Codeine Withdrawal: Signs, Causes & Treatment

What You Need to Know About Codeine Withdrawal

What IS codeine? In essence, it is a prescription drug, commonly found in cough syrups and buprenorphine medicines. More specifically, it is a prescription opioid. Much like other opioids, codeine is typically prescribed to relieve pain. Many people with chronic pain can end up using these pain relievers consistently. This is how drug addiction can develop.

Codeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid in opium, poppy straw, and those plants that contain papaverine. The name is derived from the Greek word for “poppy head.” It is a weak opioid analgesic and cough suppressant. There are several semi-synthetic opioids produced from codeine, including dihydrocodeine and hydrocodone, as well as codeine’s close chemical relatives morphine and thebaine.

Keep reading to find out more about codeine withdrawal symptoms, forms of treatment, and how to get help now!

Codeine and Brain Chemistry

A person feels the effects of codeine because of its interaction with the brain’s opioid receptors. These receptors are responsible for regulating feelings of pain, pleasure, and reward. When codeine binds to these receptors in the brain, a person can experience reduced pain and fewer sensations of sickness or nausea, leading to feelings of euphoria or relaxation.

Codeine (as well as hydrocodone, oxycodone, and other opiates) are widely known to be addictive. In fact, they are often prescribed with the understanding that the patient will continue to take them long-term because they cannot control their pain without them. Addiction is not a secret. But what you may not know is that codeine can also cause respiratory depression, which means that it slows down your breathing.

This effect is amplified by alcohol and other drugs, which is why when codeine is combined with another drug like acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), the effect on the brain and body can lead to overdose. If a person takes enough of these medications, the slowing of breath can become so severe that it eventually stops entirely, leading to death.

If you have developed a codeine dependency, there in order to stop using the drug, codeine withdrawal will be part of the inevitable process. The more you are aware of what to expect during the time of codeine withdrawal symptoms, the better. You can prepare yourself and set yourself up to succeed in your recovery.

Signs of Addiction to Codeine

Codeine abuse has been increasing in recent years because of the small dose needed to produce a high and the easy accessibility of OTC (over-the-counter) cough syrups with codeine. As with other drugs that result in drug dependence, codeine has the capability to sneak up on you. One day you are a recreational user or you are simply using the medicine to manage your pain, and the next thing you know, you find that you have a codeine problem.

Opioid addiction or opioid use disorder refers to the process of one becoming physically and psychologically addicted to an opioid substance. In the case of codeine addiction, it refers to opioid dependence.

At this point, there is a physical dependence by the body on the presence of the substance for it to function. This is how substance abuse develops. At this point, even if someone wishes to stop, it can be incredibly hard. Codeine misuse, or that of prescription opioids AND other drugs for that matter, can be a borderline impossible task for people without support.

Drug Tolerance as an Indication of Dependence

One of the most common signs that a person is addicted to codeine is increased tolerance, which means that they have to take more and more of the drug to get the same effect. While addiction certainly includes this sign, it also includes other behavioral signs, such as continuing to take codeine even when it no longer treats the symptoms you originally bought it for.

Additionally, you may notice that your loved one has become dependent on codeine, which means they have no choice but to continue taking it. Codeine dependence is commonly accompanied by withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit taking the drug.

Codeine addiction is a serious matter, and while it may not be physically harmful to take codeine when you have a cough or pain, it is important to know the signs of dependency. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has decided that any amount of codeine could lead to dependency, so any pill with more than 8 mg of codeine has been put on its Schedule II list for controlled substances.

That means that if you are taking prescription codeine with other ingredients for pain relief, you must take the drug exactly as your doctor prescribes—no more and no less. Also, if you are using over-the-counter products containing codeine and more than 325 mg per dosage unit, you must follow the directions carefully because taking too much can easily lead to addiction.

The following are signs that you most likely have a drug abuse habit, dependency, oraddiction to codeine:

• Do you find that you are taking more codeine to get the same effect you used to get from taking less? Codeine is fast acting and is notorious for causing tolerance to develop. If you have built up one, you are most likely taking more of the drug, more often, to get the same pain relief or high.
• Preoccupation with codeine. Do thoughts of using and getting more codeine fill your thoughts more often than not? Do you think of going to multiple doctors or getting codeine off the streets or without a prescription? If so, you are experiencing what is common to codeine addicts. You are obsessed with codeine use and that is a big red flag.
• Being angry or frustrated. When you are without codeine, are you in a bad mood, angry or frustrated? Those are common psychological symptoms linked to addiction.
• Dishonest or illegal practices. Do you steal, lie or even write your own prescription? Any immoral behavior is a reason to believe you have a dependency on codeine.

Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms

Codeine is anopioid painkiller. It is one of a collection of synthetic opioid drugs. It is similar in nature to morphine but is less potent. The fact that it is often taken without a prescription or is prescribed for long-term, chronic pain makes it a drug that is often connected with dependency and opioid use disorder.

Codeine is an opioid so there is a physical addiction and subsequent severe withdrawal symptoms that can accompany it. This is common with any substance use disorder. This is referred to as opioid withdrawal syndrome. If you are experiencing codeine withdrawal symptoms, there will be signs that occur when the drug is not present in your system.

The withdrawal symptoms of codeine addiction can be extremely uncomfortable and hard to deal with, and if you are addicted to codeine, your initial instinct will be to fight the symptoms rather than deal with them. You may be tempted to use more codeine or another opioid in order to ease your symptoms.

However, this is the worst thing you could do, as it will only serve to make your withdrawal worse. Instead, the best thing that you can do is gradually taper off of the drug and take steps to stay healthy while going through your withdrawal process.

The effects of a codeine addiction are diverse and can cause a number of issues. The drug is highly addictive, which means that users will want to continue use even after the side effects have become apparent. Some of the most common side effects include:

What are the Signs of Codeine Withdrawal?

• Cold or flu-like symptoms such as sniffling and sporting a runny nose
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Chills
• Mild anxiety
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed
• Depression
• Sleeplessness
• Codeine withdrawal headache
• Excessive sleepiness
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches and cramping
• Cold sweats
• Clammy feet and hands
• Swings in mood
• Mind fog and confusion
• Loss of memory
• Difficulty making decisions

These symptoms are also common to other types of opioid addiction, making it difficult to accurately determine whether or not a person is suffering from codeine addiction, or simply a more generic form.

Opiate withdrawal is a harrowing thing to go through. Many people struggling with codeine dependence so fear having to experience withdrawal symptoms that they would do just about anything to prevent withdrawal symptoms, including continuing the codeine use, even if they’ve gotten to the point where they want to quit.

Codeine Withdrawal Tips

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If you are subject to codeine withdrawal, there are some things that can help you get through it. First and foremost, there are treatment centers and treatment options that can be your saving grace. You will have your choice of in-house, residential treatment, the recommended choice when possible. Or, anoutpatient rehab situation.

The first step is to get an understanding of why you’re experiencing symptoms of withdrawal—codeine is an opioid painkiller and has a number of different ways in which it affects the body. Tolerance occurs when your body builds a resistance to the effects of the drug, making it necessary to increase the dosage over time.

Withdrawal happens when someone takes a dose after not taking the drug for a period of time (for example, if you’ve taken codeine for several days in a row and then stop taking it). When you stop taking codeine suddenly or over a few days, withdrawal symptoms may occur because your body is depleted of the drug and requires time to get used to functioning without it.

Medically assisted codeine detox is generally available in residential addiction treatment programs. In addition, there are medical detox facilities that do treat opioid detox and then, upon release, you are encouraged to seek residential or out-patient treatment.

Top Ways to Ease Withdrawals from Codeine

If you are waiting to get into a program or cannot go to one for whatever reason, here are some codeine withdrawal tips you can use to help get you through:

It’s important to remember that these are symptoms being experienced by your body – they’re not the “you” feeling them. This can be hard to remember when the symptoms themselves feel so intense, but it’s important in terms of dealing with them. They will pass, given time and right ways of coping, Here are some tips to help:

• Find a support system. You won’t feel very good during the codeine withdrawal process and will need all the encouragement you can get. Even if it is just a recovering addict that can come by or call and check in with you, be sure you have some type of support in place.
• A damp wet rag (hot or cold) will help you feel a little better when fever or cold chills set in. You will experience cold and flu-like symptoms so treat yourself as if you have one.
• Set in your mind that you will not waiver no matter how severe the symptoms get. Since willpower does not have a good track record in the recovery department, hopefully, you will only need to use the mind-over-matter until you can make it to treatment
• Drink plenty of water. By flushing out your system, you will speed up the codeine withdrawal process to some extent. Furthermore, you will prevent yourself from getting dehydrated.
• When and if you can eat or drink something, make sure it’s something healthy so you add strength to your body. The first thing you want to do is take stock of what you’re eating and drinking during this time period (whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms).
• Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and any other stimulants during this time period – they’ll make everything worse! Also, stay away from sugary foods or foods high in fat during this time period – they’ll also make everything worse!

Know that you can do it. Read, listen to and watch motivational recovery material. When you are in codeine withdrawals, you are making positive steps toward your new life in recovery.

The Effects of Codeine Withdrawal

Not only do those who are in codeine withdrawal experience the symptoms thereof, but their bodies also go through quite a number of changes as well. Opioid withdrawals are caused by your body crying out for the substance it is addicted to.

To your body, not having codeine might feel like your lungs not having air. Rest assured it will pass through. You will survive and it will all be behind you, once and for all…as long as you don’t “pick up” again.

Codeine Withdrawal Stages

The First Stage

The initial stage of codeine withdrawal takes place somewhere around eight to 16 hours after your last use. The symptoms coming on are in direct relation to the half-life of codeine. Since codeine is a fast-acting, synthetic drug, codeine withdrawal symptoms are likely to appear early on. This state is when you are likely to experience a runny nose, fever, sweating, watering eyes, and so forth. Aching and cramping may occur as well.

During the first stage, you’ll experience the worst of the withdrawal symptoms, which can include anxiety, sweating, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasm and pain, restlessness, and insomnia. At this point, you probably won’t be able to sleep.

The Peak

Somewhere between 36 and 48 hours into codeine withdrawals, it is common for the symptoms to reach a peak. You may become extremely agitated and crave codeine intensely. Your temperature may increase as well as your respiratory rate and your blood pressure too. Nausea and vomiting are common during this phase. Hang in there.

By the second stage, your body will begin to get used to being without the drug. The physical symptoms in Stage One will subside enough for you to sleep for several hours at a time. You will begin to gain back some of your energy levels and start living more normally again.

Many people report that their minds feel “foggy” during this stage. Some people report having headaches or feeling as though they have a period of mental fogginess. This is normal and temporary.

Long Term and Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

While the symptoms of codeine withdrawal usually subside and begin to fade away during the seventh to tenth day after your last use, there are symptoms that may stick around for a while. It sometimes takes time for your body to adjust back to normal sleeping and sometimes, eating too.

You may continue to feel tired and you will likely experience cravings. But, with solid support intact, you will do fine and your newfound life in recovery will far outweigh any symptoms you may have long-term.

After stage three, you should be over the hump of your withdrawal experience. You may still have lingering physical symptoms such as muscle aches or periods of lessened energy level. It’s important not to give up on your recovery by this point. It could take weeks or months for your body to fully recover its natural balance without codeine in it.

Reach Out for Assistance with Codeine Now

People who are using codeine as a recreational drug, may not even be aware of the danger that it poses to them. Codeine is a very powerful painkiller, and it is also a depressant, which means that it slows down the central nervous system. That makes the user feel sleepy, calm, and relaxed, but in large amounts, it can slow down the heart rate and breathing to dangerous levels. It is also highly addictive when it’s used on a regular basis and can create many withdrawal symptoms when the person stops taking it.

These symptoms include anxiety, depression, irritability, and intense cravings for more codeine. If you have been taking codeine for more than two weeks every day or for more than one week if you’re drinking alcohol at that time, then this is a sign that you should go to rehab, because in this case you would be physically dependent on codeine and will have experienced withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it.

Finally, people who abuse codeine often find themselves getting behind on their everyday responsibilities such as work, school, or caring for children or other family members. It can be very difficult to break the vicious cycle of addiction without professional help and support. Professional and high-quality treatment programs allow a person to focus on recovery while also addressing other life issues at the same time.

Relief from Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms: Found Here

If you do take rehab treatment for codeine addiction then the staff there will supervise your withdrawal from all of your drugs, so that you experience as few withdrawal symptoms as possible while being treated with medications to help reduce your chances of going into a relapse again in the future.

If you have concluded that you have a codeine dependency, you are not alone. There is help waiting for you. All you need to do is accept it and a new joyous and drug-free life is yours for the taking. Call us atRehabs Of Armerica now to get support and advice for finding the right treatments today!