If you have ever visited your doctor for chronic pain, a relentless cough, or diarrhea, you may have been prescribed medications containing codeine. This opiate drug is renowned for its calming properties and ability to relieve pain and discomfort. It is one of the most commonly prescribed opiates since it is milder and less addictive than other opiate drugs. However, that does not mean it is without its drawbacks. Many people develop a dependence on codeine over time and may require the assistance of a prescription drug rehab to regain control.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand that the pain-relieving, calming effects of codeine can be highly appealing. These effects are especially prevalent when you are dealing with chronic pain or stress. We can help you find a better way to deal with life challenges. Our prescription drug rehab can help you get through withdrawal from codeine more comfortably with medication. At the same time, we simultaneously treat underlying issues in your life with various therapies such as psychotherapy, yoga, and chiropractic care. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about how we can help you break free from dependence on codeine.
Five Dangers of Codeine
Although a milder opiate, codeine can result in dependence and addiction. Misuse of codeine can have various short-term and long-term effects on your health and well-being. Below are five dangers of codeine.
The Belief that Codeine Is Harmless May Lead to Misuse
Codeine has the reputation of being relatively harmless and less addictive in comparison to other opiate drugs. Part of this perception is the availability of codeine in cough syrup obtained over the counter. In fact, many young people started their drug experimentation with cough syrup abuse since it was more easily accessible than other drugs. Underestimating the dangers of codeine has led many people to addiction, spurring a crackdown on its wide availability. As the risks of cough syrup abuse became more apparent, experts created new mandates to keep medications containing codeine behind the counter.
Codeine Can Slow Your Breathing to Dangerously Low Rates
Codeine is a depressant, so it slows down your system, including your breathing. While this is part of how the drug helps you feel calmer, it can reduce your breathing rate to dangerously low levels when misused. In cases of overdose, your breathing may stop altogether.
Codeine Can Lead to Mental Health Conditions
Opiates like codeine interact with brain receptors responsible for making you feel good. Over time, these receptors become less able to create these positive feelings on their own. They instead require larger and more frequent doses of the drug to produce feelings of well-being. This can lead to anxiety and depression, and if you already struggle with these conditions, it can make them even worse.
Long-Term Use Can Cause Organ Damage
Codeine by itself may not affect your organs’ health directly, but many people may combine this opiate with other drugs that can harm the liver and kidneys. For instance, people may combine this medication with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin, which can cause damage to your liver and kidneys when used long-term.
Overdose Can Lead to Other Health Problems
When using codeine in high doses, your breathing can slow down enough to cut off oxygen to your brain, leading to an increased risk of seizures and coma.
Begin Prescription Drug Rehab at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
When chronic pain or stress has led you to codeine abuse, Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston is here to help you find healthier ways to thrive. Our prescription drug rehab can help you detox from codeine as you begin working on your body and mind through our holistic therapies, including:
- Yoga therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Nutrition therapy
Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn how we can help you leave codeine dependence behind.
