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1. Codeine Overdose
Codeine overdose can be deadly. If a person can be treated early enough, the symptoms can be reversed, but this is not always possible. According to the NIDA, “codeine-promethazine cough syrup has been linked to the overdose deaths of some prominent musicians.”
Codeine overdose causes extreme respiratory depression. The risk of respiratory failure where the individual stops breathing and goes into a coma is very high, and “mixing with alcohol greatly increases this risk.” Codeine overdose is a serious effect of codeine addiction, and it very common in those who are addicted to the drug.
2. Relationship Problems

Codeine addiction can lead to relationship problems.
When someone becomes addicted to a substance, relationship problems occur. An individual may have issues with family members or roommates over hiding codeine. Someone may also break up with a significant other over the drug. It can be hard for a loved one to understand that the addicted individual cannot stop without help, but there is a point where understanding and support can no longer go on.
According to a study from the NCBI, “People who abuse substances are likely to find themselves increasingly isolated from their families,” partly because they want to spend time with others who abuse drugs as well. This can lead to the intense relationship problems seen in the cases of codeine addicts as well as those who abuse other substances.
3. Professional Problems
Whether the individual is a student or an adult in the workforce, codeine addiction will have a negative effect on their work life. According to the DOI, “The apathy caused by opiates can translate into an ‘I don’t really care’ attitude toward performance.” Coupled with the potential for accidents caused by dizziness and other physical effects of codeine abuse, a person could be fired from a job. A student could see their grades suffer for these same reasons. Because of codeine addiction, whatever their professional status is could be compromised or even stripped away.
4. Risky Behavior
If you are addicted to a drug, you will be more willing to perform risky behaviors. For example, some people doctor shop or get different prescriptions from different doctors in order to feed their habits. Others steal or forge prescriptions to get more codeine. Some are even willing to do physically dangerous things for more of the drug, an action called drug-seeking behavior.
Some other risky behavior might occur when the person is under the influence of codeine. They may be more likely to mix it with alcohol or other drugs, or to engage in unsafe sex or other activities. These effects can be devastating to every aspect of your life.
5. Addiction to Stronger Substances
After only marijuana and alcohol, more people abuse prescription drugs than any other type of drug in the United States today (NIDA). Abusing a drug like codeine may eventually hit a wall because of tolerance, and someone who is addicted to it may begin to take stronger drugs in order to feel their effects.
There is a real chance someone who is abusing codeine could switch to a more intense opium-based drug like heroin. Heroin becomes very addictive very quickly and can be more dangerous even than codeine when it comes to overdose and death.
Codeine and Pregnancy -
As with many other drugs that are passed on from the mother to unborn fetus, Codeine use should generally be avoided during pregnancy to ensure the safety of both mother and child. At this time, the actual safety of codeine use by pregnant women has not yet been determined and therefore should be avoided whenever ...
Signs of Codeine Tolerance -
Codeine is a narcotic analgesic that can be obtained directly from opium or though a methylation of morphine. It’s most common uses are for treatment of mild to moderate pain and to relieve persistent and painful coughs. Like its counterpart, morphine, codeine has the potential to produce tolerance after only a few uses. Codeine for Pain ...
Overdose Symptoms -
In rare but potential cases, codeine overdose can occur. The symptoms of codeine overdose may include: difficulty breathing excessive drowsiness or sleepiness losing consciousness losing muscle tone cold & clammy skin fainting or passing out reduced heartbeat bluish lips weakness weak pulse gastrointestinal problems including spasms low blood pressure seizures Before You Call 911 If ...
5 Short-Term Effects of Codeine -
Codeine is one of the few opiate-type drugs that’s marketed in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Codeine produces pain-relieving effects and also acts as an effective cough suppressant agent. In spite of its wide range of medicinal uses, the effects of codeine can be detrimental when used for nonmedical purposes. When ingested, the initial experience ...
Potentially Serious Long-Term Effects of Codeine -
Codeine is a narcotic, an opiate-based drug used to relieve a patient’s moderate or mild pain. It is a prescription drug and can also be found in combination with other medications to reduce coughing. Codeine is a very beneficial medication for treating a variety of pain symptoms, but it can have many serious effects in the ...