Codeine is a commonly prescribed medication, and yet, in some people, it may be addictive. Though codeine may help to suppress a cough or reduce aches and pains associated with a muscle sprain, it can also cause euphoric feelings, and that can lead to misuse. 

What Is Codeine?

Codeine, according to the FDA, is an opioid pain relief often used to treat mild to moderate pain. It may be helpful in reducing coughing when used with other medications, especially when mixed with cough expectorants.

It sounds innocent enough. Infrequent use of this medication typically is not problematic and can significantly help improve the symptoms of the common cold or flu. However, codeine is an opiate, and because of this, it works by changing the way the central nervous system processes and responds to pain. In doing so, it triggers the opioid receptors in the brain, creating a sense of being high. That’s due to the increase in dopamine, a feel-good hormone, which happens as those pain signals fade.

Dopamine makes you feel good, and as a result, the brain seeks out that substance or experience over and over again to continue to feel good. Used consistently or in high doses, codeine can lead to addiction because of this desire to continue to use it. 

Can Codeine Cause Side Effects?

Many people experience side effects when using codeine. These may include:

• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Impairment of mental performance
• Shortness of breath
• Constipation

Typically, if your doctor tells you to use this product, doing so until your symptoms improve is not a problem. However, if you are using codeine outside of having any type of illness or seeking it out because of the way it makes you feel, you may have formed an addiction to the substance. 

How to Know If You Have a Codeine Addiction

Codeine interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain, changing the way they function and, ultimately, reinforcing the misuse of the substance. You may not realize this is happening or that you have developed any type of dependence on the substance. Some of the most common symptoms of codeine addiction include:

• Continuing to use the drug even when you no longer are ill or in pain 
• Being unable to stop or reduce the amount used without feeling ill or “off”
• Experiencing cravings for the substance even if it is too soon to take another dose
• Spending time seeking out the drug from various sources
• Needing to use more of it to get the same relief due to the development of tolerance

Though it is a mild form of pain reliever, codeine should only be used for short periods of time unless your doctor tells you to use it more often. If you find yourself wanting to use it more than this, that could mean your brain has become dependent on the substance.

Can You Overdose from Codeine Use?

Codeine overdose can occur when a large amount of the substance is taken. When this happens, it slows the central nervous system down, which ultimately slows the heart and breathing rate down to critically low levels. When this happens, it can lead to overdose, a life-threatening medical emergency.

If someone is experiencing a loss of consciousness, extensive fatigue, limp muscles, and clammy skin, contact 911 for immediate medical care.

Do You Need Codeine Drug Treatment?

Codeine is an opioid, and opioid addiction treatment is very much a necessary step for those who are struggling with the ongoing desire to use codeine. Opioid treatment may involve detox, a process in which your body will flush the toxins that have built up. Detox can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including the onset of anxiety, diarrhea, and a fast heart rate. Detox treatment with Victory Addiction Recovery Center ensures you can work through this process safely and without intense pain and discomfort.

Take Action Now to Get the Help You Need for Codeine Addiction

If you believe you may have an addiction to codeine, contact Victory Addiction Recovery Center today. Allow our highly experienced team to offer insight into what type of therapy may be best for your needs. Then, count on us to help you through it. Contact our team now to learn more about getting the opioid addiction treatment you need in Louisiana.

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