Codeine Symptoms And Warning Signs

Signs Of Codeine Abuse

Codeine is a drug designed to relieve mild to moderate pain and coughing. It is most commonly abused for its calming effects. Although it’s not as addictive as other opiates, codeine is still dangerous and habit-forming.

Some signs of codeine abuse include:

• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Short attention span
• Impaired judgment
• Dilated pupils
• Lack of coordination
• Apathetic behavior

The Dangers Of Codeine

Though codeine is less potent than fellow opiates like oxycodone, the two substances share similar effects when taken in high enough doses. This is because codeine has a chemical structure which is very similar to stronger drugs such as morphine and hydrocodone and causes similar reactions in the body. The side effects of codeine may present themselves as early as the first use and may become worse over time. If you think someone you love is abusing codeine, contact a treatment provider today.

This creates a particularly disarming attitude toward codeine, which can lead to addiction or abuse of more potent opiates.

As a depressant, codeine slows a person’s breathing rate. At large doses, this may cause a person to stop breathing entirely and can be potentially fatal. Other dangerous results of an overdose on codeine include seizures and coma.

Immediate Side Effects Of Codeine

The immediate side effects of codeine vary based on the individual user and the amount of the drug taken. These side effects can range from mild to life-threatening. Some of the possible short-term side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Itching or rash
• Constipation and stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Seizures

Long-term Side Effects Of Codeine Abuse

Prolonged and frequent codeine abuse can lead to maladaptive behaviors and health problems. Some of the long-term effects of codeine abuse include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Impaired memory
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Muscle spasms
• Death

Recognizing A Codeine Addiction

Once a codeine user becomes tolerant of the drug, they will require more of it to achieve the previous high. In cases of prolonged use, the drug is needed just to feel normal. Addiction may exacerbate an abuser’s fear of coping with day-to-day tasks without codeine.

Clinicians and addiction specialists can diagnose codeine addiction by following a specific set of criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Having a tolerance to codeine and experiencing cravings are some examples of these criteria. A person who regularly abuses codeine may be diagnosed with a mild, moderate, or severe addiction, which helps determine the right course of treatment.

Intervention For A Codeine Addiction

The most effective way to persuade someone to get help for their codeine addiction is to stage an intervention. Because of the legality and accessibility of codeine, some people have a hard time recognizing they have a problem. The purpose of the intervention is to bring these issues to light before it’s too late. If you’re unsure how to approach an intervention, consider hiring an intervention specialist.

Codeine Withdrawal, Treatment, And Next Steps

Codeine causes symptoms of withdrawal similar to other opiates like morphine. These symptoms may be minor or severe depending on the extent of the addiction. Common symptoms of codeine withdrawal range from joint pain and aches to depression.

Without proper treatment, many people trying to give up codeine turn back to the drug in an attempt to ease their physical and emotional pain.

Regardless of how you first got hooked on codeine, you can get out of the drug’s snare. Abusing codeine over a long period of time will only make the drug’s effects worse as your tolerance to it builds—eventually, the high will wear off and you’ll need more of the drug just to maintain a normal balance. However, just as you became addicted to the drug, you can overcome it. For more information on treatment, contact a treatment provider today.