Things to Consider When Choosing a Codeine Rehab Center
Codeine is an opiate that is often found in prescription-strength cough syrup and is also prescribed as a pain reliever. It is moderately strong and can become addictive. If you feel you may have become addicted to codeine, you should consider your options and choose a rehab center that is right for you.
Detox
When choosing codeine rehab, it’s important the program offers the care you need.
The first step you should take toward codeine addiction recovery is to detox from the drug. It can be difficult because, depending on the severity of your addiction and the levels of codeine you are ingesting, you will most likely experience withdrawal. According to the National Library of Medicine, here are some of the codeine withdrawal symptoms you can expect:
- Agitation
- Sweating
- Aching of the muscles
- Cramps
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea
- Insomnia
At a rehab center, medical professionals will help you through this process by taking you slowly off the codeine or by using other medications in order to curb some of the withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient
Once you have gone through withdrawal, it is important to consider whether you wish to be in a controlled or private environment or if you prefer to visit the center and go home afterward. Depending on the level of your addiction, you might need to spend more time recovering without the stressors of your life present. If so, consider inpatient rehab. If your addiction is not very threatening and you have a strong support system, you can also still receive therapy and other treatments by visiting an outpatient center.
Cravings
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “codeine attaches to the same cell receptors targeted by illegal opioids like heroin.” This means that, although codeine can be found and abused by drinking high doses of prescription cough syrup, it is still a dangerous drug. It will create cravings in the body that do not go away immediately after you have detoxed from the drug.
In a rehab center, the recovery does not end with detox. There are often therapy sessions that you will attend in order to learn new ways to deal with your addiction. Cravings won’t go away immediately, but discussing them with a therapist in either a one-on-one or group setting will help you deal with them.
Other Factors
The NIDA states that “risk for addiction is influenced by a combination of factors.” These factors could possibly include:
- “Individual biology”
- Social sphere
- Age
- “Stage of development”
- Psychology (ex: depression, anxiety)
Because of this, the reasons why one person becomes addicted while another does not are many. At a rehab center, you will undergo behavioral therapy that will help you get to the other factors that may be influencing your addiction.
As the NIDA states about the emerging trend of codeine abuse, “deaths from prescription opioid medications now outnumber overdose deaths from all other drugs (including cocaine and heroin).” Codeine addiction can be very difficult and painful, not just for the person abusing the drug but for friends and family as well. Choose your codeine rehab center based on your needs, and you go a long way towards recovery.