Addiction comes in all forms. Some people struggle with alcohol or cocaine. Others find themselves abusing prescription medications. One such prescription drug that people can develop an addiction to is codeine. Codeine is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as opioids. Because of its status as an opioid, codeine can be misused and abused, leading to addiction, overdose, and other serious health consequences. In many countries, including the United States, codeine is available only by prescription due to its potential for abuse and dependence. Codeine is primarily used to relieve mild to moderate pain or to suppress coughing. It is a primary ingredient in a kind of drug called Lean that grew in popularity in the hip-hop community. Abusing the drug can lead to a dangerous substance use disorder known as codeine addiction.
If you or someone you know is abusing codeine or any other opioid medication, finding help should be a top priority. Aliya Health Group offers codeine treatment programs at our facilities across the country. Our goal is to help end codeine addiction and help someone move on to a brighter future.
What Is Codeine Addiction?
Codeine addiction is when someone feels a compulsive need to use codeine despite the negative consequences. That happens when someone uses the drug over a long enough period to develop physical dependence. When they stop using codeine, withdrawal symptoms may appear.
Codeine is classified as an opioid prescription pain reliever. It carries a lower potency compared to some other opioids like oxycodone or morphine. Despite this, the risk of overdose remains significant. This is especially true when codeine is mixed with other drugs or alcohol. The drug is often used in prescription-grade cough syrup and has unfortunately gained popularity among younger demographics for recreational abuse.
Abusers often combine cough syrup with carbonated beverages like Sprite, adding hard candies like Jolly Ranchers and sometimes additional substances like promethazine. Nicknames for the concoction include lean, sizzurp, purple drank, and barre. Unlike more potent opiates such as morphine, codeine isn’t subject to the same stringent regulations and monitoring protocols. This leniency inadvertently facilitates easier access to abuse and the development of codeine addiction.
Chemically, codeine shares significant similarities with all opioids. Rapid tolerance development is a common trait among opioids, including codeine. When someone needs to use more and more of an opioid after building a tolerance, it opens the door for an overdose. Finding help right away when you notice the signs of codeine addiction should be a top priority. A treatment network like Aliya Health Group can help you overcome addiction and move on to a life of sobriety.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Codeine Addiction?
Codeine addiction is a serious issue, and there are several signs and symptoms that could indicate someone has a problem. Being aware of these signs could potentially save the life of someone who is engaging in codeine abuse. Codeine addiction involves a range of physical, behavioral, and psychological signs and symptoms. Below are some of the most common effects of codeine abuse.
Physical signs of codeine addiction:
- Not caring about their appearance
- Losing or gaining weight quickly
- Poor hygiene
- Clammy skin
- Dry mouth
- Sleeping or drowsiness during the day
- Slurred speech and poor coordination
- Itching or scratching at the skin
- Slowed breathing
Behavioral signs of codeine addiction:
- Anti-social behavior
- Being secretive or deceptive
- Preoccupation with using codeine
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Sleeping a lot
Psychological signs of codeine addiction:
- Cravings for codeine
- Increased tolerance to codeine
- Emotional highs and lows
- Bouts of depression and anxiety
- Paranoia and delusions
- Denying they have a problem
Noticing one or more of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean someone is abusing codeine. But, if you do notice them, it may be smart to ask them if they need help. A codeine misuse treatment center can help someone make it through codeine detox and codeine withdrawal so they can reach sobriety.
Get confidential help from our addiction treatment facilities located across the United States. Call to join one of our quality programs today!
Speak With Our Admissions TeamWhy Is Codeine Dangerous?
Codeine can be dangerous due to its potential for addiction and harmful side effects like an overdose. While it’s often used to relieve pain or coughing, especially when prescribed by a doctor, it can also lead to physical dependence when misused. One big issue is that it can make people feel relaxed or euphoric, which might make them want to keep taking it even when they don’t really need it. This can lead to addiction, where someone feels like they can’t stop using it even if it’s causing problems in their life.
Using too much codeine can slow down breathing, which can lead to death. If someone takes it with other drugs that also slow down breathing, like alcohol or certain anxiety medicines, the chances of breathing issues grow exponentially. Mixing drugs and alcohol is never a smart decision, but codeine users often engage in that behavior with substances like lean. This kind of casual drug abuse can make codeine like a gateway drug to more troubling substance use disorders.
Codeine Addiction Facts & Statistics
One of the facts about codeine that can surprise people is that it is the most widely used opioid in the world. Along with pain management, the drug has been found effective in treating chronic coughing, restless leg syndrome, and even consistent diarrhea.
Codeine is often used in recreational or party settings. As a result, many may not see the harm of using the drug. According to the National Library of Medicine, more than 14% of attendees to an electronic dance music show in New York City would use lean in the next month if offered by a friend.
Codeine carries a few negative side effects, even when used as directed by a physician. Constipation is the most common, along with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, sexual dysfunction, blurred vision, and general weakness.
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Codeine Addiction and Mental Health
There is a complicated relationship between codeine addiction and mental health. Using codeine can affect the way the brain works. That can lead to changes in mood and thinking. Some people might start using codeine to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression because it can make them feel better temporarily. However, over time, relying on codeine to manage emotions can actually make mental health problems worse. This can create a cycle where someone feels like they need codeine to feel okay, even though it’s causing more harm than good.
Addiction itself is a mental health condition. Struggling with codeine addiction can cause feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness. It’s important for people with codeine addiction to get help not just for their physical health but also for their mental well-being. Aliya Health Group offers a form of treatment known as dual diagnosis that can help treat both issues before they ruin someone’s life. Top of Form
When Do You Need Codeine Addiction Treatment?
Some individuals may believe they have their substance use under control and don’t require treatment. However, it’s crucial to understand that casual substance abuse can grow into a serious problem. Opioid drugs like codeine are powerful and can lead to physical dependency. Using lean or any form of codeine without a prescription or with the intention of getting high is a good indicator that you have a problem with the drug. Codeine addiction can develop into a more serious opioid use disorder if left unchecked.
Using opioids without the supervision and advice of a doctor is not safe. If you’re using drugs like codeine to get high, there’s a good chance you can benefit from treatment. If you’re experiencing legal or financial issues due to substance abuse, it’s time to get help. Those neglecting responsibilities like work or school due to codeine abuse should get help right away.
If codeine has impacted your life negatively in any way, we can help. Aliya Health Group is here to help anyone ready to overcome a substance use disorder. Our programs for recovery take into account every aspect of someone’s life and situation so they can find the path to recovery that best suits their needs.
How Long Is Codeine Addiction Treatment?
Rehab is different for each person. At Aliya Health Group’s network of recovery facilities, we customize codeine treatment plans to suit individual needs. Treatment levels range from detox to aftercare. The duration of rehab depends on personal circumstances. For those starting with detox and inpatient care, it typically lasts 30 to 45 days. Afterward, many transition to outpatient care, which allows more flexibility in recovery. Following that, aftercare provides ongoing support and guidance, connecting individuals with support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and our alumni network.
The entire process may span up to six months, with sobriety remaining a daily commitment even after formal treatment ends. To learn more about what your timeline for codeine addiction recovery might look like, schedule a consultation with our admissions team today.
Codeine Addiction Treatment Options
When treating codeine addiction, the process follows the same general practices as any opioid recovery program. The two main therapy types involved in treating addiction to codeine are evidence-based and holistic. Together, they promote a well-rounded approach to healing and recovery.
Evidence-based Therapy for Codeine Addiction
Evidence-based treatment is an effective practice for overcoming addiction. These therapies were developed by behavioral counselors and clinicians and proven effective through studies of drug treatment programs. Some of the most common evidence-based therapies for codeine addiction include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps codeine users remove any negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their opioid addiction. It helps someone develop coping skills, strategies for managing cravings and triggers, and relapse prevention.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT incorporates elements of CBT with mindfulness-based techniques and strategies to help someone overcome codeine addiction by developing coping skills, learning emotion regulation techniques, and learning interpersonal effectiveness skills.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI is a client-centered counseling approach that assists in changing drug use behaviors. MI focuses on enhancing motivation and building confidence to make positive changes in someone’s life.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: In some cases, those suffering from codeine addiction have experienced trauma in their life. Trauma-informed care approaches recognize the impact of trauma on addiction and incorporate trauma-sensitive practices into treatment to promote safety, empowerment, and healing.
Holistic Therapy for Codeine Addiction
Holistic practices can also aid in the treatment of codeine addiction. Holistic therapies provide a well-rounded approach to recovery that considers the issues of someone’s mind, body, and soul. Detox helps heal the body, but holistic practices add an additional aspect of care that can promote healing and self-respect in someone’s thinking and behaviors.
Some of the most popular holistic practices for codeine addiction include:
- Yoga and Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Art Therapy
- Adventure Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Sound Healing
- Nutrition Counseling
- Massage Therapy
Holistic therapy for codeine abuse addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction. The goal is to help someone find a path to recovery that suits their needs. A recovery facility network like Aliya Health Group has codeine treatment centers and recovery programs people can use to turn their lives around.
Are you ready to leave drugs & alcohol in your past? Reach out today through live chat, email, or phone.
Codeine Addiction Treatment at Aliya Health Group
Alcohol and drug abuse and mental illness treatment centers are ready to help. When you trust Aliya Health Group with your codeine addiction treatment needs, you’re getting a team of highly qualified, caring, and dedicated people by your side. Our process is to provide the best possible care when it comes to addiction treatment and mental health recovery.
Codeine is a dangerous and addictive drug that requires the services of professional substance abuse counselors. You will find those at an Aliya Health Group treatment center. We are proud to offer unique levels of care for codeine addiction treatment. These levels of care all offer the best of the best when it comes to treatment options. Our levels of care are as follows:
Medical Detox Program: Our medical detox option helps clients get past opioid withdrawal symptoms while preparing them for the next phases of opioid addiction treatment.
Residential Treatment Program: Our inpatient program provides a safe and structured place where people live and focus on getting better. We offer therapy sessions every day, both one-on-one and in groups, and our staff is available around the clock to help.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP offers structured day programs with evidence-based and holistic therapy and support, allowing clients to return home or to sober living homes in the evenings.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP provides an even more flexible treatment option for clients who need ongoing support while reintegrating into daily life. Programming occurs a few times per week.
Outpatient Treatment: A traditional outpatient program allows clients a more gradual transition back into their own lives. Clients usually attend treatment once or twice weekly. Treatment counselors are available at all times during the program for guidance and assistance. Outpatient care is meant to provide the necessary tools for living soberly outside of a rehab facility while still providing professional help and guidance when needed.
We’re here to help people on their journey to getting better. If you or someone you know needs help with codeine addiction, please contact Aliya Health Group today. We’re here to support you. Call today at 888-973-2078 for an insurance verification and get yourself or your loved ones the right help. Start your recovery with professional treatment today.
