DANGERS OF CODEINE USE

Codeine is a short-acting narcotic prescribed by physicians most often used for the treatment of pain relief. Codeine can be highly addictive and provides the user with an overall sense of calm and feelings of pleasure. When codeine is used it enters the brain and causes the release of neurotransmitters that stimulate the reward center of the brain, leaving the user feeling intense feelings of wellbeing and pleasure. This kind of pleasure can lead to both psychological and physical dependence.

Some individuals use Codeine for legitimate medical purposes, but over time develop an addiction problem. After prolonged use, an individual develops a tolerance for this substance and needs to take  more of the drug in order to feel the effects. Someone who is addicted to codeine can begin to feel symptoms of withdrawal if they go even a short time without using the substance.

Other individuals become addicted to codeine and begin to use it to manage other problems in their lives, such as emotional pain or stresses due to the euphoric feelings it causes. Many who become addicted to codeine will use it with other substances – polysubstance abuse – such as benzodiazepines or alcohol to increase the calming sense of wellbeing these substances cause. This can lead to major health risks such as respiratory depression and coma if taken in high quantities. Other people may take codeine with stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamines in order to reduce the severity of unwanted side effects of the stimulants. This combination of uppers and downers can lead to cardiovascular failure and myocardial infarction (Heart Attack).

As codeine is one of the less concentrated narcotics, individuals who develop an addiction to codeine may seek out more powerful prescriptions narcotics such as OxyContin so that they experience even greater feelings of euphoria. If prescription narcotics are not available, an individual may opt to use heroin (a morphine derivative and illegal narcotic) to achieve an even more powerful high.

CAUSES OF CODEINE ADDICTION

Addiction to codeine and other substances is thought to be a combination of a number of factors working together. These include:

Genetic: Individuals who have relatives – especially a parent – who are addicted to substances are more likely to develop an addiction problem later in life.

Brain Chemistry: Codeine works by interacting with the neurotransmitters in the brain. One theory is that individuals who abuse codeine do so in order to make up for a lack of the naturally-occurring neurotransmitter. Codeine may be used as a form of self-medication in order to make up for the deficiency.

Environmental Effects: Another hypothesis is that children who grew up in an unstable home environment may be exposed to drug abuse by watching their parents or older siblings use. Through modeling, they learn that drug abuse is an acceptable way of coping with emotional problems and stressful life events.

Psychological: Sometimes individuals who become addicted to substances such as codeine are self-medicating in order to deal with an untreated mental disorder. Codeine is used in an attempt to control unpleasant side effects of the underlying mental disorder.

CODEINE ABUSE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of codeine abuse will vary among users depending upon the amount used and the length of drug abuse. Symptoms of codeine abuse include:

Mood symptoms:

·         Euphoria

·         Calm

·         Depression

·         Anxiety

·         Mood swings

Behavioral symptoms:

·         Drowsiness

·         Increase in amount of sleeping time

·         Decreased appetite

·         Apathy

·         Increased hospital visits

·         Prescription forgery

·         Stealing prescriptions or opiates from friends and family

·         Lying to cover-up amount used

Physical symptoms:

·         Constipation

·         Blue tinge to lips and fingernails

·         Muscle twitches

·         Dizziness

·         Fainting

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Dry mouth

·         Itching

·         Rashes

·         Urinary retention

·         Hypotension

·         Seizure

·         Respiratory depression

·         Decreased libido

·         Seizures

EFFECTS OF WITHDRAWAL

Someone who is physically dependent upon codeine should not attempt to stop using without the supervision of a trained medical professional. The immediate cessation of codeine can cause a number of withdrawal effects. These effects may include:

·         Craving for the drug

·         Runny nose

·         Intense sweating

·         Chills

·         Goosebumps

·         Stomach cramps

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Spasms of the muscles

·         Agitation and irritability

·         Psychosis

·         Suicidal thoughts

·         Homicidal thoughts

·         Racing thoughts

·         Hallucinations

Constant use of Codeine is dangerous to health and should ONLY be used based on Doctors or a qualified medical practitioners orders.

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