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Recognizing Codeine Abuse

a mother comforts a child over the signs of codeine abuse

If you or someone you know is abusing codeine, it’s vital to seek professional help right away because codeine abuse can lead to serious health problems, including addiction.

At Northpoint Washington, we understand how difficult it can be to overcome an addiction, but we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today at 888.450.2153 to learn more about our codeine addiction treatment in Washington can help you get on the road to recovery.

What Is Codeine?

Codeine is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. A doctor typically prescribes codeine after other pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, have failed to relieve a patient’s pain. Codeine is available in tablet, capsule, and syrup form. It is also available as a cough suppressant.

While codeine is a legal and FDA-approved medication, it is also a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse, addiction, and health problems, including overdose and death.

What Is Lean?

Have you ever wondered, “what is lean?” Also known as purple drank, sizzurp, or dirty Sprite, lean is a codeine-based drink popular among young adults. Lean is typically made by mixing codeine cough syrup with a sugary soft drink, such as Sprite or Mountain Dew. One can also make lean by mixing codeine pills with alcohol.

Lean has become popularized by celebrities, such as Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber, who often reference the drink in their songs. While lean may seem harmless, it is very dangerous.

How Does Codeine Abuse Lead to Addiction?

Abusing codeine creates a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. This feeling is caused by the codeine releasing dopamine in the brain. The more codeine is used, the more tolerance a person builds up to the drug, which means they need to take more and more of the drug to get the same feeling.

Codeine addiction can develop quickly, especially if the drug is abused with other substances, such as alcohol. Codeine addiction is a severe medical condition that requires professional treatment.

Prescription Drug Abuse Signs

The signs of prescription drug abuse can vary depending on how the drug is being abused. However, there are some general signs of prescription drug abuse that may be present, such as:

  • Switching from one doctor to another to get multiple prescriptions
  • Taking higher doses of the medication than prescribed
  • Crushing pills and snorting or injecting them
  • Stealing or forging prescriptions
  • Buying the drug from illegal sources
  • Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
  • Stealing or forging prescriptions
  • Exhibiting signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, impaired coordination, and dizziness

If you or someone you know is showing any of these signs, it’s vital to seek professional help immediately.

The Dangers of Codeine Abuse

Mixing codeine with other substances, such as alcohol, can also be very dangerous. Codeine abuse itself or mixed can lead to several serious health problems, including:

  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Respiratory problems
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Problems with blood pressure and heart rate
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

Codeine abuse can also lead to tolerance, meaning that a person needs to take increasingly larger doses of codeine to achieve the desired effect. Tolerance can quickly lead to addiction, a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and use, despite harmful consequences.

Northpoint Washington: High-End Facility for Codeine Addiction

Suppose you or someone you know is struggling with codeine addiction. In that case, professional help is available at Northpoint Washington, where we offer a variety of codeine addiction treatment options, including inpatient, detoxification, and a variety of holistic therapies.

Our highly trained and experienced staff will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. We understand that addiction is a complex disease, and we will treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve.

Contact us today at 888.450.2153 to learn more.