Codeine is a moderately strong opiate drug that is used in
pain relief and for the suppression of coughs. But strong or weak, it is still
an addictive drug with many symptoms of use in common with other opiates.
Codeine
can be highly addictive and provides the user with an overall sense of calm and
feelings of pleasure. When codeine is used it enters the brain and causes the
release of neurotransmitters that stimulate the reward centre of the brain,
leaving the user feeling intense feelings of wellbeing and pleasure. This kind
of pleasure can lead to both psychological and physical dependence. The road to addiction to codeine usually starts with
an increasing tolerance to the drug.
After
prolonged use an individual develops a tolerance for this substance and needs
to take more and more of the drug in order to feel the effects.
Some
individuals use for legitimate medical purposes, but over time develops an
addiction problem. Other individuals become addicted to codeine and begin to
use it to manage other problems in their lives, such as emotional pain or
stresses due to the euphoric feelings it causes. Many who become addicted to
codeine will use it with other substances.
CAUSES
OF CODEINE ABUSE
Genetic: Individuals who have
relatives, especially a parent who are addicted to substances are more likely
to develop an addiction problem later in life.
Brain Chemistry: to make up for a
lack of the naturally-occurring neurotransmitter. Codeine may be used as a form
of self-medication in order to make up for the deficiency.
Environmental: Another hypothesis is
that children who grow up in an unstable home environment and may be exposed to
drug abuse by watching their parents or older siblings use.
Psychological: Sometimes
individuals who become addicted to substances such as codeine are
self-medicating in order to deal with an untreated mental disorder. Codeine is
used in an attempt to control unpleasant side effects of the underlying mental
disorder.
SIGNS OF ABUSE
Drowsiness,
slurred speech, Short attention span, impaired judgment, dilated pupils, lack
of coordination, uninterested behaviour.
SIDE EFFECTS
Acute
pancreatitis, major depression, liver damage, kidney damage, financial problems,
legal issues, domestic problems, job loss, heightened pain sensitivity, uncontrollable
muscle twitches, muscle spasms, cramps, and pain, loss of productivity at
school or work, impaired social relationships, seizures, incarceration, respiratory
depression, bradycardia, cold, clammy skin, decreased muscle tone and coma.
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