Codeine Addiction and Treatment

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Beach House Rehab Center » Types of Addictions » Opioid » Codeine Addiction

Beach House Center for Recovery offers compassionate, medically supervised treatment for codeine addiction. Our team of addiction care specialists, psychiatric providers, and medical clinicians help diverse patients identify and treat the underlying causes of self-medicating behaviors that lead to substance use disorders.

Codeine misuse has been a part of popular culture for decades. It is frequently referenced in hip-hop music as “lean,” or “purple drank,” a combination of codeine-based cough syrup, soda, and candy.

Because one of the drug’s major delivery mechanisms is a seemingly mild beverage reminiscent of sugary soft drinks, many users aren’t aware that they are ingesting a potentially harmful narcotic. A distressingly large number of teenagers use the deceptively potent concoction, and its effects have been catastrophic.

What is Codeine?

Codeine is an opioid medication that treats mild to moderate pain and suppresses cough. Generally, when taken as directed, codeine can effectively relieve pain. Unfortunately, it can also be habit-forming and cause physical and psychological dependence.

Because it has such a high potential for abuse and addiction, codeine is classified as a Schedule II drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Is Codeine Addictive?

Yes. Codeine is an opioid analgesic and an opioid agonist, which means that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and produces feelings of euphoria. This effect can be highly addictive, as the brain seeks to recreate the pleasurable feelings associated with opioid use.

What is Codeine Addiction?

After continual misuse, the brain will grow accustomed to the effects of opioids, requiring more of the drug to achieve the same level of pleasure. This effect is known as tolerance. With continued use, the body becomes dependent on the drug for normal functioning, and withdrawal symptoms occur when use is stopped or reduced.

Risks of Codeine

Codeine misuse can have devastating psychological and medical effects.

Long-term codeine misuse can lead to liver damage, kidney damage, and decreased fertility. It can also cause respiratory depression, which can be fatal. In addition, codeine addiction can lead to financial and relationship problems and difficulty maintaining employment.

What are Codeine Addiction Signs?

If you believe a loved one is addicted to codeine, here are a few signs:

Changes in behavior. A loved one addicted to codeine may display sudden changes in their behavior, such as a lack of interest in hobbies or activities, a lack of motivation to participate in social events, and a lack of interest in their job or schoolwork.
Physical changes. Physical changes may occur in a loved one who is addicted to codeine, such as rapid weight loss, a decrease in physical activity, and an increase in fatigue. In addition, they may display signs of anemia, high blood pressure, and liver problems.
Financial changes. An addicted loved one may begin to spend large amounts of money on codeine, which can lead to financial problems. This may include being unable to pay bills, borrowing money, or going into debt.
Increased drug use. A loved one addicted to codeine may use more of the drug over time; they often need more to feel the same effects.
Withdrawal symptoms. When a loved one is addicted to codeine, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit or reduce their drug use. These can include nausea, sweating, shaking, headaches, depression, and anxiety.

What are Codeine Abuse Symptoms?

Codeine abuse can lead to a variety of short-term and long-term symptoms. These can range from physical to psychological problems. Here are common codeine addiction symptoms:

Increased tolerance to codeine and the need for higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Restlessness and irritability when not taking codeine.
Loss of interest in activities and hobbies that used to be enjoyable.
Neglecting responsibilities, such as work or school.
Taking codeine in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended.
Spending significant time and effort to obtain and use codeine.
Experiencing intense cravings for codeine.
Unsuccessful attempts to control or reduce codeine use.
Continuing to use codeine despite social or interpersonal problems.
Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shaking, and insomnia, when attempting to stop.

Beach House Center for Recovery: Our Codeine Addiction Rehab Approach

There is hope for opioid addiction. Beach House Center for Recovery provides customized treatment plans to diagnose and address the co-occurring conditions contributing to codeine addiction. With a low patient-to-therapist ratio, innovative therapies, life-skills training, and a commitment to love and connection, we have helped patients achieve remarkable outcomes.

You can overcome codeine addiction. Please contact our compassionate and helpful admissions counselors today.