Can You Become Addicted to Codeine?

Yes, you can become addicted to Codine if you overuse this prescription drug.

Codeine is one of the most commonly prescribed pain medications in the UK, and it’s usually for treating mild to moderate pain. It is often found in combination medicines like co-codamol (which is codeine and paracetamol) and cough syrups, making it easily accessible and also widely consumed.

Although it is seemingly harmless as an over-the-counter medication in low doses, codeine still carries significant addictive potential. 

This article explores how codeine addiction develops, the risks it can have, and how to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling.

Key Information

• Codine is an addictive drug
• Codeine if often prescribed by GP’s as pain relief
• Codeine is an Opioid
• You should seek help immediately if you show addiction symptoms

 

What Is Codeine?

Codeine is a mild opioid. 

It works by binding to the opioid receptors found in our brain, which are responsible for processing pain signals and creating sensations of pleasure and feeling relaxed. It’s a much less potent option if you compare it to other opioids (e.g. morphine).

Where Do People Get Codeine from?

Codeine is often prescribed in higher doses for acute pain, post-surgical discomfort, or chronic conditions. However, in smaller amounts, codeine is available in the UK in products like co-codamol (codeine and paracetamol) or cough syrups. You’ll be able to find these in pharmacies without the need for a prescription.  

Over-the-counter codeine is very easy to obtain. This can sometimes lead to unintentional misuse, opening the door to dependency.

What Happens to Your Brain When You Take Codeine?

In your brain, there are specific receptors called opioid receptors. These receptors are part of a system that helps regulate pain, emotions, and pleasure. 

When opioids bind to these receptors, it changes the way your brain perceives pain. So essentially, the receptors send fewer pain signals, making discomfort feel much less intense or sometimes even nonexistent. 

At the same time, this binding action triggers the release of dopamine. This is a chemical that creates feelings of calmness and happiness. This flood of dopamine and the suppression of pain signals can make codeine feel effective not just physically but also emotionally, simply because it can dull both physical pain and feelings of stress. 

However, these effects don’t happen in isolation. Codeine can also make you feel drowsy because opioids also slow down certain brain functions, including those that keep you alert and awake. They can also reduce your breathing rate, especially in higher doses, because the drug affects the brain’s respiratory centres (which control how deeply and frequently you breathe).

When the effects of codeine wear off, your brain starts to recalibrate. If you’ve taken it repeatedly or in high doses, your brain may begin to “expect” the presence of codeine to maintain its balance, which is part of why opioids can lead to dependency. 

So, over time, your brain can become less responsive to the natural chemicals it produces and more reliant on the drug to achieve the same level of comfort or relief.

How Does Codeine Addiction Develop?

Addiction is a progressive disease, which means that it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that begins with misuse. 

As we touched on above, with repeated use, the brain becomes less responsive to the effects of codeine, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief or relaxation.

As this tolerance builds, which can sometimes happen without the individual realising, a physical and emotional reliance on codeine develops. The body starts to rely on the drug to function, leading to withdrawal symptoms like irritability, restlessness, and body aches when codeine is not taken.

At the stage where addiction has developed, the person may begin prioritising codeine use over other responsibilities, relationships, and even their own health. Addiction is characterised by compulsive use despite negative consequences.

The Warning Signs of Codeine Addiction

Codeine addiction can present itself in various ways, just like other types of addiction. This typically includes a range of physical, behavioural, and psychological changes, which can sometimes be hard to spot. However, there are typical signs.

• Feeling drowsy: Feeling overly tired or lethargic throughout the day.
• Feeling constipated: A common side effect of opioid use.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, or nausea when codeine use is stopped.
• Pinpoint pupils: A tell-tale sign of opioid use.

• Exceeding your prescribed dose: Taking larger amounts of codeine than prescribed or recommended.
• Secretive behaviour: Hiding pills or lying about usage.

• Mood swings: Experiencing heightened irritability that feels hard to control.
• Cravings: Intense urges to take codeine, even when it’s not needed for pain relief.

 

What To Do if you Suspect a Codeine Addiction

If you feel you may have developed a Codeine addiction, you must seek help at the earliest opportunity.

 You could begin by chatting to your GP, if they have been prescribing you medication, you may need to swap for a different pain relief agent.

Addiction often requires the expertise of healthcare professionals. You can also consider the following options:

• Consult a Doctor: They can assess the severity of the addiction and provide a treatment plan.
• Therapists and Counsellors: Behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help address the underlying causes of your addiction.
• Rehabilitation Centers: In severe cases, inpatient or outpatient rehab programmes can provide structured care and support to help overcome Codeine addiction.
• Support Groups: Programmes like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a community of individuals recovering from similar addictions.

Remember, stopping codeine use abruptly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. A medical detox under the supervision of healthcare professionals ensures safety and comfort during the process. Detox often involves:

• Gradual reduction of dosage to minimise withdrawal effects.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage symptoms.
• Close monitoring to prevent complications.

 

Contact Us

If you would like to discuss your Codeine addiction with an advisor at Action Rehab or gather more information about all the treatment options available in your local area, please contact us today for assistance.