The opioid medication codeine is commonly prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain levels. With a prescription, the medication can be safe but a person who abuses it can create a bigger challenge. Tylenol is one of those commonly used medications yet it can cause great harm to some people’s lives. Addiction can occur when someone seeks out the drugs, has cravings and experiences withdrawal as a result of quitting codeine. Learn some of the signs a loved one may be struggling with addiction to codeine and how to offer support.
Supply Chain
When a person is addicted to drugs, they will do absolutely anything to keep the addiction going. They may hide pills or cough syrup. They may hoard drugs or steal. They may even pretend to be sick to get more of the drug. While many states have laws to prevent people from getting drugs from too many doctors outside of their usual prescription, many people try to doctor shop anyways to get drugs. A black market is a place they may also turn for drugs.
Drug Causes Problems
Substance abuse can aggravate physical and mental health issues. When a person is addicted to codeine, they may use it in spite of the harm being caused. Acetaminophen in Tylenol #3 and #4 may cause liver damage if abused. People who overconsume this drug, regardless of addiction, have reported this issue in past years. Depression and anxiety may also drive people to take opioids. Perhaps they have headaches or just don’t feel well so they take Tylenol and codeine-laced products, which is another way to self-medicate and make things worse. The issue becomes, then, how a person is going to get off the drug when they are having a relationship, work, and even legal trouble over the use of the drug.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person takes codeine on a regular basis, it may cause a person to become physically dependent on the medication. The body becomes reliant on the chemical influences of this drug to function. When they quit codeine, or the dosage is reduced, they may experience withdrawal. This may include:
- Runny nose
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating
- Teary eyes
- Nausea or vomiting
Other symptoms may pop up as well that can make a person uncomfortable but should not put them in harm’s way. They may be at risk more if they drink alcohol or use other substances along with this drug.
Treatment Options
A person who is seeking treatment for codeine addiction may need to seek two stages of treatment, including medical detox and rehab. Detox is the first step in the process. Opioids can be severe when it comes to drug withdrawal but they are supported in a safe detox environment for inpatient drug rehab. Effective treatment programs begin with self-treating with codeine. Treating these conditions will reduce the likelihood a person relapses due to self-medicating. When a person is seeking treatment, clinicians may administer non-addictive alternatives for pain relief, including holistic treatments like massage or acupuncture. People who struggle with anxiety, depression, or mental health issues may receive dual diagnosis care. success depends on treating substance use, mental health, and physical health all at once. This is the winning combination for people in recovery from codeine abuse or misuse.
Oceanfront helps you tackle difficult issues like codeine abuse, substance abuse, and mental health issues. We are here to support you with a top-notch clinical team ready to serve your needs. We are located in beautiful Laguna Beach. Call us to find out how we can help you navigate addiction recovery: 888-981-4295
