Location
Our Seattle Location
Northpoint Seattle’s outpatient treatment program is located in beautiful Seattle, Washington, and we work to help the surrounding communities.
- Seattle
2111 N Northgate Way Suite 101,
Seattle, WA 98133, United States
Codeine Addiction, Abuse and Ways to Recover in Washington State
Like other opioids, codeine is highly addictive and can often cause serious substance abuse problems in the people who take it. After receiving a prescription for it and feeling the sedating effects of the drug, many people begin to use it recreationally and eventually seek it out through illegal sources once their prescription runs out.
If you or a loved one struggles with codeine addiction, there is no better time to start a substance abuse addiction treatment program than now. Call us today at 888.483.6031 to register for our codeine addiction treatment program in Seattle
Do You Have Questions About Addiction? Call Our Recovery Experts Now.
What Is Codeine?
Codeine is a mild opioid medication that doctors prescribe for pain and coughing in a pill or syrup. Like other opioids such as oxycodone and morphine, codeine is a sedative that helps ease pain and reduce neurological symptoms. It also carries the same highly addictive properties that other opioids do.
Codeine is well-known in popular culture as well, especially in hip-hop music. When mixed with soft drinks like Sprite, it is often referred to as "lean" or "syrup." As the reputation for the drug grew, so did the number of people abusing the drug.
Codeine Addiction
After someone begins abusing codeine by taking it against the prescribed instructions, they are more likely to become addicted to the drug. It can be challenging to spot the warning signs of codeine addiction since someone may have a valid prescription for it from their doctor.
Some common signs of codeine addiction include:
- Craving the drug
- Wanting to quit taking it but being unable to
- Skipping work or school because of the drug
- Using the medicine even if it causes health problems
Recognizing the symptoms of a codeine addiction is the first step in getting help. Not taking action can allow the person to continue going down a dark path of substance abuse. Remaining addicted can cause severe financial strain, problems at work, and stress in relationships.
Health Risks of Codeine
Abusing codeine has serious health risks and side effects as well. Even after experiencing these side effects, someone addicted to codeine may continue to take it because they are dependent on the drug. Some codeine side effects include:
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Cold sweats
- Confusion and mood swings
- Constipation
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmia
- Nausea and vomiting
Some of the more severe side effects of misusing codeine include permanent brain damage, coma, and serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome forces the body to make too much serotonin, leading to serious health risks and even death. The intensity and type of side effects that each substance abuser will experience will vary.
Codeine Withdrawal
Most codeine abusers will not experience all withdrawal symptoms but may be at a higher risk of relapsing during the detox process. It is essential to seek medical attention for intense withdrawal symptoms as they can be life-threatening. Some of the most common codeine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Abdominal pains
- Diarrhea or bowel dysfunction
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Fever
- Headaches
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Intense cravings
- Joint ache and pain
- Mood swings
- Muscle pain and aches
- Nausea and vomiting
Since codeine is a mild opioid, users may not experience some of the more intense withdrawal symptoms of other opioids.
Addiction Treatment for Codeine Addiction
Professional treatment can be one of the most important resources on the journey to recovery. Therapy can help a person detox from codeine, and it can also help establish the essential skills to continue living a sober life.
Completing a codeine rehab program dramatically reduces the likelihood of a codeine relapse and increases the probability that essential recovery goals are met. Addiction treatment can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete depending on the needs of each patient.
Rehab facilities may offer various treatment programs to help their patients succeed in sobriety. For example, some addiction recovery facilities offer gender-specific treatment, while others may specialize in holistic treatment approaches. Some recovery centers may provide additional amenities and services, like spa services and equine therapy.
Outpatient Codeine Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Seattle
Recovering from an addiction can be difficult, but with the proper support, it is possible. We are committed to helping our clients be successful on the road to recovery. We want you to know that you are not alone and that together, we can work to meet your recovery goals.
Our codeine recovery program works closely with you to help set and meet your recovery goals. Using an outpatient treatment facility like ours means that you can continue to live at home and attend therapy a few times a week, causing minimal disruption to your daily life. You will receive dedicated support to build the skills you need to live a life free from codeine.