Codeine is one of the most prescribed pain relief medications in the United States. It is commonly used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain and is also found in cough medicine. Unfortunately, codeine is quite often a source of drug abuse and is a leading proponent of the opiate epidemic in America. Recovery from codeine addiction can be very challenging and requires a specialized codeine detox center and codeine detox program.
What is Codeine?
Codeine is an opiate in the same class of drugs like oxycodone, heroin, and morphine. Opiates work by binding to 3 types of opioid receptors in the brain, referred to as mu, delta, and kappa. Binding of these receptors reduces the production of the neurotransmitters glutamate and substance P, which are then involved in the transmission of pain. In addition, the opioid receptor mu is then involved in the brain’s reward system and may be key to the addictive nature of opioids.
Codeine is in medications such as Tylenol 3 for mild to moderate pain as well as cough medication such as Tuzistra XR. Codeine has an analgesic effect and produces a euphoric sensation. Over time, codeine users develop a tolerance to codeine, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same euphoric sensation.
People become addicted to codeine, often after receiving a prescription for pain or cough. Codeine is less powerful than other opiates such as oxycodone or morphine. As a result, doctors may be more willing to prescribe codeine for mild pain and cough symptoms. For this reason, codeine is often a gateway drug to more powerful and addictive drugs such as oxycodone or even heroin.
To understand if you or someone you love should seek assistance for codeine detox in Houston, it is necessary to recognize the symptoms of codeine addiction. The signs of a codeine addiction include:
- Mood swings
- Drowsiness and sleeping more than usual
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Clammy hands and feet.
- Nausea
Codeine Overdose Signs and Symptoms
Although codeine is a relatively mild opiate, an overdose is possible, especially if taken in conjunction with other depressants such as alcohol. The symptoms of a codeine overdose include:
- Slow, labored breathing
- Bluish lips or fingertips
- Extreme drowsiness or fatigue
- Low Blood Pressure
A codeine overdose can lead to brain damage or death. If you observe someone experiencing these symptoms, you should seek emergency care immediately. Individuals who have suffered a codeine overdose should also consider treatment at a codeine detox center as it may indicate an addiction to codeine.
Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms from codeine and other opioids can be very severe. The symptoms of codeine withdrawal include:
Early symptoms
- Anxiety and irritability
- Muscle Pain
- Trouble sleeping
Later symptoms
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
Codeine withdrawal symptoms are commonly treated with a substitute drug such as methadone or suboxone. The physician will administer the drug on a tapering schedule to wean the patient off codeine with few if any withdrawal symptoms.
Codeine Detox Center Treatment
Withdrawal symptoms often make it difficult for patients to overcome codeine addiction. A codeine detox center can help you to deal with the withdrawal symptoms, become sober and deal with the underlying issues that led to addiction. Serenity House offers codeine detox treatment in Houston, Texas. We offer detoxification services in alcohol, opiates, cocaine, and other drugs. We also offer counseling to help patients deal with the underlying issues leading to addiction. Call us at 866.516.8356 if you or someone you love is ready to escape the nightmare of codeine addiction.
