Slurring words, nodding off, and lack of coordination can be a good indication a person who takes codeine has taken too much. Codeine abuse is a key risk factor for opioid addiction. Codeine abuse can lead to tolerance and eventually dependence. When a person is codeine-dependent, they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop taking codeine.
In many cases, avoiding withdrawal is a reason for maintaining opioid dependence and potentially opioid addiction. When a person is struggling with codeine addiction, they typically struggle with the side effects of codeine abuse. They may also show behaviors indicative of codeine addiction, such as:. Call now to talk with a treatment specialist about rehab at Vertava Health Mississippi. Many people in the U. Prescription opioid abuse is often a precursor to heroin addiction.
People who have a history of codeine abuse or addiction have a high risk of overdose. A codeine overdose can be fatal and is considered dangerous. When codeine metabolizes to morphine, it can result in severe respiratory distress. Depressed breathing can deprive the brain of oxygen. Long-term decreased oxygen deprivation or complete oxygen deprivation for more than five minutes can cause permanent brain damage. It is important to seek emergency medical attention if a person taking codeine seems to be struggling to breathe or shows any of the following symptoms:.
Seeking medical services is important because, without intervention, a codeine overdose can result in heart attack, stroke, seizures, coma, and even death. Since codeine abuse can lead to physical dependence, a person dependent on codeine will experience withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug. Codeine withdrawal can be quite uncomfortable, and in some cases, incredibly painful. Opioid withdrawal usually is not fatal on its own, however, it can cause significant distress and many individuals return to opioids early on in sobriety to avoid withdrawal.
Codeine withdrawal symptoms, like other opioid withdrawal symptoms, are very similar to severe flu-like symptoms. In addition to muscle and body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, a person experiencing codeine withdrawals may also have some of the following symptoms:. Codeine bought from dealers or online may not have had safety testing, and could be cut with other drugs.
Even if the codeine tablet looks like a pharmaceutical product, there are plenty of counterfeits fakes that look like the real thing. Codeine is especially dangerous to mix with alcohol, benzodiazepines like diazepam Valium and other opioid drugs. Some people get addicted to codeine after being prescribed it to treat physical pain. They can experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the tablets and this can be a reason that people continue taking it or seek codeine illegally.
Tolerance can also build up, so that users have to take more just to get the same effects or to avoid unpleasant withdrawals. Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.
Codeine on its own is only available on prescription, unauthorised possession is illegal. Small amounts of codeine are in some medicines which can be bought without prescription but only in pharmacies.
These medicines include cough syrups, and tablets or capsules where the codeine is combined with other medicines, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin, for treating headaches, period pain etc.
Codeine containing medicines carry warnings on the packs about the risk of addiction and advise that the non-prescription medicines should only be used for up to three days at a time without medical advice.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or drinking, call for an ambulance. Tell the crew everything you know. It could save their life. How it looks, tastes and smells What does it look like? Small white pills or tablets A syrup — like a cough syrup A solution — for injecting. If your use of Codeine is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, you can find help and support.
Not sure what you are looking for? Try our intuitive Path2Help tool and be matched with support information and services tailored to you. Last published: November 10, What is codeine? Codeine is an opioid. Codeine is used for relief from various conditions, including: mild to moderate pain severe pain when combined with aspirin or paracetamol dry irritating cough diarrhoea cold and flu when combined with antihistamines and decongestants.
Other names Codeine may also be known by a brand or trade name. Some common examples are:. Effects of codeine There is no safe level of drug use. Side effects The most common side effects of codeine are: dizziness tiredness confusion, difficulty concentrating euphoria restlessness blurred vision dry mouth limbs feeling heavy or muscles feeling stiff sweating mild allergic rash, itching and hives low blood pressure decreased heart rate, palpitations stomach-ache, nausea, vomiting, constipation difficulty urinating.
Overdose If the dose is too high, you might overdose. Withdrawal Giving up codeine after a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it. Find out more about withdrawal.
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