Codeine Addiction and Dependency

What is codeine?

Codeine, also known as methylmorphine, is an opiate. It is used mainly for analgesic, antitussive and antidiarrheal relief. It is marketed as codeine sulphate or codeine phosphate. In continental Europe, you commonly find codeine hydrochloride. Codeine is an alkaloid which is found in opium. Concentrations range from 0.3 to 3 percent. The majority of codeine is synthesized from morphine via the process of o-methylation, rather than being obtained directly from opium, because opium is rarer in nature. Codeine is usually prescribed for moderate to severe pain, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and non-productive (dry) cough.

How is it used?

Codeine is sometimes blended with paracetamol to produce co-codamol or Tylenol 3. It can also be mixed with ibuprofen or with aspirin to give co-codaprin. Mixing the drug in this way makes it stronger. The human body converts about 10 percent of the drug into morphine in your system to control pain, converting it in the liver. Codeine is commonly prescribed because it provides good pain relief and is an efficacious analgesic. It is available over the counter in some countries in certain strengths and combinations and many people are unaware of its side effects and risks of addiction. In the United States, codeine-based drugs are available through prescription only.

Codeine addiction and dependency

A lot of pain sufferers are prescribed codeine and, while it numbs their pain, they also experience a disassociative sensation and feel dreamy in a way. A way of explaining this is that they feel their physical pain being suppressed and link that with emotional pain doing the same. You can build up a tolerance to codeine so you need to increase your intake, if you take it for a prolonged period of time, to achieve the same effects. It can take as little as a couple of weeks to develop psychological and physical addiction / dependency. Misusing codeine can lead to a dull, apathetic state of mind with poor responses and lack of co-ordination. Sexual drive might be seriously compromised or disappear altogether. Codeine overdose can cause a slowed heartbeat, shallow breathing, itching skin, spasms and even death.

Codeine withdrawal effects

Codeine addiction leads to despair and desperation and is very serious. Coming off the drug can cause bad withdrawal symptoms while your body detoxifies, because of physical dependence. Withdrawal effects include nausea, vomiting, bone and muscle pain, sweating, fever, headaches and a runny nose. The medical risks associated with codeine withdrawal are very low, although the withdrawal process can be a very unpleasant experience.

Detoxification and recovery

Complete detoxification can take around 40 days and can be an uncomfortable and difficult process. The worst symptoms tend to pass after a few days but it can take several months before feeling that you are back to normal again. The body rids itself of the drug mainly through sweat and urine and a variety of side effects are experienced, depending on the level of addiction.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Codeine addiction / Codeine dependency, you should take action right away. Codeine addiction and dependency are serious issues.