Co-Codamol Addiction: Symptoms & Treatments
Co-codamol, a pain reliever with paracetamol and codeine, is used to treat toothaches, migraines, and headaches. When taken properly, medications with codeine can be quite helpful, but if they are overused, there are hazards involved, and people can become caught in a Co-codamol addiction.
One of the components of co-codamol, codeine, can cause physical and psychological addiction. If you are concerned about your own drug use or the drug usage of a loved one, you can look out for the warning signs and symptoms of co-codamol addiction.
How Does a Co-Codamol Addiction Start?
The opioid in co-codamol, codeine, blocks the central nervous system's transmission of pain signals and encourages the brain's creation of dopamine. Addiction to co-codamol may form when a person starts to rely on the painkilling effects of the drug.
The ability to naturally enjoy pleasure and cope with pain may be harmed by prolonged use of the painkiller. You shouldn't continue taking co-codamol, even if your pain remains, after taking it for the recommended amount of time. This is because, as your tolerance grows, you could require higher doses to feel any relief. This could eventually result in a physical addiction.
Symptoms of Co-Codamol Addiction
Since not all painkillers are created equal, there are a number of signs and symptoms to watch out for when someone develops a prescription drug addiction. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following signs of co-codamol addiction, you should seek help right away:
- The want to take co-codamol more often or in larger doses, whether or not there is pain present
- Sleeplessness and possibly having nightmares at night
- Putting co-codamol use before anything else
- Losing interest in once-enjoyed pastimes
- Losing control of obligations, such as ignoring people and skipping meetings or appointments
- Ignoring grooming or personal hygiene
- Avoiding social interaction or communicating with friends and family
- Maintaining the use of co-codamol despite adverse effects
If you need help with a Co-codamol addiction, or you think you may be developing one, head to our website for help and support.
The Dangers of a Co-Codamol Addiction
Co-codamol abuse and addiction can have a detrimental impact on someone's health and wellbeing.
Long-term use of the medicine raises the risk of seizures, liver damage, and kidney damage. Respiratory depression, which slows breathing and decreases blood pressure and heart rate, can also be brought on by high doses of the drug. A person might even suffer from respiratory failure and a fatal overdose. Get therapy for addiction as soon as you can to avoid risks.
Treatment for Co-Codamol Addiction
Three distinct stages should be included in a co-codamol addiction treatment programme for success. Each stage should be tailored to the specific needs of the client and, ideally, each stage should come right after the previous one:
Stopping all co-codamol use in Stage 1's detoxification process, under medical guidance, with a focus on continuing to abstain from any addictive drugs that have a psychedelic effect.
Growth and rehabilitation are the 2nd Stages of Co-codamol addiction treatment, because, following a safe co-codamol withdrawal, the brain needs extensive rehabilitation. Co-codamol rehabilitation should include client-specific, evidence-based treatment strategies. A personalised rehabilitation programme will enable continued abstinence, the end of addictive and unhealthy behaviours, the instillation of new healthy coping mechanisms to deal with daily stress and emotions, the provision of a sense of purpose, the imprinting of relapse prevention strategies, and the healing of suppressed emotions.
Continuing the healing is the final step in the treatment stage. The addicted brain can mend and be properly treated to manage addictive behaviours and avoid relapse, but it cannot be cured. This procedure should continue to assist the individual in overcoming their addiction and reimagining their life free of alcohol and drugs. Family and friends are also recommended to seek help because the addiction of a loved one will have a significant impact on their own lives. With the assistance of experts and/or mutual aid organisations, the recovering co-codamol addict must continue to put a lot of work into their rehabilitation.
The Importance of Seeking Help
If you or someone you know has a Co-codamol addiction or is heading for one, we recommend getting support straight away. There is lots of help out there, and we provide bespoke Co-codamol addiction treatment programmes that will address your needs to get your life back on track. Find out more today.