Is Codeine an Opioid?

In the age of advancing science and more focus on health, medication has become a central part of life. According to a YouGov poll, 56% of Britons reported that they were currently taking a prescription.

Many medications that people legally take are harmless and have many benefits. A major reason people take prescription drugs is to help with recurring pain.

One of the most common prescription drugs for pain is codeine. A study by the University of Manchester found that codeine prescriptions rose from 484 prescriptions per 10,000 in 2006 to 2,456 per 10,000 in 2017.

This is a concerning rise, as codeine can be abused.

You should know about codeine dependence, whether it is a dangerous opioid and whether there is help available if you are struggling.

What Is Codeine?

Codeine is a prescription painkiller. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain and is commonly prescribed to people recovering from an operation or who have recently suffered from an injury. Being a prescription medication means you can only gain access to it if a medical professional prescribes it to you.

Despite it being a prescription drug, lower-strength codeine is available in some over-the-counter medications such as:

• Co-codamol (codeine and paracetamol)
• Nurofen Plus (codeine and ibuprofen)
• Solpadeine (codeine, paracetamol, ibuprofen, caffeine)

Until recently, cough syrup containing codeine linctus was available over the counter, but has since been reclassified as a prescription medication. This is due to fears over rising codeine addiction in the UK.

Is Codeine an Opioid?

So, is codeine an opioid? Yes, it is.

Codeine is in the opiate family and is related to morphine, a powerful and addictive painkiller. These drugs are named opioids or opiates because they are related to the opium poppy, which is a plant that has been used in medication for hundreds of years.

Codeine and other opioids work on the central nervous system. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals from the pain to the rest of the body. Doing this reduces pain in the body but will also bring on other effects.

Codeine and opioids will also bring on a feeling of euphoria, reducing the stress and anxiety caused by the pain. They can make people feel relaxed and flood the body with pleasure.

These effects make painkiller addiction a serious problem, as people can begin to abuse them. Even lower-strength painkillers such as codeine can become addictive, as your body can quickly build up a tolerance.

The Risks of Codeine Use

A big risk of any opioid, including codeine, is addiction. No one looks to become addicted, but it can happen if you misuse the medication.

If you take higher doses than you are supposed to over an extended period of time, eventually you’ll build up a codeine tolerance. This means you have to take more to feel the same effects as early on. Continuing this misuse will lead to a physical dependence, meaning you experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking codeine.

Codeine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Anxiety
• Fever

The risks of codeine are still there even if you take the prescribed amount. If you do this but take codeine for longer than you should, that too will lead to a dependence that can escalate into an addiction.

Codeine should not be mixed with other substances. Codeine is a central nervous depressant, and if you mix it with alcohol, also a depressant, you increase the risk of overdosing. This goes for mixing codeine with other depressants such as benzodiazepines and other opioids.

Signs of Codeine Dependence and Addiction

To better understand codeine and opioid addiction, you need to be aware of what it looks like. If you are struggling with codeine dependence, you might be in denial, so it’s vital to know the signs of addiction.

By knowing the signs of addiction, you can make positive steps to recovery before the situation worsens.

Physical signs of codeine dependence and addiction include:

• Withdrawal symptoms
• Lethargy
• Slow breathing
• Needing more to feel the same effect

Psychological signs include:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Confusion

Behavioural signs include:

• Seeking more than prescribed
• Preoccupation with taking it
• Continuing to use codeine despite the negative impact on your life
• Becoming more secretive about codeine use

Codeine Addiction in the UK

Codeine misuse seems to be on the rise in the UK. Last year, cough syrups containing codeine linctus became a prescription-only medication due to becoming an ingredient in a recreational drink called “Purple Drank”, which was predominantly consumed by younger people.

Between 2022 and 2023, 102 young adults were in treatment for codeine abuse. The next government report showed that the number was 132. This demonstrates an over 25% in admissions for codeine misuse in just a year.

The numbers may seem small, but it does represent a significant increase. It also signifies a wider issue in the UK, as in 2023, it was estimated that the UK is the third largest consumer of codeine, only behind India and Italy.

The Stigma of Prescription Drug Addiction

Many people struggle with prescription drug addiction, in particular because there is a stigma around it. So many other people take these types of medications without any issues, so it increases the isolation and self-defeating feelings that people who are struggling experience.

This isolation, the guilty feeling and thinking you are weak can stop you from getting the help you need.

Getting Help for Codeine Addiction

If your addiction is severe, it may be time for professional help. That is where prescription drug rehab comes in.

At a facility such as Step 1 Recovery, we can help you overcome your codeine addiction through a comprehensive treatment programme. In rehab, you will deal with both the psychological and physical sides of addiction. This way, you can physically end your dependence on the drug and also deal with the deeper root causes, increasing the chance of long-term recovery.

Treatment at Step 1

You will take part in a medical detox to help you through withdrawal and end your physical dependence. This will be followed by various forms of individual and group therapy to better understand your addiction.

There are many types of rehab programmes available to engage with: rehab for couples, mental health treatment, yoga and meditation services.

Support at Your Discretion

Rehab and recovery are about finding the path that works best for you, the one that gives you the best chance of achieving your recovery aims. It’s important to remember that this support is available to you and is always confidential. We want to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during your rehab stay.

Safe Use and Recovery

Prescription opioid abuse, especially codeine, is only possible when it is misused. Codeine is effective and safe if used properly, following the dosage instructions and not taking it for a long time. Misuse of codeine comes with serious risks, including addiction.

It’s essential to anticipate and address the problem proactively. At Step 1 Recovery, we can help you overcome your codeine misuse issues early to prevent further escalation.

For more information on our treatment options and admission to Step 1, call now at +44 (0) 800 012 6006.