Codeine Addiction: Recreational Use & Abuse Symptoms & Statistics

by | Last updated Apr 26, 2023 | Published on Jul 17, 2019 | Codeine | 0 comments

Understanding Codeine

Codeine-PHP-Addiction-Drug-Abuse

Codeine is a commonly used prescription drug that is given to patients experiencing moderate pain or coughs and colds. A codeine prescription can come in tablet or liquid form. Codeine is classified as a narcotic or opiate. Simply put, a narcotic is defined as a substance that changes mood or behavior. Street names for codeine are:

  • Cough syrup
  • Schoolboy
  • T-threes

Narcotics are generally known to be addictive drugs. Many narcotics are illicit or illegal drugs. While codeine is not an illicit drug, it can be mixed by drug abusers to create more intense feelings than it is intended for.

Codeine use may cause side effects of:

  • A headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Shallow breathing
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Changes in vision
  • Seizures

A typically prescribed dose of codeine is 30-50mg. This is given to patients to relieve pain and relax. Increasing this dosage, or using codeine after your mild pain has ended can be considered substance abuse. Using a prescription drug beyond what it is meant for is a fast way to become addicted.

What Overdose on Codeine Looks Like

Overdosing from codeine is possible. Codeine becomes morphine when it enters the liver. Increasing codeine abuse means that more morphine will eventually end up in the bloodstream.

The amount of codeine a person needs to overdose depends on their genes and the nature of their addiction. Typically, 30 mg is prescribed for patients experiencing cough symptoms or pain. An overdose can end in death if it is between 500-1500 mg.

An overdose on codeine shows these symptoms:

  • Respiratory depression (slow breathing)
  • Blue lips and fingernails
  • Lower body temperature
  • Loss of motor control

If you or a loved one are starting to notice these symptoms, seek emergency healthcare immediately.

Signs and Symptoms of Codeine Addiction

At any treatment center, there are going to be patients with varying levels of attachment to their drug of choice. Some patients do not understand that their substance abuse turned into an addiction.

If you are questioning how far your substance abuse with codeine led you, check yourself against the symptoms listed below. Drug rehab is a good choice if you feel that your substance use has turned into substance abuse.

Some physical symptoms of codeine abuse are:

  • Drowsiness
  • Apathy
  • Clumsiness
  • Impaired judgment
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Dilated pupils

While the effects may be less severe than opiates like heroin, The National Institute on Drug Abuse writes that using codeine once can lead to a chemical dependency if a person is prone to drug abuse.

A way to check in on your substance abuse is to ask yourself these important questions:

  • Has my codeine abuse affected my relationships?
  • Do I use more codeine than my prescribed dosage?
  • Do I use codeine to relieve other feelings that aren’t related to medical reasons?
  • Can I get through one week without using the drug?
  • Can I get through one day without using the drug?
  • Am I able to stop using the drug when my dosage runs out?

A treatment center is for anyone who needs help, you do not have to hit rock bottom to get help.

How to Get Help with Codeine Addiction for Yourself or Family

Codeine-Rehab-Treatment-Recovery-Hope

It is common that drug addiction to opiates comes through the misuse of prescription drugs. There are legal, helpful prescription drugs that have the properties of opiates.

There are also illicit drugs with the same effect and a lot more synthetic chemicals that cause the brain to latch onto the drug.

Codeine addiction is a very accessible prescription drug. The purpose of codeine prescription is to relieve mild to moderate pain. It can also be used to reduce coughing. The drug is supposed to be taken consistently as a patient with a cough or chronic pain recovers.

Codeine can cause a chemical dependency because it converts to morphine as it enters the brain. The drug uses this to change the feelings that are felt- both physically and mentally. This is where drug addiction comes into play.

No matter how you came about your drug addiction to codeine, you are probably wondering what to do next. The best way to break an opioid addiction is to go to a treatment center.

With the support of medical professionals and trusted therapists, you’ll be able to understand your mind and body on a new level and become clean and sober.

Written by: Justin Kunst

Written by: Justin Kunst

As a member of the Amethyst Recovery Center marketing team, Justin Kunst dedicated his time to curating powerful content that would reach and impact individuals and families who are struggling with substance abuse.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Articles

3 Things You Should Know About Dextromethorphan (DXM) Withdrawal

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a drug found in dozens of over-the-counter medications to treat the common cold. It temporarily relieves cough caused by the common cold, flu, or other conditions, speeding up recovery. Unfortunately, DXM can also be abused as a psychoactive...

What You Didn’t Know About Drinking Liquid Codeine

Lean, or liquid codeine, has become a popular way to get high. It is often considered harmless because it's prescribed to youths by physicians, but the fact is, it's addictive and dangerous. After all, not everyone raises a red flag for cough syrup medication. This...

Codeine Rehabs: Inpatient, Outpatient & PHP

Treatment Options for Codeine Addiction There are different levels of care when it comes to drug rehab. Each level has its benefits and concerns. Each level has Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Addiction Education, Family Support and many other treatment programs in...

Follow Us

24/7 Help for Drug & Alcohol Use

If you or someone you love is suffering from the addiction, there is no reason to delay. Start working on a solution today. Our phones are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our staff are trained to deal with drug and alcohol problems of any kind, and will recommend the right treatment for you based on your situation. Call now!

(888) 447-7724

Related Articles

3 Things You Should Know About Dextromethorphan (DXM) Withdrawal
3 Things You Should Know About Dextromethorphan (DXM) Withdrawal

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a drug found in dozens of over-the-counter medications to treat the common cold. It temporarily relieves cough caused by the common cold, flu, or other conditions, speeding up recovery. Unfortunately, DXM can also be abused as a psychoactive...

read more
What You Didn’t Know About Drinking Liquid Codeine
What You Didn’t Know About Drinking Liquid Codeine

Lean, or liquid codeine, has become a popular way to get high. It is often considered harmless because it's prescribed to youths by physicians, but the fact is, it's addictive and dangerous. After all, not everyone raises a red flag for cough syrup medication. This...

read more
Codeine Rehabs: Inpatient, Outpatient & PHP
Codeine Rehabs: Inpatient, Outpatient & PHP

Treatment Options for Codeine Addiction There are different levels of care when it comes to drug rehab. Each level has its benefits and concerns. Each level has Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Addiction Education, Family Support and many other treatment programs in...

read more

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
Skip to content