Codeine may not be a drug that most people would associate with addiction. But codeine is an opioid drug with many similarities to morphine. It is derived from the poppy plant, just like other opioids. Codeine tends to be prescribed for milder pain management as opposed to more potent narcotics meant for more severe pain management. Codeine works like other opioids to bind with opioid receptors and affect the central nervous system, plus it creates a euphoric effect. It is the euphoria that can cause addiction as people keep coming back for more of the drug to achieve this desired effect.
Call The Right Step’s team at 17135283709 for more information on the side effects of codeine use and what an opioid rehab in Texas can be like. You can also reach out to us online.
Recognizing Codeine Side Effects
Codeine is often added to cough medicines and paired with acetaminophen to make pain relief more effective. The problem is that, like any opioid drug, codeine can become addictive. Recognizing the signs can be the first step to getting someone the help they need.
Physical signs that you or a loved one may be at risk of dependence on codeine include:
- Trouble breathing
- Lethargy and sleeping more than needed
- Slurring and trouble speaking
- Clammy skin
- Slow pulse
- Dilated pupils
- Bluish tint to extremities like nails and lips
- A state of unconsciousness
An opioid overdose can lead to respiratory failure. So, recognizing signs of drug abuse is critical. Look for signs like mood swings, lying, stealing, doctor shopping, and becoming increasingly isolated.
What Makes Opioid Rehab Effective?
When addiction sets in, professional help is needed. The first step is usually a medically supervised detox to rid your body of the drug in a safe and supervised therapeutic environment and manage withdrawal symptoms.
After detox is complete, a residential or outpatient program can be started, depending on the severity of the addiction. Most people who avoid getting help for their dependence worry that they cannot function without their drug of choice. Treatment and the therapies used will help clients understand and learn how to live a healthier and equally—if not more—productive life without drugs.
Since pain management is why most people take an opioid like codeine, pain management will also be a focus of addiction treatment. The difference is that you will learn to manage pain without a dependence on drugs. Therapeutic modalities for pain management can include:
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic
- Yoga
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Equine therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DB
It’s essential to take these new approaches with you and put them into place once you leave treatment so that you can maintain your sobriety and also continue to manage your pain in a healthier way.
Connect with The Right Step and Start Opioid Rehab in Texas Today
If you or a loved one are at risk of codeine addiction, professional help is just a phone call away. Do not let more severe physical and mental health problems develop as a result of ignoring or not being familiar with the warning signs of addiction and misuse. The more any drug is used, the more of a tolerance can be built up. This means larger doses need to be taken to feel the effects of the drug. This is a clear sign that an unhealthy dependence on the drug has developed. Codeine addiction is severe and should be treated as such.
Contact The Right Step today at 17135283709 or online to learn more about treatment at one of our rehab locations across the United States. The Rooted Recovery Stories podcast can also be a great resource to hear from others who share your experience, have gone through treatment, and are currently in recovery.
