Codeine Addiction Treatment

Codeine is an opiate drug, used to treat mild to moderate pain. . While it is available on prescription, codeine can also be found in lower doses in over-the-counter medications, often combined with other painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin.

Although effective for pain relief, prolonged or excessive use can lead to dependency. When codeine is used in high doses or over extended periods, the body builds a tolerance, casing individuals to take more to achieve the same effect, ultimately leading to its addiction.

Recognising the signs of codeine addiction is crucial for early intervention. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Increasing tolerance to codeine
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using codeine (such as headaches, muscle aches, nausea)
• Taking more than the prescribed dose
• Preoccupation with obtaining or using codeine
• Neglecting responsibilities due to drug use

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to consider professional help. Contact us today at 0121 251 4431 for a free and confidential call.

The misuse or long term use of codeine can lead to significant health risks, including:

• Lower blood pressure

• Respiratory depression (leading to breathing difficulties or respiratory arrest)
• Organ damage, particularly liver and kidney failure (when combined with other painkillers like paracetamol)
• Risk of overdose, especially when mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids

Long-term abuse can also cause mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. Codeine addiction treatment is essential to prevent these severe health complications.

Withdrawing from codeine can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, distressing. An individual with a codeine addiction may experience some of the withdrawal symptoms listed below when not using the substance. Some of the codeine withdrawal symptoms include:

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Joint and muscle pain
• Restlessness or insomnia
• Headaches and migraines
• Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• Anxiety, panic attacks, and depression
• Flu-like symptoms (runny nose, chills, and fatigue)
• Lethargy

These withdrawal symptoms highlight the need for professional codeine addiction treatment, where medical supervision ensures a safe and comfortable detox process. Contact your local rehabilitation centre for more information on codeine addiction treatment.

At New Leaf Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of codeine addiction and therefore we offer bespoke treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Our holistic approach focuses on addressing physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addiction.

Some of the key elements of our codeine addiction treatment programme include:

• Detoxification: A medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
• Individual Therapy: One-on-one counselling to explore the underlying causes of addiction.
• Group Therapy: Peer support sessions to share experiences and gain insights from others in recovery.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Holistic Therapies: Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, and other therapies to promote overall well-being.

We are committed to helping individuals regain control of their lives by providing a supportive environment throughout their codeine addiction treatment and recovery journey.