Codeine Warnings

Dangerous side effects, even death, can occur when codeine is combined with other substances that share the property of depressing the central nervous system.

Narcotic drugs including codeine can be taken safely and successfully for many patients but may present problems for some. It is a prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate pain. It has the potential to be habit-forming and carries stern warnings on the label in regard to use and possible dangers. Because of its addictive nature, codeine should not be prescribed to people who have become addicted to drugs or alcohol in the past. Warnings associated with opiate painkillers include tolerance, physical and psychological dependence, withdrawal and overdose. The medication should never be shared or stored in a place where anyone else has access to it. Codeine and other narcotics are subject to misuse, abuse, recreational use, theft and diversion for illicit means.

Specific Dangers Associated with Codeine Use

Dangerous side effects, even death, can occur when codeine is combined with other substances that share the property of depressing the central nervous system. Alcohol tops this list, along with other narcotics, sedatives, hypnotics and tranquilizers. Because of this, it’s important for people taking codeine to check all food and drug labels for signs of alcohol. Most people who develop prescription painkiller addiction don’t intend to. Taking an opiate drug for a prolonged time can cause patients to develop a tolerance to codeine, meaning the drug’s effects are diminished and patients must take increasingly larger doses to experience effects. This can lead to addiction quickly. Patients who stop taking codeine suddenly after extended use can experience very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, which could prove serious. These can include strong drug cravings, nausea, body aches and seizures.

In-Hospital Detox For Codeine Addiction Takes Less than Two Hours

Waismann Method knows the importance of safe use of opiates. We’ve treated thousands of people from around the world for codeine addiction and dependence on other opiates. Opiate addiction can be eliminated in less than two hours with our rapid opiate detox. Our program begins with in-hospital medical tests to determine whether there are any underlying medical issues at play. Detox is then performed by our professional medical staff and uses intravenous medicine to cleanse opiates from patients’ opiate receptors. Patients are resting lightly under general deep sedation during this procedure, which speeds up withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms, including strong cravings, vomiting, shaking and body pain, develop and pass while patients are sedated and they’re unaware they experienced it upon awakening. We ask that patients make a commitment to us for 3 to 6 days, which is much less time than most opiate detox facilities. Once patients have recovered and are discharged, they are able to return home, free from addiction. Some patients choose to transition in our Domus Retreat aftercare center where therapies include counseling, biofeedback, massage and relaxation.

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