Codeine Abuse

Codeine is a member of the opiate family, used to treat pain, diarrhea and chronic coughs. It has the potential to be abused and cause dependence and addiction. Repeated or prolonged use can cause patients to build up a tolerance which often leads them to increase the dosage they take to feel effects. Most people begin taking codeine after receiving a prescription for a medical reason. Some recreational users take codeine for the euphoric effects. Codeine abuse could include altering the dose, taking it for unintended reasons and repeated, chronic use despite potential negative consequences. Potentially-addictive drugs such as codeine activate the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Patients may begin to “chase” the rewarding or pleasurable feelings, causing them to crave the drug more and more. Powerful psychological and physiological cravings are indicative of  a drug dependency.

Codeine Abuse Can Lead to Health Problems and Addiction

The abuse of codeine and other opiates can lead to many physical problems including stomach bleeding, liver and kidney damage, changes in the way the central nervous system operates, prolonged constipation, blurred vision, lowered heart rate, lowered blood pressure, depression, convulsions, hallucinations, sexual problems, disorientation, breathing problems and seizures. Abuse can also lead to a physical addiction which is characterized by the often-painful withdrawal symptoms that set in once use is stopped abruptly or gradually tapered.

How Do You Know if Someone is Abusing or Addicted to Codeine?

Codeine is thought to be one of the most widely prescribed opiates in its class. Consistent use of this drug, even over a relatively short period of time, can lead to addiction. This can even happen with patients who are taking the drug exactly as prescribed. Examples of codeine abuse include: taking the drug after the medical condition clears, increasing the dose without a doctor’s approval, taking it more often than recommended or taking it in conjunction with other substances to increase the potency. Signs of abuse and addiction can include a mental preoccupation with obtaining and consuming the drug. Others may falsify prescriptions or shop around for different doctors to secure more than one supply.

Opiate-Free Treatment Available for Codeine Abuse and Addiction

Codeine abuse and addiction are treatable conditions. The Waismann Method of Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is a pioneering medical procedure that rids patients of opiates in a matter of hours. The procedure is performed in a fully-accredited hospital while patients are under sedation. Patients sleep lightly under anesthesia for just over an hour while codeine is cleansed from their opiate receptors. This is administered by our doctors, two board-certified anesthesiologists. For more than a decade, these medical experts have performed the Waismann Method successfully on thousands of patients. The withdrawal phase is accelerated so patients awake without awareness of symptoms they experienced. Our treatment is completely opiate-free, meaning we don’t use opiate substitutes to treat opiate addiction. You probably don’t have weeks or months to spend in detox. The Waismann Method can get you back on your feet safely and quickly.

Get Help with Codeine Addiction Now

Call us today to discuss how the Waismann Method can free you from your Codeine dependency and get your life back.

• Call (310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673) during business hours. for more information about rapid detox treatment for prescription drug addiction
• After-hours and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
• send us a confidential email.