Opiate addiction can catch you off guard when you are simply trying to manage pain or discomfort with doctor-prescribed medication. It can quickly go from responsible use to developing a tolerance or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when running out of medicine. If you start to notice symptoms of codeine abuse, it is time to get help from a drug detox center.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand that codeine abuse can happen to just about anyone. We provide non-judgmental addiction treatment to help you get your life back. To learn more about how treatment at our drug detox center can help you or a loved one, reach out by calling 866.516.8356.
What Is Codeine and What Is it Used For?
Codeine is an opiate used to treat mild to moderate pain and is often found in prescription cough syrup. Some medications use codeine in combination with other medicines such as acetaminophen or promethazine. Cough syrups containing codeine were formerly available over the counter in the United States. However, since then, experts have restricted the use to prescription-only due to the prevalence of misuse and addiction. A doctor may prescribe medications containing codeine for some of the following conditions:
- Cold symptoms
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Inflammation caused by allergies
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
While codeine is only available through a prescription in the U.S., some people still obtain it and use it for recreational purposes. Some teens get their hands on codeine from their parent’s medicine cabinets along with other prescription opioids, which can be the start of a downward spiral toward drug abuse. A widespread use among young people is to mix codeine cough syrup with soda or alcohol, which they refer to as “purple drank.” Unfortunately, they tend to underestimate the danger of cough syrup abuse and become addicted to it before realizing it.
What Are the Signs of Codeine Abuse?
If you are taking codeine to help relieve pain or treat the discomfort of allergies or a cold, you must follow your doctor’s instructions for usage. Doing so reduces your risk of becoming dependent or addicted. Opioid addiction can happen relatively quickly, and you can find yourself experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using codeine. Knowing the signs of codeine cough syrup abuse can help you realize when you have crossed the line into dependence. Here are few signs of codeine abuse to be aware of:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Depression
- Itchy skin
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Sleeping more than usual
- Stomach pain
If you or someone you love is experiencing the above symptoms in relation to codeine use, it is recommended that you speak to a doctor immediately. It may also be necessary to enroll in addiction treatment at a drug detox center to help you break the habit.
Signs of a Codeine Overdose
Without proper treatment, you run the risk of codeine overdose, which can involve:
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Intestinal spasms
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle twitching
- Weak pulse
If you or a loved one shows signs of codeine overdose, emergency help is needed. Opioid overdose can result in oxygen deprivation, so you need to call 911 immediately. Paramedics may administer Naloxone, which may be able to reverse the overdose and save your life. From there, you should seek treatment from a drug detox center to help you get clean.
Seek Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Codeine cough syrup abuse can happen to anyone. For many, prescription cough syrup can be the gateway to other prescription medication abuse. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we realize how easily someone can become addicted to prescription opioids. We provide caring, professional treatment to help you overcome codeine abuse so you can get your life back on track. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to reclaim the sober lifestyle you deserve.
