Codeine Addiction

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Codeine is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain but, because it is a narcotic, the drug can be habit forming. Taking large amounts of codeine or taking codeine when it is not prescribed is very dangerous and can lead to a number of adverse consequences. Codeine is considered a drug of abuse much like other opiate painkillers, benzodiazepines and similar drugs and therefore those who are prescribed the medication should take great care to ensure that they keep track of their prescription and do their best to prevent the drug from getting into the wrong hands.

Codeine addiction can lead to overdose, withdrawal symptoms and in severe cases, death. Taken safely, in prescribed amounts, codeine is a relatively effective drug that is used to as a mild pain reliever and cough suppressant. However, when tolerance to the drug develops and physical dependence sets in there are many dangers that begin to come into play.

If you know someone who needs help with a codeine addiction problem, call our helpline at 800-291-1732 (Who Answers?) toll free for assistance.

For more information about how codeine addiction can have a negative impact on your life or if you know someone who is addicted to codeine and needs help, call our helpline toll free. Counselors are available to answer your questions and help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Recreational use of codeine often occurs because the drug is relatively easy to obtain and is more widely prescribed than many other pain medications that have more addictive qualities. Unfortunately, the ease of access paired with the euphoric effects that can be achieved with codeine use make this a widely abused medication. Over-the-counter, codeine can be found in many cough medicines and medications so those who become addicted to the drug often do so as a result of recreational use that results from over-the-counter abuse and not necessarily from prescription drug use.

Regardless of the means or method in which an individual becomes addicted to codeine, the dangers of this addiction are much the same as those associated with opiates and other pain medications. Taking large amounts of the drug can lead to overdose and taking the rug for a prolonged period of time can result in physical dependence that leads to adverse withdrawal symptoms when the user decides to quit.

Urging Responsible Use to Prevent Addiction

One of the most significant problems in the country today relates to the prescription painkiller epidemic that has led millions of people into a whirlwind known as addiction. Medical professionals urge responsible use of codeine and other prescription pain medications to prevent the number of new addiction cases that arise as a result of legitimately prescribed medications used to treat pain. It is very common for people to become physically dependent on opiates such as codeine by no fault of their own but simply for believing that they are not at risk of addiction because they were prescribed the drug to treat real physical pain.

If you have had a history of addiction in the past or if you are prescribed codeine and realize that the drug is not providing you with the same relief that it did when it was first prescribed, talk with your doctor about other options. Your doctor can prescribe you a safe medication if you’ve had a history of addiction or if a prescribed medication is no longer working, a doctor can prescribe you another medication that may work better with less risk of you becoming physically dependent on the drug.

Call our helpline at 800-291-1732 (Who Answers?) for more information or to find a treatment center that can help you overcome codeine addiction.