Have you Been Caught up in the Codeine Crisis?
What can start out innocently as acute pain relief can quickly turn into an unwanted addiction. Do you really need that pill? Is it worth the unpredictable risk to your health? Many an addict thought it wouldn’t happen to them. The right upbringing, supportive family, successful in life, then it’s all thrown away due to a simple painkiller. We didn’t see that one coming but now this crisis is upon us. Families are being torn apart by their loved one’s addiction to codeine.
Try asking your loved one not to take a painkiller today. What happens? Mood swings, arguments, guilt and accusations? Something is wrong with that. Are they making you feel bad for asking? Something not quite right but can’t quite figure out what it is. Well here is some information on codeine for you and its effects.
What is codeine?
Codeine is a prescription drug and is known as opioid (a group of drugs similar to opium). Opioids are depressant drugs, which means they slow down the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Heroin, morphine and oxycodone are also opioids.
Effects of codeine
There is no safe level of codeine use. It can produce unwanted side effects like any other drug.
Codeine effects vary, based on:
- The person’s health, size and weight
- Whether the person has been taking it already
- Whether or not other drugs are taken concurrently
- The amount of codeine taken
The most common side effects are:
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Limbs feeling heavy or muscles feeling stiff
- Stomach-ache, nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Euphoria, restlessness
- Sweating
- Mild allergic rash, itching and hives
- Decreased heart rate, palpitations
It can also cause depression and mood swings.
Using codeine concurrently with other drugs
The effects of using codeine with other drugs are often unpredictable. Taking codeine with alcohol, prescription medications and other over-the-counter medicines is not a good idea.
At Narconon Melbourne we have helped countless individuals overcome addiction to opioids and other drugs. At first, the addict may feel it’s hopeless to attempt a life without drugs, but after recovering from the toxic effects of these drugs and building a new set of life skills, they can truly begin a new drug or alcohol-free life.
When someone is abusing opiates, the time to act is now, as their next dose could be fatal. The actions you take could very well save a life.
