Codeine addiction

Opiate drugs such as codeine can affect the way the brain functions. It is extremely easy to develop a tolerance and, when this happens, it will mean that you will begin to need larger doses in order to achieve the same level of satisfaction or relief.

Many people who take codeine for pain relief increase their dose when they feel they are no longer getting the relief required. However, this can open the door to addiction because once you have started taking codeine regularly you may experience unpleasant symptoms when you try to stop. To avoid these withdrawal symptoms, many people will continue to use codeine, even if doing so causes negative consequences in their lives. It is this cycle of abuse that often leads to full-blown codeine addiction.

Any type of addiction can result in negative consequences. While codeine may be effective at relieving mild to moderate pain, continued use of it, especially at higher-than-recommended doses, can be extremely harmful to your overall well being.

Taking codeine in high doses or mixing it with other sedative substances such as alcohol can increase the risk of overdose. Because of the way in which codeine depresses the central nervous system, there is also a risk of respiratory problems. High doses of the drug can cause breathing to slow down and the heart rate to drop. There is also the risk that blood pressure will drop, which in and of itself can bring about respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

Long-term abuse of codeine can have an extremely negative impact on health. For example, you may become more prone to insomnia or nightmares, or you could potentially suffer liver damage or have an increased risk of seizures. A codeine overdose, which is when you take too much of the drug for your body to handle, can result in death.

While identifying codeine addiction in yourself can be difficult, it can be even harder to spot in a loved one. However, it is incredibly important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can get them the help they need as soon as possible. Some common signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• Complaining about pain long after an injury
• Taking codeine for minor headaches or other ailments
• Refilling prescriptions beyond the normal timeframe
• General addiction signs such as secretive behaviour, a change in personality or losing interest in other things

If you are concerned that someone you love may be addicted to codeine, the best thing to do is talk to them about it. Approach the conversation with care and concern and be prepared to listen to what they have to say.

It is also very important to make sure that you are not enabling their addiction. This means not giving them money or access to codeine, as these will only perpetuate the cycle of addiction. Instead, focus on getting them the help they need so that they can recover from their addiction and lead a healthy and happy life.

If they are resistant to talking about it, get in touch with our addiction professionals and we will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Five important facts about codeine

• Codeine is an opiate drug from the same family as heroin.
• It can be highly addictive, especially when taken regularly in high doses.
• Codeine is a Class B drug and it is illegal to have without a prescription.
• Mixing codeine with alcohol strengthens the effects and can be extremely dangerous.
• A codeine overdose can lead to serious health problems and even death.

If you or someone you love is struggling with codeine addiction, it is important to get help as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the better the chances of a full recovery. At UKAT, we have helped hundreds of people overcome codeine addiction and start a new journey completely drug-free. Contact us to find out more about how we help you overcome codeine addiction today.