If you have ever had a cough or experienced chronic pain, you have probably heard of codeine. Codeine is a type of medication that is used to treat pain. It is also commonly found in cough syrup. ^[1] Though it is milder than other drugs in its class, codeine is an opiate. To some degree, all opiates, such as heroin and morphine, relieve pain, and can produce feelings of euphoria. Even though codeine is not as potent as morphine, consuming more than prescribed or for prolonged periods of time can still lead to addiction and overdose. If you or a loved one is suffering from codeine addiction, continue reading to learn more about this drug as well as codeine addiction treatment options in California.

The Truth About Codeine Addiction

In recent years, the rate of opioid addiction has increased significantly. While codeine may seem harmless since it is less potent and prescribed often, it should not be taken any less seriously as an opiate. Codeine can produce the same effects as other opiates and its users often build a tolerance to it quite quickly. This can lead to codeine users taking more than prescribed and seeking other opiates for pain relief. In fact, 94% of respondents in a survey of people in treatment for heroin addiction say they turned to heroin after their prescription opiates became too expensive and difficult to obtain. ^[2]

Codeine is also frequently mixed with other drugs and alcohol, making it particularly dangerous. Opiates depress the central nervous system, which is part of what makes them so dangerous. ^[3] When mixed with other substances that depress the central nervous system, an overdose becomes even more likely. A study in Australia found that 83% of deaths from Codeine overdose included mixed drug toxicity. ^[4]

Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly popular among artists and musicians to glorify mixing codeine with soft drinks and alcohol to get high. The drink is commonly called ‘lean’ because of its effect on the body. The drink causes users to go into a sedated state and produces a feeling of euphoria. It can also dizziness, nausea, hallucinations, seizures, overdose, and death.^[5] In fact, several artists have spoken publicly about their health issues caused by codeine use. Rapper, Lil Wayne was even hospitalized after having seizures related to overdosing on codeine

What Are the Signs You Need Codeine Addiction Treatment?

If you suspect a loved one may have an addiction to codeine, below are some signs of codeine addiction to look for:

Nausea
Drowsiness
Moodswings
Itching
Constipation
Decreased appetite

Many people who abuse codeine believe that they can quit using on their own and without support. But the truth is, that codeine, like any other opiate, is highly addictive and can cause uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms of withdrawal. For those reasons, it is important to rely on the help and support of an experienced codeine addiction treatment center to help you overcome your addiction.

How Should Addiction to Codeine Be Treated?

1. Medical Detox for Codeine

Since withdrawal from opiates is deeply uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous, it is vital to detox in a medical facility. A professional team will be able to monitor you around the clock and keep you as comfortable as possible

2. Codeine Rehabilitation

Once your body has been rid of the drug, you will have a clear mind and be ready to take on sobriety. With the help of your care team, you will learn how to avoid relapse and live a long, sober life.

Get Help for Codeine Addiction Today

If you are ready to kick your addiction to codeine once and for all, Ocean Hills Recovery can help. Our codeine addiction treatment center in California has everything you need to safely detox and finally recover from your codeine addiction. Contact us today to get started.

Sources:

^[1] https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d03357a1

^[2] https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf

^[3] https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf

^[4] https://www.nps.org.au/news/codeine-related-deaths-a-cause-for-concern

^[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-lean#short-term-effects

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How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

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How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.