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Compared to most other prescription opiate drugs, codeine produces the weakest effects. That being so, the potential for abuse and addiction remains the same as any other opiate drug.
More often than not, by the time users realize they’re dealing with an out-of-control drug problem, they’ve lost the ability to overcome drug-using urges. Repeated, failed attempts at stopping drug use is the telltale sign.
While rehab treatment may not be your first choice, it nonetheless offers the best chance at success, especially in cases of chronic or long-term codeine use and abuse. Treatment options for codeine withdrawal symptoms not only address the physical discomfort of withdrawal, but also the psychological “need” for the drug in your life.
Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms
Codeine withdrawal develops out of cumulative effects had on the brain’s chemical processes, according to the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. Like most all opiates, codeine shares a similar chemical makeup with the brain neurotransmitter chemicals it most affects.
Over the course of using codeine, its effects alter dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine levels to the point where widespread imbalances take root within the brain’s chemical environment. When this happens, the brain can no longer regulate bodily systems as normal. This condition gives rise to codeine withdrawal symptoms.
Call 800-291-1732 (Who Answers?) for more information on treatment for codeine withdrawal.
Treatment Options
Detox Program
Detox programs help you get through the first stage of codeine withdrawals symptoms, also known as the acute withdrawal stage. First stage withdrawal effects can last anywhere from two to four weeks and typically take the form of:
- Fatigue
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Nausea/vomiting
- Alternating chills and hot flushes
People who’re at the early stages of drug abuse might only experience this first withdrawal stage, so a standard detox program would work well. These programs can also work for someone coming off chronic or long-term drug use provided he or she intends to follow up detox with some form of residential treatment.
Outpatient Methadone/Buprenorphine Programs
Second stage withdrawal, also known as protracted withdrawal, is likely in cases of severe codeine addiction. Outpatient methadone and buprenorphine treatment programs use medication therapies as a means for treating both first and second stage withdrawal.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medication therapies, such as methadone and buprenorphine help restore brain chemical imbalances, and in the process provide relief from codeine withdrawal symptoms. For someone coming off severe or long-term addiction, this treatment options offers a medication treatment as well as behavior-based treatments that address the psychological and behavioral effects of long-term codeine abuse.
Inpatient Treatment
With the most severe forms of codeine addiction, other physical and/or psychological disorders may well develop during the course of drug use. Under these conditions, overcoming codeine withdrawal symptoms requires the type of comprehensive treatment approach that inpatient treatment programs employ.
Inpatient programs provide detox care, medical treatment and treatment for mental health problems. In effect, this type of treatment approach is necessary due to the degree of damage left behind by long-term drug abuse.
Overall, treatment for codeine withdrawal symptoms essentially breaks the cycle of dependence and brain chemical imbalance, which better positions you to overcome the effects of abuse and addiction in your life. If you’re considering getting treatment and need help finding a program that addresses your specific needs, call 800-291-1732 (Who Answers?) to speak with one of our addiction specialists.