Codeine Addiction

Codeine Withdrawal

If you abuse codeine and have a codeine addiction there are codeine treatment centers that can help you and provide a safe codeine withdrawal. Your codeine addiction is slowly destroying your body and mind. You need help for your addiction to codeine, which is taking over your life, hurting those closest to you and stealing your dreams. You have tried to stop using codeine, but can't stop. You have always returned, worse than before. We know, we've been there and couldn't do it by ourselves either. Call Recovery Connection NOW for help. Call 1-800-99-DETOX (1-800-993-3869).

What is Codeine and Codeine Addiction?

As with Demerol, morphine or even heroin, codeine is classified as a Schedule 2 narcotic. Although codeine can be found in many cough syrups, when found in pill form, it is only available through a physician's prescription. Unfortunately codeine is both physically and emotionally addictive. It is extremely effective as a pain reliever and produces an enjoyable and euphoric feeling many people become dependant upon. They begin to use more codeine in an attempt to continuously feel both the physical and emotional effects. This often results in the creation of a greater tolerance to the drug, as well as a codeine addiction.

Effects of Codeine Addiction

In most cases, codeine addiction is the direct result of the medication being appropriately prescribed for legitimate pain. The individual rarely intends to abuse the drug; however its pain relieving efficacy and euphoric effects draw them into a cycle of abuse. Before the codeine user knows it, they find themselves with a mental obsession regarding codeine and cravings for more.

In some cases codeine is used solely for its euphoric effects. Those with a codeine addiction find the numbing of emotions a way to deal with emotional problems. Unfortunately, in the long term, codeine is never a substitute for learning how to deal with emotional demons.

Codeine Addiction and Alcohol Abuse

People with codeine addictions have been known to drink "cocktails" which is a mixture of alcohol and codeine used to accentuate the feeling of euphoria. What this actually creates is the potential for an overdose and should be avoided at all costs.

Consequences of Codeine Addiction

Codeine, like all opiates, is physically addictive. Abruptly discontinuing its use may cause seizures or convulsions. It is for this reason, that codeine withdrawal should be gradual and under medical supervision. This is best accomplished in an alcohol and drug residential treatment facility to guard against any medical complications during codeine withdrawal.

Understanding Codeine Withdrawal

The discomfort associated with codeine withdrawal is contingent upon the amount of codeine taken and the length of time the abuse has been occurring. It is not unusual for those addicted to codeine to take between 20 and 30 pills daily and drink cough syrup with codeine at the same time. This makes the codeine withdrawal process extremely difficult.

In addition to the physical addiction created by abusing codeine, people also experience deterioration in personal relationships, psychological difficulties, employment issues, financial woes and legal problems.

Treatment of Codeine Addiction

Due to the physical dependence created by abusing this drug, codeine withdrawal treatment begins in residential treatment centers. The initial phase of treatment is referred to as detox. During this time, under medical supervision, the symptoms associated with codeine withdrawal are managed and some times eliminated. Medical, as well as psychiatric disorders or psychological issues are addressed, in an effort to help the codeine addiction recovery process.

After approximately seven days, which is the average length of time spent in a drug detox program, recovering addicts are referred to residential treatment centers to complete the treatment plan designed in detox. The length of stay is approximately twenty days and may be followed by outpatient therapy.

It is very important for those suffering a codeine addiction to enter a supportive therapeutic environment where their psychological feelings of shame, depression, grief and anger can be addressed. In addition, it is the perfect opportunity for family and friends affected by the patient's personality changes to discuss their feelings as well. Open communication enables all those involved the opportunity to deal with the negative emotional aspects caused by the addictive behavior.

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If you believe you or someone you know needs help with codeine addiction, or for immediate assistance finding drug rehab centers that specialize in codeine usage and codeine addiction treatment, please call Recovery Connection now at 1-800-99-DETOX (1-800-993-3869). Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don't wait - GET HELP NOW!