Addiction is defined as a strong need to perform certain actions, movements, gestures, to consume specific foods or drugs. It is a very broad concept and, importantly, nowadays one can become addicted to almost anything (sex, alcohol, medication, drugs, food, drinks, computer games, mobile phones and much more). Scientific studies have shown that one of the drugs you can become addicted to is a syrup or tablet with analgesic or cough suppressant properties, which contains codeine. To be precise, it is codeine that we are addicted to.
Symptoms and course codeine addiction
One of the drugs available in pharmacies with analgesic and cough suppressing effects causes addiction. This is due to the codeine it contains (obtained from morphine by chemical means). Codeine has a very similar effect to morphine although it is weaker.
Drugs containing code ine are dispensed by prescription. They come in the form of tablets (10-15 mg codeine) and syrups (3 mg codeine in 5 ml). Codeine is used as a narcotic in doses up to 300 mg or higher.
Mood improvement, euphoria, and contentment occur about 30 minutes after taking codeine and last up to 1.5 hours. After some time, dependence on the dose taken occurs and higher doses need to be taken.
The euphoric period is usually followed by a multitude of side effects, the most common of which are:
- drowsiness,
- dizziness and headaches,
- apathy,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- anxiety,
- irritability,
- aggression.
In addition, itching of the whole body occurs (allergic reaction of the body). Codeine can be addicted not only psychologically but also physically. An ill person who withdraws from codeine falls into an abstinence syndrome and requires drug treatment.
Sudden withdrawal from codeine-containing drugs can cause very unpleasant symptoms such as:
- anxiety,
- dizziness,
- headaches,
- nausea, vomiting,
- muscle stiffness,
- emotional problems,
- problems with concentration, memory,
- problems with food intake, digestion,
- circulatory problems (heart palpitations).
Treatment codeine addiction
The patient requires medical consultation and treatment in a hospital ward. Family, friends and acquaintances play a very important role in the process of stopping codeine-containing drugs. Raising the awareness of patients and their families to take all medication as prescribed by the doctor is also crucial.
