As a member of the opiate classification of drugs, codeine acts as a central nervous system depressant, resulting in decreased sensations of pain and increased pleasurable sensations due to the drug’s indirect effect on the dopamine reward system in the brain, which results in significant potential for the development of physical dependence. Codeine also affects areas of the brain that are involved in very basic functions, such as respiration and coughing, and the drug is commonly found as a cough suppressant in prescription cough syrups.
Codeine abuse is common among young people
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports on an emerging trend in individuals under the age of 25 that involves abuse of codeine. Codeine is easily accessible; anyone can buy it at any pharmacy across South Africa.
There is a trend of drinking dangerous amounts of cough syrup which contains codeine-promethazine in order to experience psychoactive effects. Promethazine is an antihistamine, and codeine acts as a cough suppressant. In large doses, these substances can produce extreme sedation, mild feelings of wellbeing, and a release of inhibitions. Street names for this particular form of cough syrup include purple syrup, syrup, and sizzurp.
Actual figures regarding how many individuals are abusing codeine are not readily available, but the practice appears to be focused among younger individuals. The abuse of codeine represents a serious threat to these individuals in terms of their long-term health and the potential for overdose.
The Effects of Abusing Codeine
People abusing codeine will quickly develop tolerance to the drug and will need to take larger amounts of it to get the effects that they once achieved at significantly lower doses. As the individual takes larger amounts of the drug at regular intervals, they are more likely to develop physical dependence.
Withdrawal
The development of withdrawal symptoms in individuals who abuse codeine is particularly distressing because codeine has a very short half-life, and an individual can conceivably start to experience withdrawal symptoms within several hours of discontinuing the drug.
Even though the withdrawal symptoms associated with physical dependence on codeine are reportedly mild in comparison to the symptoms that occur with morphine and heroin, individuals who use large amounts of the drug for lengthy periods of time may get caught in a cycle of abuse to avoid these withdrawal symptoms.
The withdrawal process associated with codeine is not generally believed to be potentially physically dangerous; however, individuals who are emotionally unstable or prone to poor judgment may be at risk for harm due to accidents, impulsive behaviours, or even suicide in extreme cases. Individuals who mix codeine with other drugs, such as alcohol, or other medications, stimulants, or benzodiazepines, may be at risk for a number of potentially serious physical complications during the withdrawal process. These may include issues with cardiovascular functioning and the development of potential seizures (especially for individuals who abuse codeine on a regular basis with benzodiazepines or alcohol).
Treatment of codeine addiction
It appears that the majority of individuals who abuse codeine are younger; approaching these individuals with concerns about their behaviour can be very tricky. It is well known that individuals who have substance abuse issues can be very defensive regarding their use of drugs and/or alcohol, and younger individuals may become even more so when confronted by a parent, friends, or other relatives. Many sources refer to this tendency to be reactive as “denial,” which itself is suggested to be a symptom of a substance use disorder.
If you or a loved one are battling a codeine addiction and are in search of rehabilitation contact Crossroads Recovery Centre for a free assessment, the individual can be tested and the treatment options can be discussed. Codeine addiction usually requires a medical detoxification and professional help is required for sustained abstinence.
RESOURCES
https://steemit.com/drug/@pipiro/drugs-abuse-a-total-consideration-on-codeine
https://www.jenonline.org/article/S0099-1767(16)30214-8/abstract
