What are Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms?

Codeine falls into the opiate class of drugs and works to treat pain, to calm coughing, and ease diarrhea. As an opiate, it also represents a significant addiction risk and can lead to codeine withdrawal symptoms. Opiate addictions are a common concern at the inpatient drug rehab program in Jacksonville, FL. What more do you need to know about this drug, and what are the signs of codeine withdrawal?

What is Codeine?

Codeine, like all opiates, interacts with receptors in the brain and nervous system to create a pleasurable feeling. The need to experience this feeling of pleasure becomes compulsive, leading to misuse of codeine and, eventually, dependence. Drug dependence means if you don’t use, you start to experience codeine withdrawal symptoms. Over time, opioids change the chemistry of the brain in a way that makes it harder and harder to get that high, leading to addiction.

What are the Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms?

Codeine withdrawal symptoms are similar to what you would see with any drug in this category. Initially, you can expect:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Perspiration
• Muscle cramps
• Discharge from the nose and mouth
• Diarrhea
• Yawning
• Fast heartbeat

Some of the signs of codeine withdrawal are a reversal of the side effects of the medication. For example, codeine can cause constipation, so as your bowels clear, you may experience diarrhea. Codeine can also cause you to feel sleepy, but when you stop taking it, you have trouble sleeping.

How Do You Know If You or Someone You Love has a Codeine Addiction?

Someone that has codeine withdraw symptoms when they stop using the drug can assume there is a dependence. There are also visible signs of codeine abuse to watch for, such as dilated pupils, frequent drowsiness, and slurred speech. Someone who takes large doses of codeine will feel or act like they are drunk, become constipated, and may have chest pain or vomit.

You may notice this person seems to have trouble focusing or shows a lack of coordination, too. They may develop poor judgment or not seem to care what happens if they use the drug.

What is the Treatment for Codeine Addiction?

If you see the symptoms of codeine withdrawal in someone you love, it’s essential to seek treatment. Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, has JCAHO accreditation for the treatment of opiate addiction. We offer:

• Residential care
• Inpatient drug rehab
• Partial hospitalization
• Outpatient treatment

We also have a detox program to help you cope with the symptoms of codeine withdrawal. We provide a 90-bed addiction treatment center with evidenced-based treatment programs like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). At Beaches Recovery, we offer gender-specific treatment programs, too. We are set up to treat those with a dual diagnosis, as well, meaning you have both addiction and a mental health problem like anxiety, PTSD, or depression.

Along with providing treatment to people experiencing the symptoms of codeine withdrawal, we help those who use heroin, cocaine, meth, and alcohol.

While with us, our residents have access to the mental health and addiction treatment they need, but they also get a chance to relax. You’ll get to engage in fun activities such as surfing, volleyball, and fishing. There are bright and spacious living areas in our residential housing area, along with access to the beautiful beaches in Jacksonville.

Daily life at Beaches Recovery includes mediation, workouts, regular individual therapy, and support groups. We partner with many major insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Magellan, and United Healthcare, to help with financing your treatment, too. If you know someone who you might think has an addiction to the opiate pain medicine codeine, give us a call today at 866.605.0532. We can discuss the treatment options with you.