory
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Exhaustion or fatigue
- Muscle spasms and cramps
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- In some cases, loss of life
Would you rather take codeine or weed?
Codeine addiction and marijuana addiction will have significantly different effects on an individual’s overall health and bodily functioning. While both are addictive substances that can create difficulties in your day to day life, the outcomes of drug abuse from codeine and marijuana will be different. While marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 drug meaning that the DEA does not classify it to have any medical purposes; codeine is defined as a schedule 2 drug that has medical properties and purposes. With that said, there have been no reports or evidence to show that an individual can overdose from marijuana use, whereas, codeine abuse can cause someone to overdose on codeine making it potentially more dangerous and lethal than marijuana.
Codeine most effective treatments
Similar to other substance use disorders, the most effective treatment methods for codeine addiction are within a drug rehab program. The first important step to stopping codeine abuse is to ensure that you have safely detoxed from prescription opioids within a drug detox program. From there, you will be able to participate in various addiction treatment methods that will support you in gaining an understanding and healing from the root causes of your drug addiction. Addiction treatment approaches can include specific treatment methods of behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis treatment for any co-occurring disorders, and medication assisted treatment.
How does Daybreak Treatment Solutions helps you overcome Codeine Addiction
DayBreak treatment center provides patients with an opportunity to overcome the physical dependence and addiction to prescription opioids through various evidence-based therapy methods. Regardless of the severity of your codeine abuse, we have the appropriate levels of care to help you successfully overcome your drug addiction and gain the coping skills to live a healthy, balanced life in addiction recovery. Contact DayBreak today at (844) 695-0083 to hear more about the specific treatment methods that can be offered to patients experiencing a codeine addiction and get on the road to recovery today.