How to Reverse Codeine Dependence

Some people have a hard time realizing that codeine can be dangerous when taken over a long period of time. Not only can it have a negative impact on the body, but it can lead to dependency and addiction.

It may not be the most powerful pain relief drug available, but it is more than strong enough to cause a person trouble.

This drug is used to relieve pain and to suppress coughs. However, some people have come to realize that taking the drug, even when they are not in pain, can make them feel better. For this reason, they continue to use it over a long period of time.

A codeine addiction does not set in after taking the drug for a couple of days. This is typically the result of prolonged use. As your tolerance to the drug increases, so will the probability that an addiction will eventually set in. Are you worried about your own codeine tolerance? Call 800-895-1695 for help today.

Many times, a person starts out taking codeine for all the right reasons. For example, they may need 15 milligrams of the drug to reduce pain. Over time, this amount is no longer enough to give them the intended results. For this reason, they step up their dosage to 30 milligrams. When that stops being enough, they often times take more.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the potential to overdose on codeine does exist. Here is what the organization had to say:

Counselors can work with you to taper off of codeine and to treat any withdrawal symptoms you may experience.

“Acetaminophen and codeine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.”

When somebody is struggling with codeine dependence, there is a greater chance that he or she will overdose. The reason for this is simple: they will take more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. Doing so increases the chance of an addiction, as more codeine enters the body in a relatively short period of time.

The best way to determine if you have a codeine dependence is to answer this question: are you taking an increased dosage of the drug on a regular basis to achieve the same effects as before, at a lower dosage? If the answer is yes, there is a good chance you have developed this problem. Furthermore, the next step in the process could be an addiction.

Fortunately, there are ways to reverse codeine dependence and put this type of drug use in the past once and for all. Treatment can help you. Call 800-895-1695 toll free to find treatment today.

Best Treatment Options

The only way to reverse the effects of codeine dependence is to stop taking the drug. While this sounds simple enough, you may be in too deep to handle it on your own.

There are many withdrawal symptoms associated with the process of cutting codeine out of your life. If you are not ready for these, you may find the pain and discomfort too much to handle. As a result, you go back to your old ways of using the drug as you feel this is the only way to escape.

The most common codeine withdrawal symptoms include: anxiety, cramps, muscle aches, agitation, runny nose, and sweating.

Note: when you seek professional treatment, you may be prescribed medication that allows you to more easily deal with these symptoms. For example, those who are dealing with severe withdrawal symptoms are often prescribed clonidine.

Detoxification is a must if you have the desire to reverse codeine dependence. But your treatment should not stop there. There are other things you can do to improve your chance of beating your dependence and never finding yourself in this position again.

At a professional rehab facility, you will partake in both individual and group counseling. This will provide you with knowledge of your situation, including a focus on what you have done in the past and what you can expect in the future.

During this time, relapse prevention will receive plenty of attention. The last thing you want to do is leave rehab sober, just to find yourself slipping back into your old ways sooner rather than later. If this happens, all your hard work will have been for nothing.

All in all, codeine is not nearly as addictive as other opiates, such as morphine. That being said, it can be difficult to overcome a dependence and/or addiction to the drug.

In simple terms, the best way to reverse codeine dependence is to stop using the drug. Just the same as you began taking more and more codeine over time, beating this problem starts with taking less and less, until you are no longer dependent.

There are times when you may feel that reversing codeine dependence will be impossible. This is only because your mind and body have become used to the drug. As long as you take the right approach to treatment, starting with detoxification, you will find yourself on the path to a full recovery. We can help you find the right treatment program for you. Call 800-895-1695 for help today.