Although codeine can reduce your discomfort, it has the potential to become a routine. Codeine is a highly addictive drug. Consequently, it's crucial that you only use it as directed. Never take excess more frequently than your doctor has prescribed. Addiction is very likely. And if you use too much codeine, death is very much on the cards.

Your physician probably has the best answers if you have any worries before taking a new drug. Tell your personal physician about any prior cases of addiction in your family. Also, your doctor needs to know if you are already on any prescriptions so that they can make an informed decision on its compatibility with codeine.

Every year, new people become hooked on drugs or alcohol. Around twenty million people in the United States are addicted to one or more substances. Nicotine (cigarettes), heroin, prescription medications, cocaine, alcohol, and painkillers are all common suspects.

Codeine is a natural opiate substance generated from the opium poppy sap. When it enters the human body, it is metabolized into morphine, another opioid substance. Morphine has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Codeine, like many other misused drugs, is designed for the good goal of relieving pain and suppressing cough, yet it is widely abused over the world.

Codeine is the most often used ingredient in cough medicines. Although codeine is safe in tiny amounts, it is extremely deadly when ingested in high numbers. In fact, consuming excessive amounts of codeine has the same danger as consuming morphine or heroin. The fact that cough drops are advertised as over-the-counter does not make them any less of an opioid. Opioids are considered to be highly addictive, and when overused, they can cause dizziness, memory loss, seizures, and hallucinations.

When you take a substance repeatedly, you begin to develop a tolerance for it. It's the same with other misused drugs like alcohol and marijuana. So, for those who take cough treatments frequently, you are inadvertently raising your threshold for them. After a while, the typical dosage becomes useless until you increase it, which is how addiction begins.

Codeine abuse can be fatal if you disregard competent medical advice and take more of the substance than is recommended.

Codeine Abuse

The probability of addiction increases with sustained drug use, and codeine is no exception. Codeine has been identified as one of the most addictive opioids in the United States. If you continue snorting codeine, you are at a high risk of developing an opioid use problem. Codeine and other pain relievers can cause physical and psychological dependence. Codeine users may feel it is the only option to alleviate their excruciating suffering. Codeine and codeine combinations can generate the following addiction symptoms. Codeine will always be on your mind; you won't be able to stop talking or thinking about it. When a person is physically dependent on codeine, discontinuing ingestion may result in withdrawal.

Side Effects of Codeine Abuse

When the pill is snorted instead of swallowed, it bypasses many digestive processes. The medicine is absorbed fairly instantly by the body. Abusing codeine has a lot of negative consequences. Misuse of codeine can result in blood pressure changes, fatigue, lethargy, nausea, constipation, disorientation, hazy vision, and spasms.

While someone addicted to codeine may want the drug's euphoric and tranquil effects, they are at a higher risk of overdosing and having major side effects. These dangers arise from the medicine entering the body in dangerous quantities.

Withdrawal Can Be Tough

Codeine withdrawal symptoms can be excruciating, especially if the person has been snorting it for a long time. A medical detox plan might make the withdrawal process more tolerable. Rather than discontinuing suddenly, these programs help you overcome withdrawal symptoms and reduce the probability of recurrence.

Naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine are some of the medications used to treat opiate use disorders. These medications are paired with behavioral treatment and peer support to address the concerns of addiction and withdrawal.

Codeine withdrawal symptoms can be felt on both a bodily and emotional basis. Snorting codeine may result in more severe withdrawal symptoms than using it as directed. After a while, codeine reduces brain activity and pain signals. The brain may take the longest to acclimatize to life without codeine. Among withdrawal symptoms are persistent, raised blood pressure, muscle and joint stiffness, chills, and cold flashes.

Can a Codeine Overdose Lead to Irreparable Damage?

Yes, the oxygen deprivation caused by an opiate overdose can lead to irreversible harm. Airway obstruction is what drives this.

Even though codeine is thought to be less strong than other opiates, taking too much of it can be fatal. This is particularly true when mixed with other intoxicating substances.

A codeine overdose can result in permanent brain damage. Seek emergency medical treatment if you have taken too much codeine. It is best if you obtain medical care as soon as possible.

Conclusion

While codeine can reduce pain, it comes with risks due to its addictive nature. The group of medications known as opioids includes codeine. Drugs with painkiller characteristics can be found in natural, semi-natural, and synthetic forms. According to countless research studies, over 120 persons in the United States pass away daily due to opioid overdoses, including codeine.

You risk overdosing if you use codeine excessively or more frequently than recommended. Take codeine only as prescribed by your physician.

Call for emergency medical assistance as soon as possible if you think you are at risk of an opioid death. The poison control hotline number is 1-800-222-1222. In case of emergency, dial 911 to contact emergency assistance.