With much of the focus in the media on opiate addiction, some drugs seem less harmful or not as well-known. Yet, codeine is a pharmaceutical listed as an opiate, so the potential for abuse is powerful. It may be surprising to learn that codeine cough syrup is a narcotic like the others you hear about. The following information answers the question of “How harmful is codeine cough syrup abuse?”
It was created in 1832 by French chemist Pierre Robiquet and used as a pain soother. Like other opium-based drugs, codeine comes from the opium poppy plant. It is sometimes combined with other drugs. These include pain relievers, muscle relaxers, and decongestants. The problem is that some of these combinations are dangerous. For instance, the combination of muscle relaxers and codeine may cause respiratory arrest.
Perhaps surprisingly, codeine comes from morphine and is a sleep-inducing analgesic. As mentioned above, codeine falls under the umbrella of opiates, which also include heroin and oxycodone.
Some may be under the impression that codeine is harmless since it comes in a cough syrup. There is even a slang term for mixing codeine cough syrup with soft drinks. This “purple drank” shows up in songs by artists like Lil’ Wayne.
Unfortunately, codeine is far from safe. This is why it is important to always follow the guidelines of the prescription.
Taken under doctor’s orders, codeine cough syrup helps the patient with sleeplessness, suppresses a cough, and provides relaxation. The codeine found in cough syrup is not as powerful as other forms of morphine, but the effects are a subtle reminder that it is an opiate. Codeine comes with the same risks as other narcotics.
There are short-term effects, long-term effects, and high-dosage effects of codeine cough syrup use.
The short-term effects include apathy, euphoria, relaxation, and drowsiness. These are the effects that are appropriate for correct use according to doctor’s orders.
There are negative short-term effects such as dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, rash, allergic skin reactions, confusion, drowsiness, and dysphoria (a state of dissatisfaction).
High doses of codeine cough syrup cause a few harmful side effects that are potentially dangerous. These include lowered blood pressure, lowered heart rate, and slowed breathing. These effects of respiratory depression can lead to even higher risks including respiratory collapse, loss of consciousness, and cardiac arrest.
Devastating effects from a decrease in oxygenated blood to various organ systems can lead to permanent organ damage or even death.
The effects from long-term use of codeine cough syrup are quite different. They include:
According to Very Well Mind:
Opiates work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, thus mimicking the effects of pain-relieving chemicals that are produced naturally. These drugs bind to opiate receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other locations in the body. By binding to these receptors, they block the perception of pain.
In layman’s terms, we have the same thing as opiates in our bodies that occur naturally. The problem is that our bodies do not produce enough natural opioids, which means that severe or chronic pain is still present. The opiate drugs activate these receptors.
These narcotics also target the brain’s reward center and flood it with dopamine. The wiring in our brains teaches us that when something important or pleasurable happens, it should be repeated. We are basically taught to do it over and over to achieve the same results, which is how many addictions form.
Like other opiates, codeine is highly addictive. How this works is that the user becomes tolerant to the drug and needs more to feel the same effects that they enjoy. With codeine cough syrup, it seems like a relatively harmless drug. It is sometimes easily obtained and legal, so some people find themselves abusing it without realizing that they are becoming tolerant. They simply enjoy how it makes them feel and continue to use it more than prescribed.
Along with the physical addiction to codeine cough syrup, there are other effects that are devastating. The social and lifestyle issues include the inability to work, financial problems, crime, relationship issues, lying, and emotional issues.
One of the first phases of treatment for codeine addiction is detoxification.
During this stage, the focus is on getting the substance out of the body and getting past any withdrawal symptoms that present themselves. With codeine, withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, but a detox program can help prevent or manage uncomfortable symptoms to ease the process.
After the detoxification process, rehab is a treatment means that provides support and therapy. This allows you or a loved one to be able to cope with ongoing symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome. This is also an area that helps the patient to understand their addiction and be able to form better coping mechanisms.
Aftercare is the third treatment phase that keeps you on the path of recovery.
Treatment for codeine cough syrup addiction doesn’t have to be frightening or intimidating. Professional treatment is a means to get the help you or your loved one needs to live a healthy life free from addiction. We tailor treatment plans for the individual to provide a better opportunity for success.
For those seeking care for codeine cough syrup addiction, contact us to discuss individualized care to fit you or your loved one’s unique needs.
