Codeine addiction - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Maybe I can · 03-27-2006, 08:24 PM

Hello, I have a codeine addiction......about 250mg pre day. I am a substance
abuser. Does anybody know much about codeine. Should I go to a detox.
I don't think it's a bad addiction but I am having a problem quitting.

**Peter** · 03-27-2006, 08:40 PM

Welcome to the forums Maybe.

Some years ago I developed a dependence on cough medicines containing codeine, but it was not really my DOC.However I did like the sedating effect it had on me.

I do not know too much about it really but I believe if you have been on codeine for a while it may be risky to try and quit cold turkey. I suggest you seek out the advise of a medical professional immediately.

Others will be along later to offer more feedback.

Hope · 03-27-2006, 08:54 PM

Welcome to SR! It is great that you are seeking answers.

I don't have personal experience with abusing codeine but there will be others who have been through that.

I just wanted to say that I am glad that you are here!

Maybe I can · 03-27-2006, 09:09 PM

Thank-you, I feel welcome. I had an addiction to another drug that was bad, however
I am clean of that one now.
The codeine and my nasty habit of abusing differant meds is my struggle. I am going to NA now and I am reading the steps book. I am also struggling with accepting that I am a addict.

Hope · 03-27-2006, 09:15 PM

I definitely understand the struggle of accepting being an addict. I had so much trouble admitting that to myself or anyone but after I finally and truly accepted that fact, I felt the world being lifted off of my shoulders. I found that when I could admit that I had a problem, then I could work on a solution.
It took me almost 2 years to really and honestly accept that I was an addict. I probably knew, but I think addiction wanted to keep me in denial.

It is great that you are going to NA! There is so much strength and unity to be found in the program.

Life gets so much better without the use of drugs. It isn't easy to get clean, but it is worth every minute of it!

northbelle · 03-28-2006, 01:25 AM

Welcome here!! Sounds like you are really taking positive steps to find the answers you are seeking...I wish you all the best in your search...SR is a great place to come and be honest,,,sucha awesome group here!!!!.northbelle

woops · 03-28-2006, 04:35 AM

Hello Maybe,

Yep - that's just what I have got into trouble with - codeine!! In the form of codeine phosphate. I have become addicted to an OTC medicine and am now tapering off. I am guessing - but perhaps you are the same - so you probably live in Canada or UK?
I had been taking N+ (originally for pain associated with broken and arthritic bones!!) - as I wanted to stop taking vioxx. So got started on the N+ without ever realising the danger. The anti inflammatory action really helps me - but I now need to get off these pills.
I had been taking 36 or more of these pills per day which is the equivalent of 460 mgms of codeine phosphate. Using equivalence tables - this worked out at about 8 hydrocodone 10s. (which is referred to in here).
So - I tried to stop!!

That didnt work - the withdrawal symptoms were dreadful - and I work and have a family - so couldnt afford to take the necessary time off for c/t.
So - now I am doing a slowish taper and its working very well for me.
I am now down to half of my original intake and going strong!!

I am tapering really slowly as I am very serious about getting off these things and I need to make sure that I dont collapse or fail. But - so far so good.
If you want any more info - just shout!!
The people in here are terrific - very supportive........ and knowledgeable. I try to visit and post each day - as it keeps me accountable!!

Hope to hear from you again! And be assured that you can get off these things - with a little knowledge and loads of support from others in the same boat!

Woops

golf99 · 03-29-2006, 10:14 AM

FAQ About Codeine

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q) What is Codeine?

A) Codeine is a member of the drug class opiates. Opiates include all naturally occurring

drugs with morphine-like effects such as codeine and all semi and fully synthetic drugs with morphine-like effects such as heroin and meperidine (Demerol).

Codeine was first discovered as a natural constituent of opium in very small concentrations, in the range of 0.7% - 2.5% by weight. Most codeine found in pharmaceutical products today is synthetically produced via the methylation of morphine.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q) How is Codeine used?

A) Codeine can be administered orally (PO), subcutaneously (SC), intramuscularly (IM) and rectally (PR). Codeine cannot be safely administered by an intravenous (IV) injection as it may result in pulmonary oedema, facial swelling, dangerous release of histamines, and various cardiovascular effects. It cannot be administered intranasally (snorting). Codeine free base can be smoked on the aluminum foil ("chasing the dragon") similarly to smoking heroin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q) What are the effects of Codeine addiction?

A) Codeine is absorbed quickly from the GI tract and it's first pass through the liver results in very little loss of the drug. This contrasts with morphine in which over 90% of the drug is metabolized in the first pass through the liver resulting in a considerable loss of potency when administered orally.

Narcotics induce an "opioid analgesia" by altering the perception of pain at the spinal cord and brain. They also affect emotional responses to pain. Opioids have stimulating effects as well because they block inhibitory neurotransmitters. Repeated use of these drugs can cause long-term changes in the way the nervous system functions.

stomach bleeding
kidney damage
liver damage
"itchies"
constipation
nausea
hangover
tiny pupils
blurred vision
poor night vision
impair your ability to drive
lowered heart rate, blood pressure and breathing
disorientation
convulsions
hallucinations
depression
sexual problems
agitation
,tremors
seizures

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q) What are the symptoms of withdrawal?

A) The worst symptoms pass within a few days, but it can take months to feel normal.

runny nose
sweating
muscle twitching
muscle pain
headaches
irregular heartbeat
nausea and vomiting
high blood pressure
fever
insomnia
dehydration
yawning
weakness
stomach cramps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q) What is Codeine addiction?

A) Addiction is a major risk with prolonged use (over 2-3 weeks) of narcotics. Even moderate doses of some narcotics can result in a fatal overdose. When increasing doses of narcotics, the person may first feel restless and nauseous and then progress to loss of consciousness and abnormal breathing. Other risks include withdrawal symptoms that may last for months.

Addictive drugs activate the brain’s reward systems. The promise of reward is very intense, causing the individual to crave the drug and to focus his or her activities around taking the drug. The ability of addictive drugs to strongly activate brain reward mechanisms and their ability to chemically alter the normal functioning of these systems can produce an addiction. Drugs also reduce a person’s level of consciousness, harming the ability to think or be fully aware of present surroundings.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope this helps,

Golf

03-27-2006, 08:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Maybe I can Paused Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: I'm not sure Posts: 55	Codeine addiction Hello, I have a codeine addiction......about 250mg pre day. I am a substance abuser. Does anybody know much about codeine. Should I go to a detox. I don't think it's a bad addiction but I am having a problem quitting.

03-28-2006, 04:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
woops Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: middle earth Posts: 962	Codeine........... Hello Maybe, Yep - that's just what I have got into trouble with - codeine!! In the form of codeine phosphate. I have become addicted to an OTC medicine and am now tapering off. I am guessing - but perhaps you are the same - so you probably live in Canada or UK? I had been taking N+ (originally for pain associated with broken and arthritic bones!!) - as I wanted to stop taking vioxx. So got started on the N+ without ever realising the danger. The anti inflammatory action really helps me - but I now need to get off these pills. I had been taking 36 or more of these pills per day which is the equivalent of 460 mgms of codeine phosphate. Using equivalence tables - this worked out at about 8 hydrocodone 10s. (which is referred to in here). So - I tried to stop!! That didnt work - the withdrawal symptoms were dreadful - and I work and have a family - so couldnt afford to take the necessary time off for c/t. So - now I am doing a slowish taper and its working very well for me. I am now down to half of my original intake and going strong!! I am tapering really slowly as I am very serious about getting off these things and I need to make sure that I dont collapse or fail. But - so far so good. If you want any more info - just shout!! The people in here are terrific - very supportive........ and knowledgeable. I try to visit and post each day - as it keeps me accountable!! Hope to hear from you again! And be assured that you can get off these things - with a little knowledge and loads of support from others in the same boat! Woops

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03-27-2006, 08:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
Peter Moderator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Leaving Sparta Posts: 2,552	Welcome to the forums Maybe. Some years ago I developed a dependence on cough medicines containing codeine, but it was not really my DOC.However I did like the sedating effect it had on me. I do not know too much about it really but I believe if you have been on codeine for a while it may be risky to try and quit cold turkey. I suggest you seek out the advise of a medical professional immediately. Others will be along later to offer more feedback.

03-27-2006, 08:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
Hope Getting Better All The Time Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Recovering Posts: 3,211	Welcome to SR! It is great that you are seeking answers. I don't have personal experience with abusing codeine but there will be others who have been through that. I just wanted to say that I am glad that you are here!

03-27-2006, 09:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
Maybe I can Paused Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: I'm not sure Posts: 55	Thank-you, I feel welcome. I had an addiction to another drug that was bad, however I am clean of that one now. The codeine and my nasty habit of abusing differant meds is my struggle. I am going to NA now and I am reading the steps book. I am also struggling with accepting that I am a addict.

03-27-2006, 09:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hope Getting Better All The Time Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Recovering Posts: 3,211	I definitely understand the struggle of accepting being an addict. I had so much trouble admitting that to myself or anyone but after I finally and truly accepted that fact, I felt the world being lifted off of my shoulders. I found that when I could admit that I had a problem, then I could work on a solution. It took me almost 2 years to really and honestly accept that I was an addict. I probably knew, but I think addiction wanted to keep me in denial. It is great that you are going to NA! There is so much strength and unity to be found in the program. Life gets so much better without the use of drugs. It isn't easy to get clean, but it is worth every minute of it!

03-28-2006, 01:25 AM	#6 (permalink)
northbelle Dopeless Hope Fiend Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: anchorage Alaska Posts: 1,673	Welcome here!! Sounds like you are really taking positive steps to find the answers you are seeking...I wish you all the best in your search...SR is a great place to come and be honest,,,sucha awesome group here!!!!.northbelle

03-29-2006, 10:14 AM	#8 (permalink)
golf99 Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: MIDCOAST NH Posts: 329	FAQ About Codeine -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q) What is Codeine? A) Codeine is a member of the drug class opiates. Opiates include all naturally occurring drugs with morphine-like effects such as codeine and all semi and fully synthetic drugs with morphine-like effects such as heroin and meperidine (Demerol). Codeine was first discovered as a natural constituent of opium in very small concentrations, in the range of 0.7% - 2.5% by weight. Most codeine found in pharmaceutical products today is synthetically produced via the methylation of morphine. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q) How is Codeine used? A) Codeine can be administered orally (PO), subcutaneously (SC), intramuscularly (IM) and rectally (PR). Codeine cannot be safely administered by an intravenous (IV) injection as it may result in pulmonary oedema, facial swelling, dangerous release of histamines, and various cardiovascular effects. It cannot be administered intranasally (snorting). Codeine free base can be smoked on the aluminum foil ("chasing the dragon") similarly to smoking heroin. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q) What are the effects of Codeine addiction? A) Codeine is absorbed quickly from the GI tract and it's first pass through the liver results in very little loss of the drug. This contrasts with morphine in which over 90% of the drug is metabolized in the first pass through the liver resulting in a considerable loss of potency when administered orally. Narcotics induce an "opioid analgesia" by altering the perception of pain at the spinal cord and brain. They also affect emotional responses to pain. Opioids have stimulating effects as well because they block inhibitory neurotransmitters. Repeated use of these drugs can cause long-term changes in the way the nervous system functions. stomach bleeding kidney damage liver damage "itchies" constipation nausea hangover tiny pupils blurred vision poor night vision impair your ability to drive lowered heart rate, blood pressure and breathing disorientation convulsions hallucinations depression sexual problems agitation ,tremors seizures -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q) What are the symptoms of withdrawal? A) The worst symptoms pass within a few days, but it can take months to feel normal. runny nose sweating muscle twitching muscle pain headaches irregular heartbeat nausea and vomiting high blood pressure fever insomnia dehydration yawning weakness stomach cramps -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q) What is Codeine addiction? A) Addiction is a major risk with prolonged use (over 2-3 weeks) of narcotics. Even moderate doses of some narcotics can result in a fatal overdose. When increasing doses of narcotics, the person may first feel restless and nauseous and then progress to loss of consciousness and abnormal breathing. Other risks include withdrawal symptoms that may last for months. Addictive drugs activate the brain’s reward systems. The promise of reward is very intense, causing the individual to crave the drug and to focus his or her activities around taking the drug. The ability of addictive drugs to strongly activate brain reward mechanisms and their ability to chemically alter the normal functioning of these systems can produce an addiction. Drugs also reduce a person’s level of consciousness, harming the ability to think or be fully aware of present surroundings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hope this helps, Golf

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