Codeine is a well-known opioid. Opiates have caused millions of people to seek addiction treatment since the turn of the century. Although addictive drugs are stereotyped as illegal narcotics, trafficked from a third world country by ruthless warlords and consumed in dark alleyways by lost souls, codeine is, in reality, a very insidious product; part of the normal process of medical treatment, and present in many products that people use every day. Codeine addiction waits for people in pain, and sneaks into their lives while they are vulnerable.
How Is Codeine Used?
As with the other historical uses of opium and other processed forms of the same drug, it is primarily used to relieve pain, although codeine has a broad range of other uses.
Codeine is sometimes used as an alternative to medication containing ibuprofen. It can be used in combination with other drugs, as well as by itself. So it is found in a wide range of painkillers, anti-inflammatories and cough syrups.
Many codeine-based pharmaceuticals are available without prescription, and can be bought at any pharmacy, over the counter, although single-ingredient forms of the drug must be prescribed by a doctor.
The FDA in 2017 issued a restriction on the use of codeine-based treatments for children, and breastfeeding mothers, which was initiated by the adverse effects of the drug in children.
Who Is Vulnerable To Addiction?
Codeine is an innocuous drug, which seems like a helper, but which can easily become harmful. It is highly addictive, and users of the drug can develop a physical dependence. This means that if someone takes a codeine based drug for long enough, and then stops using it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms.
The stereotypical impression of homeless addicts desperate for a fix is part of what can be misleading about codeine addiction. People who live normal, productive lives within mainstream society would never consider that they might become an addict, and so ironically, they are more vulnerable to codeine dependence, as it is used for pain. Everyone has pain at some point.
A housewife with a tweaked back muscle, a child with a persistent cough, athletes with sporting injuries, a businessman with tennis elbow, can all fall prey to codeine dependence, and will require addiction treatment, if they are not aware of the risks; if they misuse the drug. Similarly, teenagers who hang out together might have a friend who brings “lean” into the group. This is a concoction of codeine-based cough syrup and soft drink, which tastes harmless, and is legal to consume. Unsuspecting youths can become dependent on codeine through simple ignorance.
What Happens Next?
Codeine dependence may not be obvious to these types of people. It may only become evident when they stop using the drug, or try to stop. Then, they will experience withdrawal symptoms like headache, nausea, sweating, runny nose, sleep issues, muscle cramps, mood swings and anxiety.
All of these symptoms can affect the level of productivity of a person, and their ability to function in a normal daily routine.
Someone who experiences the symptoms of codeine withdrawal might be tempted to use more of the drug to make the symptoms go away, so they can function normally. This decision can spiral into increased tolerance, leading to increased use, round and round until overdose.
How To Fix This?
Addiction is not “just” fixed. Depending on the degree of addiction, withdrawals might be mild or severe. Physical withdrawal can last for up to four weeks. Psychological withdrawals take much longer, and may last for years, depending on the person’s desire to recover.
A professionally managed detox environment can go a long way to help keep the process safe, and also to ensure that the person does not relapse during withdrawals.
Trained and qualified rehabilitation professionals can also help the person to work through the psychological symptoms of codeine addiction and withdrawal, for the best possible outcome.
Treatment Options?
Options include a detox program and then either an inpatient or residential treatment program, where the patient stays at a facility for a period of time, to begin their recovery. Another alternative after detox is a partial hospitalization program, in which the patient attends a program at a facility, and then goes home or to work. An outpatient treatment program is yet another option, where the patient lives away from the facility, but receives support and checks in regularly.
In severe cases, healthcare professionals may use medications such as methadone to help to wean the patient off their codeine dependence. This approach can also help to restore the brain’s natural chemistry.
Dietary supplements such as Vitamin B complex and amino acids such as L-Tyrosine can also be used to support patients during detox, as they can assist the nervous system to cope with the withdrawal process.
This will also be supported with extensive behavioral therapy to help the patient deal with the psychological aspect of the addiction.
Behavioral therapy can give possibly the longest-lasting and most positive contribution to a patient’s recovery, and so should not be ignored or dismissed, if it seems inconvenient. Once the problem has been acknowledged, doing the work will help to bring balance and wellbeing back into the lives of those who have been influenced by codeine addiction.