Codeine is the most widely used opiate in the world, and is usually prescribed for the management of mild pain or cough suppression. It typically comes in tablet form, although it’s also a very common ingredient in all kinds of cough syrups, and is available over the counter in many countries. Tablets often contain a combination of codeine and some other commonly used non-opioid pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

While opiates are chosen for their powerful pain relief abilities, they’re also highly addictive, meaning that, should you take more than the prescribed dose or continue to take them for an extended period of time, you run the risk of developing a dependency on them. Dependence is also possible if you take codeine more often than prescribed, or for a longer period than originally intended.

Becoming addicted to codeine

Addiction to codeine usually begins with an increased tolerance to the drug, meaning that while the user may initially get relief from their pain or coughing with perhaps a 15 milligrams dose, they may choose to increase that dose when the drug stops being as effective. This is a common occurrence with opiate painkillers, and the higher the dosage used, the greater the likelihood of developing an addiction when the drug is used for an extended period of time.

Typical codeine addiction symptoms

If you develop an addiction to codeine you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• nausea and vomiting
• difficulty in breathing
• drowsiness
• a sedated appearance
• stomach pain and constipation
• itchy skin
• confusion and inability to operate large equipment safely
• seizures (in heavy users)

If an overdose of codeine is taken, the signs will include loss of consciousness, shallow, slow breathing combined with a slow heartbeat and cold, clammy skin.

Seeking professional help for codeine addiction

If you (or a loved one) has developed an addiction to codeine which is having a serious impact on your life, professional intervention and treatment is usually required. As an inpatient at a rehab center, you will be able to go through detoxification safely, and your withdrawal symptoms will be dealt with by experienced medical staff who will assist and support you every step of the way.

You will also be given the opportunity to take part in social detox and training through the use of counseling and group therapy so that you can learn to handle patterns and situations that may trigger abusive behavior, and develop strategies and methods to help correct these patterns.

The detox and withdrawal phases

Taking codeine for extended periods of time means that you may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug. The symptoms experienced during a codeine detox usually come in two phases, with the first phase occurring within a few hours of your last dose.

Early withdrawal symptoms include:

• agitation and anxiety
• insomnia
• watering of eyes and runny nose
• sweats
• aching muscles

Further symptoms occur as your body gets used to life without codeine and include:

• diarrhea and stomach cramps
• nausea and vomiting
• dilated pupils
• goosebumps

The symptoms tend to be a reversal of the side effects associated with regular codeine use.

What you can expect from our holistic, inpatient treatment

Here at Luxury Beach Rehab, we offer a completely personalized codeine addiction recovery program, which was been customized according to your codeine abuse history. As one of the best inpatient codeine rehab centers in Florida, we also take into account your physical status and health, and closely monitor your treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness and comfort during the detox phase. We offer not just a medical detox, but include softer forms of cleansing, such as physical therapy, adjustments to diet, exercise programs and recreational facilities to ensure a gentle and yet effective detoxification.