Overcome Codeine Addiction: Find Help at Vista Taos Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Do you or someone you know struggle with codeine addiction? Understand what codeine addiction is, as well as its causes, risks, and treatment options.
What is Codeine?
The medication works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Codeine is considered a narcotic and can be addictive. When a person is addicted to codeine, they often focus on the drug over their responsibilities and relationships.
What Are The Consequences of Codeine Addiction?
Long-term use of opioids, even as prescribed by a doctor, can lead to dependence and withdrawal. Misuse can lead to overdose and death.
It is easier to not start a codeine addiction than to have to navigate the recovery process. Educate yourself and others. Knowledge of codeine will help you make the best decisions to prevent an addiction to it.
It’s important to understand codeine addiction and how to recognize the signs and symptoms, as well as the risks associated with its use, as well as the treatment options available to those with such an addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Codeine use can lead to addiction. The difference between regular use, as prescribed by a healthcare professional, and addiction can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. This is because both can lead to dependence.
How is Addiction Characterized?
- Uncontrollable drug craving and seeking
- Use that persists even in the face of negative health and social consequences
Increased Tolerance
Over time, a person might need larger doses of codeine to achieve the same effect, or they may find that the same dose doesn’t provide the same level of pain relief.
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Restlessness
- Muscle and bone pain
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cold flashes with goosebumps
- Involuntary leg movements
Inability to Stop Or Control Use
Despite wanting to quit or cut back on codeine use, the person may find it difficult to do so.
More Signs and Symptoms of Codeine Addiction
As a person becomes more immersed in a codeine addiction, they display other kinds of symptoms. These can include:
Time Spent Obtaining The Drug
- Seeking out prescriptions
- Going from doctor to doctor
- Or trying to get codeine through illegal means
Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences
- Negative health effects
- Issues with their relationships
- Job loss
- Or legal problems
Neglecting Responsibilities
Someone addicted to codeine might start to neglect his or her responsibilities at work, school, or home.
Changes in Behavior Or Appearance
- Personal hygiene
- Weight loss or gain
- Changes in sleep patterns
- An increase in secretive or dishonest behavior
Regular codeine use as prescribed by a healthcare professional should be closely followed to prevent the development of these issues. If you are struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek help from healthcare professionals.
The Risks Associated with Codeine Addiction
Codeine addiction carries several risks. These can be categorized as physical, psychological, and social.
Physical Risks
- Regular use of codeine can lead to the body building a tolerance. This requires more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Over time, this can develop into dependence, where the body needs the drug to function normally.
- If a dependent person stops taking codeine, they can experience withdrawal symptoms.
- There is a significant risk of overdose with codeine. This can happen if the dose is increased rapidly or if it’s taken with other substances that depress the central nervous system, like alcohol or benzodiazepines. Overdose can lead to things like respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
- Long-term use of opioids can lead to a variety of health issues, including constipation, hormonal dysfunction, immune system suppression, mental fog, and increased sensitivity to pain.
Psychological Risks
- Codeine use can lead to addiction, a chronic disease.
- Codeine use can worsen existing mental health disorders, or contribute to the development of new ones.
- It’s also associated with an increased risk of suicide.
Social Risks
- Strained relationships with family and friends.
- Obtaining codeine illegally or doctor shopping can lead to legal problems.
- The cost of maintaining a codeine addiction can lead to financial problems.
- Job loss due to decreased productivity or job-related accidents.
Find the support for codeine addiction with Vista Taos.
Risk Factors For Addiction
There is no exact reason that determines whether someone will end up with a codeine addiction. These factors can increase the risk of developing an addiction to codeine.
- Genetic predisposition: Genetics can influence an individual’s susceptibility to developing an addiction. You may have a higher risk if there’s a family history of substance use disorders.
- Brain chemistry: Codeine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and disrupting pain signals. It also releases a large amount of dopamine. This creates a feeling of pleasure or reward. These feelings can reinforce the behavior of taking the drug and make it harder to stop.
- Physical health: People with chronic pain conditions are often prescribed opioids for pain management. This can increase the risk of developing a dependence or addiction. Also, people with other chronic health conditions might use opioids as self-medication.
- Mental health disorders: Those with mental health disorders are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders. This is often because they may use these substances to self-medicate or cope with their symptoms.
More Risk Factors For Codeine Addiction
- Personality traits: Certain personality traits can increase the risk of addiction. Traits such as high impulsivity and a high need for sensation-seeking can be an addiction waiting to happen.
- Availability of drugs: Greater availability and access to codeine can increase the risk of addiction.
- Peer pressure: Especially in younger people, peer pressure can contribute to the initiation of drug use and eventual addiction.
- Stress: Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Some people may turn to drugs as a way to cope with stress.
- Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events, especially in childhood, has been linked with an increased risk of substance use disorders in adulthood.4
- Lack of support: Lack of a strong support network can make individuals more vulnerable to addiction.
Being able to recognize any of these risk factors can help in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of codeine addiction.
Risk Factors for Developing Codeine Addiction
- Biological
- Psychological
- Socio-environmental
Populations at Higher Risk
- People with chronic pain conditions
- People with mental health disorders
- Adolescents and young adults
- People with a family history of addiction
- Healthcare professionals
- Individuals with a history of substance use
- Individuals in high-stress environments
These factors don’t guarantee that a person will develop an addiction, but they can increase the risk.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Codeine Addiction
Short-term Effects
- Drowsiness
- Slowed breathing
- Constipation
- Confusion and poor concentration
- Mood changes
Long-term Effects
- Physical dependence and addiction
- Increased tolerance
- Liver damage
- Respiratory depression
- Mental health issues
- Hormonal imbalances
If you are dealing with codeine addiction, the programs at Vista Taos can aid in long-term recovery.
Available Treatment Options for Codeine Addiction
The most effective form of treatment can vary depending on your circumstances and needs.
Common Treatment Options
- Detox: The first step in treating codeine addiction is often to help manage any withdrawal symptoms. This process should be supervised to ensure it’s safe and comfortable. Medications may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): This approach combines behavioral therapy with medications. These medications can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Medications used in MAT for opioid use disorders include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.6
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals understand the triggers of their substance use and develop coping strategies to manage stress and avoid relapse.
- Contingency management (CM): This type of intervention provides rewards for positive behaviors, such as staying drug-free, attending therapy sessions, and achieving treatment goals.
- 12-Step facilitation therapy: This approach is used to encourage engagement in 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous. These groups can provide ongoing community support for recovery.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Treatment that addresses both disorders can be beneficial for those with co-occurring mental health conditions.
How to Determine Appropriate Level of Treatment
Not all treatments will be the same for everyone. The level of care can depend on a variety of factors.
- More severe addictions may need a higher level of treatment.
- If you have a co-occurring mental health disorder, you may need more intense treatment.
- Those with less support at home may benefit more from more intensive treatment.
- Your preferences and motivation for change should be considered.
- Financial considerations can also play a role in determining the most appropriate treatment.
What is My Best Approach to Treating Codeine Addiction?
The best approach to treating codeine addiction will involve a combination of these treatment options.
As you meet with healthcare professionals, you will be able to discuss your best options for treatment and recovery. You can work with Vista Taos to receive the most appropriate treatment.
Most importantly, if you have a codeine addiction, talk to someone about it. You cannot overcome an addiction on your own and it’s important to consult a professional who can help you make steps in the right direction.
Support Groups Available For Codeine Addiction
There are a variety of support groups and resources available that can help individuals struggling with codeine addiction. These support systems are a vital component of the recovery process.
Here are some examples:
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
NA is a community-based organization. This is where people in recovery can meet to help each other stay clean. It’s based on the 12-step approach developed by Alcoholics Anonymous.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is an international non-profit organization. It offers free mutual support meetings for individuals seeking to abstain from addictive behaviors.
The program is based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles and focuses on self-empowerment.7
Therapy and Counseling
- Individual
- Group
- Family/Couples
Therapists specializing in addiction can provide guidance and strategies to cope with the challenges of recovery. Talk to them about the best support group for you.
More Support Groups For Codeine Addiction
In addition to the above-mentioned support groups and therapy, there are other resources to help you in the recovery process.
Other support groups include:
Al-Anon and Nar-Anon
These organizations offer support for the family and friends of those struggling with addiction. They provide a community where these loved ones can share their experiences.
Here, individuals can learn how to best support their loved one with addiction while taking care of their well-being.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Substances
- Treatment options
- Recovery resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), is a confidential, free, 24/7, 365-day-a-year information service. It is offered in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
- Referrals to local treatment facilities
- Support groups
- Community-based organizations
How Can SAMHSA Help?
- Support
- Education
- Community
All of these resources are valuable during the recovery process. Every individual’s journey to recovery is unique. Thus, finding the right support system can take time. You may need to try out several different resources that work best for you.
How Vista Taos Can Help with Codeine Addiction
Vista Taos provides a holistic and personalized approach to addiction recovery. Our team of experienced and compassionate staff focuses on treating the whole person. We provide the best care and resources for long-term recovery.
Services Available to You or Your Loved One
- Detox: The process of withdrawal can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Our staff oversees the detox process and helps you manage withdrawal symptoms. We strive to make the detox process safer and more comfortable.
- Personalized treatment plans: Our comprehensive approach helps focus on your specific needs and preferences. This information is used to create a personalized treatment plan that gives you the best chance for long-term recovery.
- Therapy and counseling: We provide a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and family counseling. These are key components to recovery and will help you understand the roots of your addiction, develop coping strategies, and repair relationships.
- Holistic therapies: Vista Taos offers holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and . This helps create an environment of healing and learning new ways to cope.
- Aftercare planning: Before discharge, Vista Taos will help you develop an aftercare plan to support ongoing recovery. This might include outpatient therapy, support group meetings, ongoing medication management, and transitional living arrangements.
Find out how Vista Taos can help you overcome codeine addiction. Contact us today at 575.758.5858 or https://vistataos2020.wpengine.com/contact-us/.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526029/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
- https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/risk-factors#genetics
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3051362/
- https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/codeine/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/codeine-withdrawal#treatment
- https://www.smartrecovery.org/about-us/
