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Codeine Detox and Withdrawal

Codeine is an opiate related to morphine and heroin and is used to treat mild to severe pain. It is also used as a cough suppressant and for the relief of diarrhea. Codeine is almost inactive in its natural state and needs to be converted into morphine by the body through the enzyme known as CYP2D6, which is found in the liver. This process must occur before codeine can be an effective painkiller. In accordance with the Drug Enforcement Administration, codeine is the most commonly used naturally occurring narcotic in clinical treatment.
“The state of being high can begin in as little as seven minutes after taking the drug.”
Codeine can be administered either subcutaneously, intramuscularly, as an enema or orally. Once codeine is converted into morphine, a feeling of euphoria is created. The drug does not literally kill the source of pain; rather, it creates a feeling of joy and comfort as it attaches to the pain receptors in the brain. This feeling can be addictive; thus, codeine detox centers have been established to help those who abuse the drug. The state of being high can begin in as little as seven minutes after taking the drug. When higher doses are consumed, this feeling can last up to three to four hours. Some feel the need to take higher doses for the effects to last longer, leading to drug dependence and abuse.

If you or someone you know is searching for a reputable codeine detox center, call us now at , and we will help you find a trusted facility near you.

Factoid:

Opium was believed to be used in as early as 1500 BC by early Egyptians and Greeks for both social and medicinal purposes.

Signs of Codeine Addiction

Codeine, as with any other opiates, is one of the most abused substances in the market. A person can develop physical and mental dependence and tolerance to codeine with prolonged use, which may lead to addiction. Denial of codeine addiction is very common. There are physical and behavioral signs that can help determine if a person is suffering from codeine addiction. Physical signs of addiction include:

  • Shallow breathing
  • Tiny pupils and blurred vision
  • Lowered heart rate and blood pressure
  • Stomach bleeding
  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Sexual problems and decreased libido
  • Hallucinations

Behavioral signs of codeine addiction include:

  • Increased intake of codeine even without medical approval
  • Continued use of the drug even after pain has been resolved
  • Becoming aloof to family and friends
  • Being preoccupied with finding ways to get the drug
  • Getting angry, anxious and agitated in the absence of the drug

If you have observed anyone exhibiting these signs, encourage them to seek addiction treatment. If you need help for yourself or a loved one, feel free to contact us at to speak with our expert advisors about finding the nearest codeine detox center in your area.

Factoid:

Pierre-Jean Robiquet discovered codeine and gave its name in 1832 after isolating this active element from crude drugs.

Symptoms of Codeine Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms normally occur when the use of codeine is stopped. Runny nose, headaches, fever, dehydration, weakness, irregular heartbeat, muscle twitching, nausea, vomiting, insomnia and frequent yawning may be experienced during withdrawal. The worst effects may prolong for a few days.
“Withdrawal symptoms normally occur when the use of codeine is stopped.”
If you know someone who needs help getting through the withdrawal process, call today for assistance.

Factoid:

Statistics show that about two-thirds of people abusing codeine were abused during their childhood.

Withdrawal Treatment Facilities

Drug rehab centers are always willing to accept addicts seeking help. These codeine detox centers have trained professionals utilizing proven methods to help an addict achieve recovery. The road to getting well can be a challenging journey, but the support of the medical staff will help patients to get through their challenges successfully. These centers provide a haven for recovering addicts where medical and psychological support is available to help them regain a drug-free life.

Some codeine detox centers apply the Waismann method of rapid detox. This is a medical procedure that shortens the elimination of opiates in the body, from months to a couple of hours. In this method, patients are sedated while codeine is cleansed from their bodies. This procedure is performed by certified doctors and anesthesiologists and lasts only for just over an hour. A person who has successfully undergone this procedure wakes up without an awareness of the withdrawal symptoms that have taken place. Going through this method may help an addict regain his or her normal life in just a short span of time, but it is not possible for all codeine addicts.

Find Drug Detox Help Today

Though the withdrawal method clears the body of codeine, a person may still seek the high that codeine brings. It is then necessary that a person continues to undergo psychiatric therapy to help with his or her recovery. As with any other addiction, codeine addiction requires the provision of support from family and friends to help a recovering addict maintain a drug-free life.

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