In 2021, an estimated 2.5 million U.S. adults had opioid use disorder (OUD) in the past year, yet only 1 in 5 received medications to treat it.
While it can be scary to admit that you or a loved one might be experiencing OUD, it’s important to recognize the signs so that you can seek help early on. Medications for OUD are safe and effective, helping to sustain recovery and prevent overdose deaths. Since many OUDs start with a legitimate prescription for codeine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone, it’s important for people to know that there is help for them if they do become dependent.
Despite the concerns, opioids like codeine are prescribed regularly. Sadly, more than five people a day died from opioid overdose in 2023. Another 11 people a day experienced non-fatal opioid overdoses, and there were roughly 22,000 emergency and inpatient visits involved in suspected overdoses. While a lot of the focus is on synthetic opioids like fentanyl, the reality is that these numbers include all types of opioids, including codeine.
Wolf Creek Recovery is here to help individuals experiencing opioid use disorder reclaim their lives. Let’s explore the side effects of codeine addiction and how to support your or your loved one’s journey to recovery.
Codeine Side Effects Over Time
Prolonged use of codeine, even when taken as prescribed, can lead to severe physical, psychological, and social consequences, including dependency and health deterioration. Recognizing the signs of codeine use early on allows you to break the cycle and get help for yourself or your loved one. Without intervention, the side effects of codeine can become worse over time, leading to significant harm.
Short-Term Side Effects of Codeine Use
While codeine is commonly used to relieve pain, suppress coughing, and manage mild to moderate discomfort, even its short-term use can lead to a wide range of short-term side effects, such as drowsiness and fatigue, slowed breathing, and constipation. These symptoms occur because codeine is an opioid that depresses functions in the body, slowing down brain, gut, and respiratory function. Most short-term side effects are mild and manageable.
Long-Term Side Effects of Codeine Use
Using codeine for an extended length of time can result in a number of complications. These consequences extend beyond personal well-being, affecting relationships, work performance, and finances. The most concerning long-term side effects of codeine use are respiratory problems, liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, weakened immune system, and mental health problems. As tolerance builds, individuals often consume higher doses, which can also raise the risk of overdose.
How Codeine Affects the Mind and Body
Codeine binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. This provides effective relief from mild to moderate pain, allowing individuals to focus on recovery. However, codeine also triggers the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain, causing feelings of euphoria and relaxation. This pleasurable sensation can lead to repeated use and increase the risk of opioid use disorder.
As codeine binds to opioid receptors, it slows down the central nervous system, depresses the brain’s respiratory center, and slows the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, causing drowsiness and fatigue, slowed breathing, and constipation, respectively. Codeine can also dilate the blood vessels, leading to low blood pressure and dizziness, as well as disrupt hormone levels. The substance also stimulates histamine release, which can cause itching or skin irritation.
Another way that codeine affects the body is by making pain worse over time. A growing body of evidence shows that using opioids longer term and in higher doses can actually make pain worse, a phenomenon called opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). This happens because when opioids are taken for a long time, the body tries to overcome the blocked pain signals by activating other pain signals and pathways. This makes you more sensitive to pain.
Behavioral Signs of Codeine Use
- Increased secrecy or concealment
- Changes in social behavior
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Doctor shopping or prescription manipulation
- Unexpected financial difficulties
- Mood swings and irritability
- Preoccupation with obtaining and using codeine
- Compulsive use despite negative consequences
- Inability to reduce or quit
Physical Signs of Codeine Use
- Persistent drowsiness and fatigue
- Constricted pupils (miosis)
- Chronic constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness and tremors
- Itching and skin irritation
- Weight changes
- Chronic respiratory infections
- Physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Psychological Signs of Use
- Intense cravings for codeine
- Inability to stop using
- Mood swings and irritability
- Depression and anxiety
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Emotional numbness and apathy
- Paranoid and suspicious thinking
- Memory issues and cognitive impairment
- Increased risk-taking behavior
- Trouble coping without codeine
Treatment for Codeine Addiction in Prescott, AZ
Detox often comes first when seeking treatment for codeine addiction. It’s important that codeine and any other substances are removed from the body so that it can stabilize and you can better focus on recovery. Because codeine withdrawal can be uncomfortable, it’s recommended to detox under medical supervision. A team of doctors and other medical staff will provide you with comfort care and medications to help you through this process.
As you continue your treatment journey, you’ll move onto a structured rehabilitation program, which is typically a residential, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient program. In this setting, you will receive access to a wide range of therapies and support services such as individual and group therapy, family counseling, peer support, medication-assisted treatment, relapse prevention, and aftercare.
Recovering from codeine use is not something that happens overnight. However, the path to recovery becomes clearer when you receive the right support. A comprehensive approach is essential, as this ensures you address any and all factors that could be contributing to your codeine use. The good news is that early intervention can prevent future health complications, including overdose.
If you or a loved one is misusing codeine and unsure of how to stop, Wolf Creek Recovery can help. We offer a warm, welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and supported. Our staff is in recovery as well, creating a mutually-rewarding setting where we cheer each other on, support one another through difficult times, and celebrate our successes—big or small. We also make time for outdoor activities, reminding us that fun exists outside of substances. Contact Wolf Creek today at 833-732-8202 to start your healing journey. Build a life you love.
FAQs About the Side Effects of Codeine
What is codeine used to treat?
Codeine is an opioid medication prescribed to relieve mild to moderate pain, usually following a surgical procedure or injury. It may also be used for cough suppression, diarrhea management, or migraine and tension headache relief. However, codeine is not suitable for long-term pain management.
How does codeine affect the mind and body?
Codeine binds to opioid receptors in the brain. This decreases pain signals, but it also slows down bodily functions, leading to slowed breathing, constipation, and sedation. Codeine also releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical that produces feelings of euphoria. This is what contributes to the repeated use of the substance.
What are the main side effects of codeine?
The main side effects of codeine are fatigue, drowsiness, constricted pupils, constipation, slowed breathing, itching, mood swings, and memory problems. Short-term effects are usually mild and manageable. Over time, these side effects can worsen and lead to complications like bowel obstruction, respiratory depression, mental health disorders, and cognitive impairment.
Can you overdose on codeine?
Yes, in large doses, it is possible to take more codeine than your body can handle. When this happens, your breathing can slow to dangerous levels. It’s also important to note that many forms of codeine also contain acetaminophen, which can lead to severe liver damage.
