As one of a handful of opium derivatives, codeine exists as one of the 20 alkaloid compounds found in the opium poppy plant. Codeine is also the very first opiate ingredient to be marketed in over-the-counter products.

Like many other opiate-based drugs, codeine ingredients have been used within a range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, some of which are pain-relievers while others act as cough suppressants. Codeine’s pain-relieving properties in particular carry certain abuse and addiction risks when using these drugs on a consistent or long-term basis.

With opiate abuse having taken on epidemic proportions within the last decade, this drug’s harmful effects may well warrant codeine addiction treatment help for affected individuals. All in all, codeine offers both good and bad much like other drugs in its class.

Call our toll-free helpline at 800-442-6158 Who Answers? if you need information on codeine addiction treatment options.

Brand Names

Brand name varieties of codeine run the gamut as this drug can be combined with other prescription and over-the-counter remedies to tweak its intended effects. According to the U. S. National Library of Medicine, non-opiate over-the-counter agents that mix well with codeine include aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Antihistamines and decongestants may also be combined with this drug’s effects.

Altogether, there are about 50 common brand names for codeine, some of which include:

• Colrex
• Cotabflu
• Fioricet
• Endotussin
• Bovex PB C
• Poly-tussin AC
• Tylenol with Codeine

Street Names

Codeine street names act as a type of code or secret language used by recreational drug users as well as by drug traffickers and distributors. In a sense, codeine street names play into the whole drug abuse/addiction mindset in terms of creating a private culture of its own.

With so many different variations of this drug on the market, codeine has more than its fair share of street names. Cough syrup preparations in particular have become popular with teenagers so street names abound for these codeine-based products.

Teenagers use street names for codeine to hide their drug use.

Some of the more commonly used lingo includes:

• T-Three’s
• Schoolboy
• C-Plain
• AC
• Tuss
• Endo
• Tikoy
• Purple Drank
• Deka

Codeine Uses

Codeine works well at treating conditions that involve mild to moderate pain symptoms. According to Elmhurst College, codeine’s mechanism of action can also have therapeutic effects on the brain’s “cough center” when frequent coughing becomes a problem, such as with a cold or flu.

Overall, codeine’s effects make for a multipurpose remedy that can be used to treat the following types of conditions:

• Minor injuries
• Dental pain treatment
• Migraine headaches
• Long-term treatment for mild, chronic pain-related conditions

How Does Codeine Work?

Codeine interacts with the body in the same way as other opiate-based drugs, stimulating endorphin production throughout the brain and central nervous system, according to Dickinson College. Codeine act’s directly on the brain’s neurotransmitter chemicals, particularly the ones involved in the body’s own pain management system.

In essence, codeine’s effects prevent pain signals from reaching the brain, though the source of the pain remains unchanged.

If you need help finding a codeine addiction treatment program, call our helpline at 800-442-6158 Who Answers? for assistance.

Codeine Side Effects

As effective as codeine may be at relieving pain and cough symptoms, it still interferes with the brain and body’s natural chemical processes. As a result, a person stands to experience side effects in one form or another depending on how his or her body responds to the drug.

According to Columbia University, codeine side effects may take one or more of the following forms:

• Feelings of euphoria
• Nausea
• Moodiness
• Problems with coordination
• Vomiting
• Problems concentrating
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Problems sleeping

Why Do Doctors Prescribe Opiates If Opiate Addiction is Possible?

Codeine Dangers

With chronic or long-term use, codeine’s cumulative effects tend to weaken brain and body systems while impairing overall functioning. As codeine interacts directly with the brain’s chemical system, long-time users face an ongoing risk of developing severe mental health problems, such as major depression and panic disorders.

Another codeine danger to consider is the increasing risk of overdose when using this drug. Since codeine works by slowing down the chemical activities that regulate the body’s systems, with too large a dose, codeine impairs the brain’s ability to maintain normal system functioning.

This is especially the case as far as respiratory system functions go. In fact, most overdose incidents result from respiratory failure, a condition where the body can no longer breathe on its own.

Abuse Potential

Changes in Tolerance Levels

Regular codeine use wears away at the brain cells most impacted by the drug’s effects. Over time, cell structures start to breakdown from having to work harder than usual.

Changes in tolerance levels take shape as these cells come to require large drug doses to produce the desired drug effects, according to The AAPS Journal. This means a person has to keep increasing dosage amounts, a cycle that will continue for as long as he or she keeps using the drug.

Physical Dependence

A physical dependence on codeine indicates the drug’s abuse potential has reached full stride in terms of the drug abuse cycle that develops along the way. Once the brain can no longer carry out its regulatory functions on its own, a full-blown physical dependence is at work.

Someone who’s developed a dependence experiences uncomfortable withdrawal effects on a regular basis. Withdrawal effects aptly reflect the state of chemical imbalance in the brain.

Irritability and mood swings are common codeine withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal effects typically take the form of:

• Insomnia
• Anxiousness
• Depression
• Problems concentrating
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Mood swings

Addiction Potential

A codeine addiction can develop from long-term use of the drug, regardless of whether a person uses it for medicinal or recreational purposes. An addiction develops out of codeine’s effects on thinking, motivation and emotions.

These changes result from the state of growing chemical imbalance in the brain. People affected by codeine addiction lose the ability to control their drug use. They also lose the ability to think rationally and exercise good judgment.

When to Consider Codeine Addiction Treatment

Codeine addiction treatment becomes necessary in cases where a drug problem has caused considerable problems in major areas of a person’s life. Once a person starts choosing the drug over things like important relationships and work obligations, a full-blown addiction is at work.

If you’re struggling with codeine addiction and don’t know where to turn, we can help. Call our helpline at 800-442-6158 Who Answers? to speak with one of our addiction specialists about codeine addiction treatment options.