When addiction recovery centers mention their treatment for opioid use disorders, they talk about fentanyl and heroin most. Those aren’t the only opioids people can become addicted to, though. Codeine was the third most misused prescription pain medication in the country in 2022.
At Wolf Creek Recovery, we have seen the damage opioids can do. We offer codeine addiction treatment because we have seen it save lives firsthand. Are you ready to leave codeine behind and build a life you love? Let’s talk about it.
What We Treat: Codeine Addiction and Its Root Causes
Codeine is an opioid often prescribed for mild to moderate pain. When you take codeine according to your doctor’s instructions, it’s perfectly safe and effective. You can run into trouble when you start taking more of it than your doctor recommended, or when you buy it illicitly through a drug dealer or via the dark web – then it becomes a slippery slope that can turn into a codeine use disorder.
At Wolf Creek, we’re here for you. We treat mental health conditions alongside opioid use disorders, so we’ll delve into the why behind your codeine use. That way, you can quit taking it for good.
Wolf Creek’s Approach to Codeine Addiction Treatment
We know achieving recovery is a journey, and we’ll be with you every step of the way as you progress through treatment. We’ll work together to create your individualized treatment plan, which will equip you with the exact tools you need to conquer your codeine use.
That includes offering a variety of evidence-based therapies, including trauma therapy, family therapy, and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. This promotes healing on every level.
At Wolf Creek, we understand where you’re coming from. Most of our staff is in recovery, too. We’ve been where you are, and we want you to join us on the other side of addiction. We’ll do everything it takes to help you get there.
Starting the Journey: Detox
Detox is the first step on the road to recovery. You’ll receive an assessment to determine the kind of treatment that will help you the most, and then we’ll connect you with one of our detox referral partners.
There, you’ll be watched over by skilled medical professionals as the codeine completely leaves your system. They’ll ensure you make it through the detox process safely and smoothly.
How Wolf Creek Is Better Than Traditional Residential and Outpatient Rehab
You might have heard of residential rehab and outpatient programs. Wolf Creek offers something a little different: our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) with housing. That means we provide supportive housing for you while you’re in treatment with us. You’ll come to our facility during the day for comprehensive therapy, then return to your temporary home at the end of the day. This gives you a safe environment like a residential program would, but still acts like an outpatient program, where you don’t have round-the-clock supervision. This can work especially well for those who need a place away from the triggers of home, or who are in search of new housing options while in treatment.
Understanding Codeine: What Causes Addiction?
Codeine is a pain medication, but it can also be used to help with coughs, which makes it helpful for colds, too. It comes in a tablet or syrup form, and is often paired with acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
That being said, it’s still an opioid, and it works the same way as other opioids. It changes the pain signals in your brain, and increases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for relaxation and happiness. That dopamine increase feels great, and is why people might be tempted to take codeine outside of its intended purposes.
Is My Loved One Misusing Codeine? Signs and Symptoms of Codeine Addiction
If you’re afraid someone you know might have a codeine addiction, otherwise known as a codeine use disorder, there are some signs that can provide some clarity.
People who have a codeine use disorder might:
- Take codeine in higher doses or for longer than their doctor intended
- Have a hard time cutting down on codeine
- Have trouble fulfilling obligations and participating in hobbies they used to enjoy
- Require higher doses of codeine to have the intended effects (tolerance)
- Crave codeine, and experience withdrawal symptoms when they don’t take it
- Make sure they always have codeine on hand, and panic when they don’t
When a Medication Becomes a Medical Condition: Short and Long-Term Effects of Codeine Addiction
There are a lot of side effects of codeine that people might experience immediately, and experiencing side effects doesn’t mean someone has a codeine use disorder. If the person you care about seems like they always have short-term symptoms, though, it might be cause for concern.
Unfortunately, codeine can have a large impact on people’s health long-term if they take it in ways they shouldn’t, too.
See the list below for codeine’s short-term and long-term effects.
Short-Term Impact
- Drowsiness
- Slow mental and physical performance
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
Long-Term Impact
- Insomnia
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Seizures
- Depression
- Anxiety
Get Help for Codeine Addiction in Prescott, AZ Today
If you or someone you care about is taking codeine outside of its intended purpose, it might be time to seek treatment for an opioid use disorder. Because codeine is a prescription, it can be easy to think it isn’t “that bad” compared to other opioids. But if you’re taking it against your doctor’s orders, or if you’re obtaining it in illegal ways, there is probably something deeper going on. Addiction may be a way for you to find relief from trauma, untreated mental health conditions, or life circumstances beyond your control. You don’t have to feel this way forever. With Wolf Creek’s help, starting with drug detox, you can conquer codeine addiction.
Wolf Creek Recovery is committed to meeting you where you are, providing treatment rooted in honesty, integrity, respect, and compassion. Let us empower you to build a life you love. Give us a call at 833-732-8202 today.
