Understanding Codeine Addiction

Learn About Codeine Abuse

Codeine is a moderately strong opioid that is used to alleviate mild to moderate pain. It can also be used as a cough suppressant. While this narcotic pain medication can bring about a sense of relief for those who are suffering from chronic pain conditions or other physical ailments, it can also be extremely habit forming. When users take large doses of codeine it places them in a position to experience a number of adverse consequences. Prolonged codeine use can cause an individual to develop a tolerance, which means that he or she will need to take more of this medication in order to achieve the initial euphoric and pleasurable effects. This can quickly result in codeine addiction and dependence, leading the user to need treatment.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Codeine Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders

It is fairly common for an individual who is battling substance abuse problems, like codeine addiction, to also be struggling with an additional mental health disorder. In some instances the codeine abuse is an attempt to self-medicate the symptoms of an untreated mental health disorder and in other cases the drug abuse elicited the onset of the additional disorder. Examples of mental health conditions that have been known to occur alongside an addiction to codeine include:

Additional substance use disorders
Depressive disorders
Antisocial personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety disorders
Conduct disorder
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Conduct disorder

Statistics

Codeine Abuse Statistics

Not only is codeine is one of the most overly prescribed drugs, it is also believed to be the most widely abused opiate drug in the world. Experts estimate that approximately 33 million people abuse codeine for non-medical purposes each year.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors for Codeine Abuse

Addiction experts and mental health professional tend to agree that the onset of a substance abuse addiction is the result of a combination of multiple factors. It is believed that genetic, physiological, and environmental factors all pay a role. Consider the following:

Genetic: Addictions have long been known to run in families. Research strongly suggests a genetic link to the onset of chemical dependency concerns. Individuals who have first-degree relatives who struggle with substance abuse and addiction are at heightened risk of facing such addictions themselves.

Environmental: Our environments have a large impact on our vulnerability to developing an addiction to substances such as codeine. Perhaps the most prominent environmental factor is one’s accessibility to the substance, as well as whether or not one is exposed to the substance in either his or her home or within his or her peer group.

Risk Factors:

Family history of chemical dependency
Personal history of chemical dependency
Preexisting mental health condition
Suffering from a chronic pain condition
Exposure to substance abuse in one’s home, school, work, or social environments

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Codeine Abuse

The signs and symptoms experienced by an individual who abuses codeine are going to depend heavily on the amount being used, the frequency of use, and the length of time that an individual has been abusing codeine. The following are examples of different behavioral, physical, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms that may present themselves when an individual is struggling with a codeine abuse problem:

Behavioral symptoms:

Neglecting responsibilities at work or home
No longer engaging in activities or hobbies once enjoyed
Conflict among family members
Strained interpersonal relationships
Social withdrawal and isolation
Forging prescriptions
Visiting multiple doctors for addition prescriptions
Frequent trips to the ER to obtain more pills
Stealing codeine from others
Lying and other deceitful behaviors

Physical symptoms:

Blurred vision
Sweating
Extreme itching
Dry mouth
Chronic headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle twitching
Constipation
Stomach pains
Seizures

Cognitive symptoms:

Impaired cognitive functioning
Dizziness
Memory impairment
Hallucinations
Delusions

Psychosocial symptoms:

Emotional numbness
Periods of emotional detachment
Mood swings
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Agitation

Effects

Effects of Codeine Addiction

If codeine abuse or addiction is not properly treated, the long-term consequences can include great upheaval in virtually all aspects of a person’s life. The following are some of the long-term effects that can occur should a codeine abuse problem or addiction go untreated:

Kidney damage
Liver damage
Circulatory problems
Respiratory disturbances
Intestinal issues
Irregular heartbeat
Bleeding of the stomach
Decline in cognitive capabilities
Development of certain cancers
Irreversible memory impairment
Overall deterioration of one’s physical health
Overall deterioration of one’s mental health
Psychosis

Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of Codeine Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of codeine withdrawal: Should an individual, who has been using codeine for a prolonged period of time suddenly stop using this medication, it is very likely that he or she will experience symptoms of withdrawal. Some of the most common symptoms associated with codeine withdrawal include:

Dysphoric mood
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle aches
Sweating
Diarrhea
Yawning
Fever
Additional flu-like symptoms
Insomnia
Lethargy
Muscle spasms
Anxiety
Irritability and agitation

Effects of codeine overdose: Any time an individual consumes more codeine than his or her body is able to metabolize, that individual is at risk for experiencing an overdose. Possible symptoms that may indicate that someone has overdosed on cocaine may include: