Codeine is a member of the opiate family, used to treat pain, diarrhea and chronic coughs. It has the potential to be abused and cause dependence and addiction. Repeated or prolonged use can cause patients to build up a tolerance which often leads them to increase the dosage they take to feel effects. Most people begin taking codeine after receiving a prescription for a medical reason. Some recreational users take codeine for the euphoric effects. Codeine abuse could include altering the dose, taking it for unintended reasons and repeated, chronic use despite potential negative consequences. Potentially-addictive drugs such as codeine activate the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Patients may begin to “chase” the rewarding or pleasurable feelings, causing them to crave the drug more and more. Powerful psychological and physiological cravings are indicative of a drug dependency.
Codeine Abuse Can Lead to Health Problems and Addiction
Codeine abuse and addiction, can lead to many physical problems including stomach bleeding, liver and kidney damage, changes in the way the central nervous system operates, prolonged constipation, blurred vision, lowered heart rate, lowered blood pressure, depression, convulsions, hallucinations, sexual problems, disorientation, breathing problems and seizures. Abuse can also lead to a physical addiction which is characterized by the often-painful withdrawal symptoms that set in once use is stopped abruptly or gradually tapered.
How Do You Know if Someone is Abusing or Addicted to Codeine?
Codeine is thought to be one of the most widely prescribed opiates in its class. Consistent use of this drug, even over a relatively short period of time, can lead to addiction. This can even happen with patients who are taking the drug exactly as prescribed. Examples of codeine abuse include: taking the drug after the medical condition clears, increasing the dose without a doctor’s approval, taking it more often than recommended or taking it in conjunction with other substances to increase the potency. Signs of abuse and addiction can include a mental preoccupation with obtaining and consuming the drug. Others may falsify prescriptions or shop around for different doctors to secure more than one supply.
Opiate-Free Treatment Available for Codeine Abuse and Addiction
Codeine abuse and dependence are treatable conditions.
Our physicians and staff are committed not only to detoxification success, but also to patient safety and comfort. We strive to ensure that the highest level of professional standards are maintained, and that patients are treated in a humane, dignified, and private manner.
The Anesthesia Assisted Rapid Detox Method uses a combination of intravenous medications to shorten the duration of acute withdrawal, usually within a period of 40 to 90 minutes, in contrast to traditional methods of opioid detox that can last several days or weeks. While under sedation, the patient is not subject to the usual withdrawal discomfort. After spending two to three days in a private room of our accredited hospital, patients are usually discharged to our exclusive recovery center, Domus Retreat, for a brief supervised recuperation period (usually a few days) before returning home.
You probably don’t have weeks or months to spend in detox or you simply dont want to feel locked up. The Waismann Method can help you reverse your codeine-dependence and get you back on your feet safely and quickly.
