Dangers of Codeine Drug Abuse

If a person becomes addicted to codeine, there is a good chance that this will have a negative impact on his or her body. The same often times holds true when somebody is using the drug in the appropriate manner, such as when prescribed by a medical professional.

There are many dangers of codeine abuse, including both short and long term effects. For those who are prescribed the drug, these will be discussed by the prescribing doctor. For those who are taking the drug without medical supervision, it is often times more difficult to understand the risks.

As an opiate, codeine suppresses breathing. For this reason, those who abuse the drug often times run into issues with catching their breath or slowed breathing. Either way, this can have a big impact.

There are other dangers of codeine drug abuse, including but not limited to the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Faintness
• Slowed heart rate

To go along with the physical impact of codeine abuse, this drug can also alter a person’s mental state. Some of the most common mental effects of abuse include:

• Irritation
• Confusion
• Agitation

In serious cases, somebody who takes too much codeine at one time could be faced with convulsions or hallucinations, both of which are extremely dangerous. Along with this, overdosing is not out of the question and has claimed the lives of many in the past.

Addiction

The effects of codeine abuse are very serious!

The more often a person takes codeine the better chance there is that he or she will run into a variety of side effects, both mental and physical. At the same time, there is always the chance that the person could develop an addiction.

The length of time that it takes to develop a codeine addiction is based on many factors, including how much of the drug they have been taking, how often, and their overall level of health.

Some people become addicted to codeine after a few weeks of taking the drug. Others, however, may find that they don’t feel addicted for a longer period of time, such as several months. And then there are those who never develop an addiction, despite long term use.

For many people, codeine is a drug that helps them better deal with pain. For others, this drug is abused for all the wrong reasons. Either way, it is important to realize that there are dangers associated with the substance. Furthermore, these dangers can sneak up on a person without notice.

The dangers of codeine abuse are well known. Those who abuse this drug often times deal with a variety of mental and physical side effects, some of which can be extremely serious.