There are many over the counter medicines that treat coughs and colds that can become habit-forming and therefore should be taken with caution. When taken more than prescribed or directed, it becomes dependent on and forms an addiction. This can happen innocently enough by a user that is unaware of the dangers of the drug, intentionally by substance abusers that may become desperate to get their next fix or by underage kids trying to get “high” or a buzz the easiest way possible.
Though it was thought to be non-habit forming when it first came available, Codeine does belong to the same family of opiate medications like morphine, Vicodin, OxyContin, etc. and is, therefore, possible to become dependent on it and eventually form an addiction.
What is Codeine Exactly? Is Codeine Addictive?
Codeine is an opioid pain reliever that is highly addictive used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. It can also be found in combination with other medications, to reduce coughing such as cough syrup. Codeine is available by its self, or in combination with acetaminophen or aspirin, and some cough and cold medications.
The physical dependence on codeine can happen pretty quickly, less than a month. This means that a person’s brain structure and brain chemicals have altered to accommodate the drug. When the person who is dependent on the drug stops using it, their body has to adapt to not having the drug in the body, which results in withdrawal symptoms.
There are many factors such as health, age, genetics, mental health, other drug use, and history with substance abuse that determine what withdrawal symptoms may occur. Codeine is a short-acting opioid so withdrawal symptoms start and end earlier than the longer-acting opioids, such as Methadone. Some users often don’t know they’ve built up a tolerance to codeine and mistake their withdrawal symptoms as the flu.
Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms
Codeine’s withdrawal timeline typically begins within 24 hours of the last dose but can start as soon as 8 hours. However, a majority of symptoms will subside after 5 days of detox. Such symptoms may include pain, body aches, fatigue, and nausea. The symptoms of codeine withdrawal can be very distressing, but they are rarely life-threatening. It is recommended however to seek medical attention when deciding to detox off codeine. This way there is a better chance of not relapsing or causing any health complications. Such medical attention can be found at Allure Detox.
Though withdrawal symptoms, as mentioned above, can vary from person to person here is a typical timeline of what to expect.
Early Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms
These usually start within 6-12 hours for short-acting opiates, and they start within 30 hours for longer-acting ones:
- Tearing up
- Muscle aches
- Agitation
- Trouble falling and staying asleep
- Excessive yawning
- Anxiety
- Nose running
- Sweats
- Racing heart
- Hypertension
- Fever
Late Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms
These peak within 72 hours and usually last a week or so:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Goosebumps
- Stomach cramps
- Depression
- Drug cravings
There will still be some psychological withdrawal symptoms that go along with the physical that usually continue for months. This is mostly the craving for the opiate. This can usually be remedied by engaging in some therapy whether group or individual. This you can find through a drug treatment program that is recommended to follow detox to have the best chance of staying clean.
A NIDA study found that once treatment is initiated, both a buprenorphine/naloxone combination and an extended-release naltrexone formulation are similarly effective in treating opioid addiction. However, naltrexone requires full detoxification, so initiating treatment among active users was more difficult. These medications help many people recover from opioid addiction.
Overcome Codeine Addiction
Allure Detox specializes in helping our clients rid their bodies of the uncomfortable effects of Codeine addiction. Our experts can help you get your life back on track. You can count on us to keep your information confidential. We have the best West Palm Beach Codeine detox services assisting men, women, and families throughout the country. Located in South Florida, our tranquil detox center is surrounded by sunny skies and year-round comfortable temperatures, within close distance to the Atlantic Ocean.
Detoxing from a Codeine addiction can be dangerous and challenging if not done correctly. Our clinical team is available to work with you and make your recovery from Codeine dependence less painful. Don’t delay your recovery any further and get professional help today.