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Codeine Addiction Treatment

Table of Content

Table of Content

Codeine Addiction Treatment

In 2019, approximately 10.1 million people misused opioids, including medications like codeine. The opioid epidemic in the United States has become a significant issue, with more people missing their prescriptions or seeking recreational drugs each year. Opioids like codeine can drastically affect your life, impacting your health, interpersonal relationships and general well-being.

 
 

Learn more about codeine and opioid addiction treatment below to help you or a loved one get the assistance your need to improve your quality of life.

what is codeine

What Is Codeine?

Codeine is a type of opioid considered a Schedule II drug, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse, dependence and addiction despite its medical applications for pain management and coughing. Codeine, like other opioids, works by activating opioid receptors in the brain and body, altering pain receptors and increasing dopamine levels. 

Prescription medications like codeine provide significant benefits to those in pain or dealing with severe coughs. The increased dopamine in the brain’s reward center can reinforce the desire to continue to use the substance, which can quickly turn into an opioid use disorder.

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signs and symptoms of codeine addiction

Signs and Symptoms of Codeine Addiction

When a person takes codeine, they’ll experience euphoria, joy and drowsiness. However, once a person develops a codeine addiction, they are less likely to experience the high and instead need the substance to function normally. Someone who is addicted to codeine may exhibit the following symptoms:

  • Small pupils
  • Itching
  • Delirium or confusion
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Hallucinations or delusions
  • Lethargy and fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Shallow or slow breathing
  • Blue lips
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Stomach pain or constipation
  • Abnormal heart rate

Some with a codeine addiction will likely appear sedated more often than not, resulting in extreme fatigue. A person may even develop vision problems or changes, and people using heavy doses may struggle with seizures.

A person struggling with codeine use will exhibit similar signs as someone struggling with opioid addiction, which include:

Increased Tolerance

Codeine is a powerful drug, and it’s possible to become addicted even if you were prescribed the medication for pain. The longer a person uses the substance, the higher their tolerance, and they’ll have to use more of the drug to achieve the same effect. People may even seek more potent opioids if they’re no longer experiencing a high from codeine alone. High tolerance is a sure-fire sign that you or a loved one need professional help to detox from codeine and reach sobriety.

Interpersonal Problems

Misusing codeine can have drastic effects on a person’s life, and they may fail to maintain a healthy interpersonal life. Some signs of interpersonal problems as a result of addiction include:

  • Tension between loved ones
  • Isolating from friends and family
  • Ignoring responsibilities at work and home
  • Engaging in reckless activities 
  • Lying or hiding substance use
  • Lacking in self-care, such as keeping up with hygiene
  • Committing crimes to afford their addiction
  • Experiencing financial problems due to codeine misuse

If you start to notice signs that your or a loved one’s interpersonal life is becoming more challenging, it’s likely time to seek professional help.

Appetite Changes

A person who uses codeine is likely to experience nausea, especially when taking high doses or going through withdrawal. Individuals may take more codeine to alleviate nausea but only make it worse. Nausea can cause a person to want to eat less, which can cause weight fluctuations. If a person loses too much weight from drug addiction, they can become malnourished, which can cause additional physical health issues.

Additional Substance Use

When a person’s tolerance to codeine increases, they’re more likely to seek out additional opioids to experience their high or reduce their withdrawal symptoms. A person can develop a secondary addiction, which creates even more health and interpersonal problems. Some people may even seek out heroin since it has the same intense effect on the central nervous system.

Different substances people can develop a secondary addiction to include:

If you or a loved one is struggling with co-occurring substance use disorders, consider working with an addiction specialist to overcome your substance use and regain control of your life.

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Short and Long-Term Effects of Codeine Addiction

Short and Long-Term Effects of Codeine Addiction

Codeine addiction can affect your life in many ways, both short- and long-term. The short-term effects of codeine will vary based on the individual, their weight and the typical dose. Short-term effects may include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Constipation or stomach pain
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Rashes or itching
  • Dry mouth
  • Low blood pressure and heart rate
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Seizures

As a person uses opioids more and for a long time, the effects on the body can become more severe. A person can experience numerous long-term consequences, including

  • Worsening mental health, including anxiety and depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Impaired memory and cognitive functioning
  • Muscle spams
  • Fatigue
  • Coma or death

One of the most concerning long-term effects of codeine addiction is how it affects the central nervous system and other organs. Codeine also affects your respiratory tract, making someone vulnerable to respiratory depression, a condition where they might experience shallow or slow breathing. You can also experience respiratory depression if you take a large dose of codeine, even if you haven’t been using it for very long.

Another system that codeine affects is your cardiovascular system, which includes heart failure. One study shows that 62% of people prescribed codeine for long periods had an increased risk of cardiovascular events than those taking other medications. People who use opioids for long periods may also experience hyperalgesia, a condition where they become sensitive to pain, making it feel more severe than it is in reality.

Additional long-term effects include liver and kidney damage and increased dependence. An increased dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms once a person stops taking the drug, which can make a person reluctant to quit. Some withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Restlessness or tremors
  • Muscle aches and pain
  • Sweating
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose or a fever
  • Increased heart rate
  • Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
  • Increased anxiety
  • Insomnia

The Process of Treating Codeine Addiction

Treating codeine addiction can help you improve your well-being, health and interpersonal life. You may not know what to expect if you’ve never gone through addiction treatment. Below are the steps you’ll take once you enter an addiction treatment program.

Assessment

Assessment

Before starting official treatment, an addiction specialist will assess your addiction’s severity and the level of care required to reach sobriety and improve your quality of life. The assessment will include various questions, including:

  • When did you start using codeine?
  • What is your average dose, and how often do you use the drug?
  • Do you use codeine more in specific circumstances than others?
  • Do you use codeine when you feel stressed or uncomfortable?
  • Are you using other substances alongside codeine?
  • Have you been diagnosed with a mental health condition?
  • What essential things from your medical history should we know about?
  • Are you currently experiencing any withdrawal symptoms?
  • When was the last time you used codeine?

Being honest during your evaluation is essential to ensure you’ll receive the care you need. The professionals at an addiction treatment center are there to help without judgment, and being honest with them is the best thing you can do for your health.

After they’ve asked you questions, you may undergo medical testing to assess your vitals, withdrawal symptoms and history of substance abuse. You may take a blood or urine test to determine the level of codeine in your system. These tests will also help identify any potential health problems you may be unaware of to help you receive treatment throughout your recovery.

You’ll also go through a psychological evaluation to determine if you have an underlying mental health condition that requires dual diagnosis treatment. Identifying mental health conditions that may contribute to your substance use can help you more effectively progress through your recovery.

Detox

Detox

Once you finish your assessment, you’ll start detoxing to eliminate the codeine and other substances in your system. Codeine use often accompanies uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle aches and flu-like symptoms. Rather than trying to manage these withdrawal symptoms on your own, an addiction specialist may include mediation-assisted treatment (MAT) in your personalized program.

MAT programs use medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. These medications can convince your body that you’re still taking substances, allowing you to detox without experiencing most withdrawal symptoms.

During the program, you’ll be monitored by medical staff for your safety and comfort. You’ll also be able to begin your official treatment to get to the root of your addiction without having to worry about uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy

Therapy

There are various types of therapy in an addiction treatment program, including:

Therapy helps you get to the root cause of your addiction, whether it’s your beliefs, underlying mental health conditions or trauma. Once these issues are addressed, you can begin healing to improve your physical and psychological well-being, helping you reach sobriety and a positive mindset. You’ll also learn skills to help you cope with uncomfortable feelings, situations or cravings, preventing a relapse.

You’ll attend therapy individually to speak with a counselor about your specific circumstances, but you’ll likely also participate in group therapy to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. These individuals can become a part of your support network, holding you accountable and keeping you motivated throughout your recovery journey.

Aftercare

Aftercare

One you complete therapy, you’ll work with an addiction specialist on an aftercare plan to help prevent relapse. Much of your plan will include relapse prevention, which outlines your specific triggers and how you can alter your reaction to these triggers to avoid codeine use.

Your relapse prevention plan will also include a list of people you can contact if you feel you’re close to relapse. These individuals are part of your support group and are familiar with your recovery journey. Your list can include family members, friends, sponsors or members of your therapy group. When you feel a craving or are in a triggering situation, you can call them to remind you why it’s essential to stay committed to your sobriety.

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What Causes Codeine Addiction?

What Causes Codeine Addiction?

There is no single cause for addiction, but multiple factors can contribute to a person’s risk. While anyone can become addicted to codeine, some people have an elevated risk due to the following risk factors:

  • Genetics: Your genetic makeup accounts for half of your addiction risk, especially if you have someone in your immediate family that has a drug addiction. Genetics are complex, and the many variations contribute to each person’s addiction risk differently. 
  • Mental health: Many people struggling with addiction also struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders. Mental health problems can cause uncomfortable symptoms, and some people seek substances like codeine to self-medicate. While these substances can provide temporary relief, they often worsen these conditions, creating a vicious cycle. People struggling with these conditions require dual diagnosis treatment to get to the root of their problems.
  • Trauma: Traumatic experiences can cause challenges in a person’s life that might drive them to use substances to cope with uncomfortable feelings and symptoms. While the temporary high can provide some relief, using drugs to cope can worsen these challenges since it doesn’t address the problem and avoids it instead.
  • Environmental cues: A person’s environment plays a significant role in their addiction risk. A person who lives in a community where addiction is normalized or common may be more likely to experiment with drugs and develop an addiction. Frequenting places where drugs use is common, such as clubs or concerts, can also increase your risk of addiction.
  • Peer pressure: The people you surround yourself with influence your addiction risk. If you have friends who use drugs, they could pressure you to use them, or you may feel obligated to fit in.
  • Misuse of prescriptions: Some people are prescribed codeine for pain or coughing, but not following your physician’s instructions by using it more frequently or at a higher dose can result in an addiction. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent dependency on codeine, and you can always discuss the risks with your doctor.

It’s essential to use caution around drugs like codeine, even if you’ve been prescribed these medications.

How to Know When It's Time For Treatment

How to Know When It’s Time For Treatment

Some people may not know when it’s time to seek treatment or believe their addiction isn’t as severe as it seems. It may be time to seek treatment if you’re:

  • Causing harm to yourself or others: When someone becomes addicted to substances, they’re more likely to engage in risky behaviors that can cause damage to themselves or others. These activities include driving under the influence, unsafe sex and criminal activity. Once substance use affects your or others’ safety and quality of life, it’s a telltale sign that professional help is necessary.
  • Unable to quit on your own: People who develop an addiction often cannot stop using substances without professional help. You can become dependent on codeine, and your body may see it as necessary to your survival, despite the opposite being true. If you’ve tried to quit on your own and failed, especially on multiple occasions, professional treatment can help you finally reach sobriety and change your life.
  • Experiencing severe consequences: Codeine addiction can cause severe life consequences, such as problems at work or school, relationship challenges, failing to keep up with responsibilities and financial hardship. These consequences can drastically affect your quality of life, which may cause you to use more substances to cope. If you or a loved one are starting to notice severe consequences of substance use, it’s time to seek intervention from an addiction specialist.
  • Letting your life revolve around substance use: Another sign that it’s time for treatment is when your life revolves around codeine use. You may think about obtaining and using the drug constantly and let other parts of your life fall to the wayside. Your friend group may also change only to include people who support or enable your substance use. If your life has become chiefly about codeine and other substances, it’s time to seek treatment from a professional to get your life back.

benefits of seeking treatment for codeine addiction

Benefits of Seeking Treatment For Codeine Addiction

Seeking professional treatment for codeine addiction can significantly improve your quality of life, helping you reach sobriety and reconnect with the people and things you love. While it’s possible to reach sobriety without treatment, it’s very challenging and not as beneficial as professional treatment programs. The benefits of professional treatment include:

  • Continuous support: At an addiction treatment center, you’ll have access to a built-in support network with the necessary tools to guide you through your recovery process. The staff will give you individualized coping skills to help you handle your cravings and triggers, and the people you meet in group therapy can become valuable members of your support network and help you sustain sobriety long after treatment.
  • Evidence-based treatment: Professional addiction treatment centers use evidence-based treatments that help people overcome their substance use. These treatments trump trying to overcome addiction at home. Many people who try to quit on their own don’t have access to the addiction education, tools or resources to help them get to the root of their addiction. 
  • Co-occurring treatment: One of the significant benefits of professional codeine addiction is that you can access dual diagnosis treatment for your addiction and any underlying mental health conditions. Many people begin using substances due to undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorders, so treating these conditions simultaneously helps prevent future relapse. 
  • Access to resources: When you enter official treatment, you’ll gain access to many resources, including coping skills therapy and aftercare planning, which help you identify your triggers and find new ways to respond. You’ll also have access to educational resources to help you better understand your addiction and how it’s affecting your life. You can even work with professionals to learn how to rebuild your relationships and other aspects of your life as you go through treatment.
  • Improved health: Seeking professional treatment will help improve your physical and mental health. Using codeine takes a toll on your body and mind, and by seeking treatment, you’re reducing the health risks associated with codeine use. Improved health makes it easier to take back your life and take the necessary steps through your recovery journey to enhance your well-being.

Addiction takes a significant toll on a person’s life, but it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Professional treatment can help you reach sobriety and take steps to improve all aspects of your life.

Gateway was one of the best decisions of my life they truly saved me from the road I was headed down! I would love to thank the staff and of course my amazing counselor Adrain really helped me refocus my life on the right path without gateway I wouldn’t have made it thank you and I love this place I always come back to alumni meeting and events.

Carlos A

My family member just competed her 28 day stay she had a great experience the staff is wonderful and treated her with respect and went above and beyond to help her. Gateway saved my family members life. It was not easy finding a nice inpatient rehab and gateway made the whole process very smooth we are so thankful we found this facility. Thank you gateway.

Anonymous

Spent some time here and got some great tools to help me in my recovery. My counselors in the women’s unit were great and supportive. Love the monthly alumni meetings after treatment, great way to stay connected.

Magdalene M

A little over 7 years ago I decided to seek treatment for alcohol and drug addiction and chose this facility as a place to try and arrest my disease and I have been clean and sober ever since. After 30 days inpatient treatment and 9 months outpatient I was able to achieve that goal. I recommend this facility to anyone who truly wants freedom from active addiction.

Dwayne D

This place honestly saved my life. I was so bad my counselor said in the 2 years she was working there my case was the most unique she’s ever had, and now I’m almost 15 months clean!

Matt

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What Our patients Say

Gateway was one of the best decisions of my life they truly saved me from the road I was headed down! I would love to thank the staff and of course my amazing counselor Adrain really helped me refocus my life on the right path without gateway I wouldn’t have made it thank you and I love this place I always come back to alumni meeting and events.

Carlos A

My family member just competed her 28 day stay she had a great experience the staff is wonderful and treated her with respect and went above and beyond to help her. Gateway saved my family members life. It was not easy finding a nice inpatient rehab and gateway made the whole process very smooth we are so thankful we found this facility. Thank you gateway.

Anonymous

Spent some time here and got some great tools to help me in my recovery. My counselors in the women’s unit were great and supportive. Love the monthly alumni meetings after treatment, great way to stay connected.

Magdalene M

A little over 7 years ago I decided to seek treatment for alcohol and drug addiction and chose this facility as a place to try and arrest my disease and I have been clean and sober ever since. After 30 days inpatient treatment and 9 months outpatient I was able to achieve that goal. I recommend this facility to anyone who truly wants freedom from active addiction.

Dwayne D

This place honestly saved my life. I was so bad my counselor said in the 2 years she was working there my case was the most unique she’s ever had, and now I’m almost 15 months clean!

Matt

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Frequently Asked Questions About Codeine Treatment

You may have lingering questions about codeine treatment, especially if you’ve never gone through treatment before. Below are some of the most common questions people have about addiction treatment to help you better understand what to expect:

Does Insurance Cover My Treatment?

Thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, your insurance must offer coverage for your addiction equal to what they would provide for physical conditions. However, your addiction treatment coverage will also be limited if you have limited coverage. 

Does Insurance Cover My Treatment?

A good rule of thumb is that if you have health insurance, you will at least have some coverage for your addiction treatment, reducing out-of-pocket costs and helping you reach sobriety. 

What Medications Are Used in a MAT Program?

What Medications Are Used in a MAT Program?

Various medications are used throughout a MAT program to meet your specific needs. For example, medicines like Naltrexone and Disulfiram block the effects of substances like alcohol, making it less desirable to relapse. Other drugs, like Methadone and Buprenorphine, are used to reduce cravings, tricking your body and mind into thinking that you’re still taking substances like codeine. 

The medication you’ll use will depend on your unique circumstances. During your assessment, an addiction specialist will determine what medication will work best for you, and whether you need help reducing cravings or overcoming withdrawal symptoms. You may even continue in a MAT program well into your recovery journey to prevent a relapse.

Should I Do an Inpatient or Outpatient Program?

Should I Do an Inpatient or Outpatient Program?

Inpatient and outpatient programs offer similar levels of care, the primary difference being whether or not you stay overnight at the treatment facility. An inpatient program is ideal for individuals with severe addiction who need medical attention or those living in a non-sober environment. Inpatient programs allow you to stay in a sober environment, eliminating temptation. Stays in an inpatient program generally range from 30 to 90 days.

Outpatient programs offer the same therapies, but you can return home at the end of the day. An outpatient program is ideal for individuals who live in a safe, sober environment and have outside responsibilities, such as childcare or work. 

An addiction specialist can help you determine what level of care you need by assessing the severity of your addiction and the state of your home life. You can always discuss your options with an addiction specialist to determine what option would be best suited to your unique circumstances.

Overcome Codeine Addiction With Gateway Foundation

Overcome Codeine Addiction With Gateway Foundation

Gateway Foundation has codeine addiction treatment centers in Chicago, Illinois, and other locations throughout the state. We use evidence-based treatment to help you reach sobriety and improve your quality of life. We have different levels of care to address your unique needs, whether it’s an inpatient program to reduce temptation or an outpatient program that allows you to keep up with your responsibilities outside treatment.

Our staff has the necessary knowledge and tools to help you reach and maintain sobriety. We’re with you for life, no matter what stage you are in your recovery journey. Learn more about our programs today, and contact us to get started.