Are you aware of the harm that codeine can cause?
Many people are surprised to learn that codeine is associated with significant health risks. Because this substance is converted into morphine in the body, it can cause tolerance, dependence, poisoning, and death.
There have been 8,561 confirmed opioid deaths in the last four-and-a-half years in Arizona. Many more non-fatal opioid overdoses have been reported as well. Whether it’s oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, or codeine, opioids are at the root of increasing overdose deaths. Even though doctors are more aware of the risks of opioids, they are still prescribed often enough.
Codeine is often thought to be less potent than other types of opioids, but it can be just as easy to become dependent on the substance. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the cycle of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal. Let’s explore what codeine withdrawals are, the most common symptoms that people experience, and the expected timeline.
What Is Codeine Withdrawal?
Codeine withdrawal occurs when someone who has developed a physical dependence on the substance suddenly stops or reduces their intake. Codeine is an opioid, and like other opioids, withdrawal can be physically and psychologically taxing. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms depend on the length and amount of codeine used, as well as individual factors like age, metabolism, and underlying conditions.
While codeine withdrawal can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not life-threatening. However, there is always the potential for serious complications. This is why medical guidance is recommended, especially because the psychological effects and cravings of opioid withdrawal often linger longer than the physical effects.
Causes of Codeine Withdrawal
There are several reasons why codeine withdrawal happens. First is physical dependence. When the body adapts to the presence of codeine, it relies on the substance to feel normal. If codeine is suddenly removed, the body struggles to adjust. It then produces a number of side effects—agitation, anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, yawning—as it tries to regain balance without the substance.
The second cause of codeine withdrawal is tolerance development. As a person uses codeine regularly, they often develop tolerance, meaning they need to take higher doses to achieve the same pain relief or euphoric effects. This escalation in dosage further deepens physical dependence.
Lastly, abruptly stopping or reducing codeine can set off withdrawal symptoms. Going “cold turkey” can shock the system, leading to intense withdrawal symptoms. Even if someone doesn’t stop taking codeine entirely, a reduction in the system can still trigger withdrawal symptoms. This is why it’s often recommended to taper off the substance so that withdrawal symptoms are less intense and better managed.
Dependence vs Addiction
Dependence and addiction are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct terms with different meanings, especially in the context of opioid use. Both concepts relate to how the body and brain respond to codeine, but they refer to different aspects of this response.
Dependence refers to the body’s adaptation to a substance over time. When a person is dependent on codeine, it means their body has become accustomed to its presence. Stopping or reducing the dosage can result in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Physical dependence can happen even when a substance like codeine is used as prescribed. It’s also possible to be physically dependent but not exhibit any of the behavioral signs of opioid use disorder.
Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic, relapsing condition. Substance use disorder involves both physical dependence and psychological elements like compulsive use, cravings, loss of control, and behavioral signs. Treatment involves managing physical dependence and psychological aspects as opposed to just managing physical symptoms.
Most Common Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms
Codeine withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the level of dependence, dosage, and length of use. While withdrawal from codeine is uncomfortable, there are treatments available to ease the burden. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:
Digestive Problems
The gastrointestinal system is highly affected by opioid withdrawal, often leading to diarrhea and stomach cramps. It’s also common to experience nausea and vomiting as the body tries to adjust to not having codeine in its system. These symptoms typically improve within the first week.
Chills and Goosebumps
Opioids affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature and regain balance. As a result, people often experience chills and goosebumps during withdrawal, also called piloerection. Goosebumps are the body’s natural response to cold or stress, while cold sweats and chills occur because the body’s temperature regulation becomes erratic.
Sweating and Dehydration
Opioids suppress the nervous system, slowing down bodily functions, including the production of sweat. When codeine use is stopped, the nervous system rebounds, becoming hyperactive and overstimulated. This can lead to excessive sweating, and in turn, fluid loss and dehydration. Codeine withdrawal also affects temperature regulation and the stress response, which also increases sweat production.
Muscle Aches
As the nervous system becomes hyperactive, it can lead to increased muscle tension and sensitivity, causing pain and discomfort. It’s also common to experience rebound pain, meaning the body has become more sensitive to pain because the receptors are no longer activated. Additionally, being dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea can also cause muscle cramps and tension.
Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
The psychological withdrawal symptoms of codeine withdrawal can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms. Since codeine affects brain chemistry, particularly in areas related to mood, pleasure, and motivation, it struggles to gain rebalance when codeine use is stopped. Some of the most common psychological withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, mood swings, intensive cravings, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness and agitation.
Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline for Codeine
The timeline for codeine withdrawal symptoms varies depending on factors such as length of use, dosage, and individual physiology. However, the process typically follows a predictable pattern. Withdrawal symptoms develop within a few hours from the last dose, peak after a couple of days, and then taper off over the course of a week or more. Some psychological symptoms may last longer.
The Early Stage begins within 6-24 hours from the last dose. Symptoms are mostly physical and include sweating, runny nose, watery eyes, muscle aches, and yawning. This early stage is when the body first realizes that there is an absence of codeine. Since the central nervous system has been suppressed, it now shifts into overactive gear, resulting in these initial symptoms.
The Peak Stage happens around 48-72 hours from the last dose. Common symptoms include intense cravings, severe muscle aches and pains, and gastrointestinal problems. The symptoms are the result of an overactive nervous system and the body and brain entering full adjustment mode. It’s important to stay focused, as these symptoms will subside.
The Late Stage starts around day 4-7, and it’s when the worst of the physical symptoms begin to ease up. However, psychological symptoms like mood swings, depression, and cravings often linger. This happens because the body’s natural production of endorphins and neurotransmitters is still low, contributing to low mood and fatigue. Again, this will improve over time.
Codeine Detox
Codeine detox refers to the process of removing codeine from the body, typically under medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms are a natural part of the process, but they can be managed using the right medications.
The detox process typically begins with a medical assessment to evaluate the person’s history of codeine use and any co-occurring mental health or medical conditions. As withdrawal symptoms begin, medical professionals can provide medications to ease their intensity, such as clonidine, buprenorphine, methadone, anti-nausea medications, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Most people will follow a tapering schedule that involves gradually reducing the dose of codeine over a period of time. This gives the body more time to adjust and minimizes the severity of withdrawal symptoms. In addition to medical treatment, supportive care is also valuable and includes adequate hydration and nutrition, supportive staff, and a safe, calm environment.
Treatment for Codeine Addiction in Prescott, AZ
Codeine addiction treatment goes beyond detox, as this only addresses the physical components. To fully recover from codeine dependence, most people benefit from counseling and long-term rehabilitation. Opioid use disorders respond well to behavioral therapies, support groups and peer support, alternative and holistic therapies, and family therapy. It’s also important to treat co-occurring mental health disorders at the same time.
Since codeine isn’t as strong as hydrocodone or oxycodone, and it can be prescribed by a doctor, some people have the illusion that it’s a safe substance. However, codeine is still an opioid that is converted into morphine in the body. Therefore, it is possible to become physically and psychologically dependent on the substance, which requires comprehensive treatment and support services. The sooner you seek them, the better chances you have of making a full recovery with less destruction to your personal life.
Wolf Creek Recovery is here for you when you are ready. We have a residential and outpatient program that offers complete care in the form of evidence-based and alternative therapies. Our staff is also in recovery, and we have a lot of fun together in outdoor therapy, enjoying activities like basketball, pickleball, and hiking. Don’t just start recovery because you have to—invest in yourself and build a life you love! To start your recovery from codeine use, contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202.
FAQs About Codeine Withdrawals
What are codeine withdrawals?
Codeine withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when someone who has become dependent on codeine suddenly stops or reduces their dose. Codeine is an opioid, and like other opioids, it can lead to dependence over time.
Why do codeine withdrawals happen?
Codeine withdrawals happen for several reasons. First, the brain and body have come to rely on codeine to maintain balance. When the substance is stopped or reduced, it causes disruption in the brain’s opioid receptors and an imbalance in the nervous system. Also, abruptly stopping codeine use causes withdrawal symptoms to be more intense.
What are the main symptoms of codeine withdrawal?
The most common codeine withdrawal symptoms include sweating, restlessness, anxiety, muscle aches, yawning, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, runny nose, intense cravings, and insomnia.
How long do withdrawal symptoms last?
Physical withdrawal symptoms typically last about one week before easing up. Psychological symptoms tend to last longer, sometimes for months or even years until the brain begins to produce its own endorphins and neurotransmitters.
