Understanding the Effects of Codeine Drug Abuse

Codeine is a prescribed, short-acting narcotic which is commonly used as an analgesic in the treatment of pain for a patient. Overall, codeine is highly addictive even when used legitimately. Codeine drug abuse has a way of leaving the abuser with a sense of calm or euphoric feeling. The effect of this sense of calm has a tendency to make the abuser crave this feeling time and time again which can lead to the addiction. The abuser will start to use the codeine as a way to manage other issues that affect their daily lives such as emotional stress due to the sense of calm that they feel when they use it.

Typically people who abuse codeine will also abuse other drug in conjunction to intensify the effects on their system. The effect of combining these drugs can be devastating on a person’s body. It could present major health risks to the person as it can lead to respiratory depression, a heart attack or even a coma if a person ingests high doses. If you look at the data from a 2012 survey done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration you will see an increase from 2011 to 2012 of codeine abuse in the category of people who were 26 years and older. Mostly due to the abuse of prescription medication and the access they have to it. Codeine abuse has a variety of side effects that can impact a person abusing it in several different ways.

Physical Effects of Codeine Abuse:

• Nausea- this can also include vomiting or even lead to bleeding in the stomach
• Damage to your liver
• Damage to your kidney, also issues with urinary functions
• Seizures and/or tremors as it effects the performance of your brain
• Cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack or others
• Respiratory issues- these can lead to respiratory distress
• Coma or death

Psychological Effects:

Codeine abuse can damage your relationships.

• Difficulty or issues with a person’s cognitive functions
• You can become easily disoriented
• Increased mood swings and easily irritated
• You may begin to experience hallucinations
• Depression as you come down off that euphoric feeling
• Increased anxiety as the medication wears off

Social or Interpersonal Relationship Effects:

• You destroy relationships with your family and friends
• Your abuse can divide the family amongst each
• You lose interest in any type of family interactions
• You are completely withdrawn from any type of social gatherings

Codeine abuse has become increasing more common and is now second only to marijuana use or abuse. The drug, when used appropriately, is a very effective narcotic, which is used in the treatment of pain however, codeine should only be used short term and never for a patient who has had any type of issues with addiction.