Codeine

What is codeine addiction?
Common side effects
Treating codeine addiction
Detox

What is codeine addiction?

Codeine is a prescription drug used to treat mild to moderate pain, it’s most common in tablet form but can also be found in a liquid. If you’re reading this page right now, you will know the use of codeine usually starts out innocently with a prescription.

But because codeine is more commonly prescribed than other opiates i.e. morphine or OxyContin (which are considered more dangerous) abusing codeine is relatively easy.

Common side effects of codeine

Codeine has a similar effect to morphine which can make you feel relaxed, but can also have effects which might make you feel drowsy, nauseous, confused, constipated and also itchy especially if you’ve taken a large amount. As with any prescribed medication they can come with physical and mental health risks.

Common side effects could include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Low blood pressure
  • Abnormal breathing

If you are using codeine regularly and now have a dependency to it, cutting down or stopping the drug will possibly cause withdrawal symptoms which could include:

  • Restlessness
  • Cramps or muscle spasms in stomach
  • Goosebumps
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Lack of sleep

Treating codeine addiction

We recognise the severity of the issue when it comes to codeine addiction, which is why we have our detox and therapy programmes to help the needs of each individual every step of the way. Our expert recovery team will help guide you whilst offering all the support you need to continue the journey to recovery.

Through counselling, regular exercise and a nutritious diet, our expert recovery team will get you back to feeling 100% physically and mentally. Our program is designed to minimise the withdrawals you will experience and to provide you with all the tools for long-term sobriety.

Detox

The treatment we offer at Steps Together begins with a detox process, which allows the drug to leave your body. During this period you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. Although these symptoms are not usually life-threatening, there may be some discomfort experienced during this time.

Everyone’s detox will vary, but our expert clinical team will help build a tapered detox based on your current dose and circumstances.