Opiate painkillers come in many forms and many different levels of strength. Some syrup forms, such as Codeine, are even prescribed to young people to treat coughs and colds. Though it is thought to be non-habit forming when used as directed in the short term, Codeine is an opioid just like morphine, Vicodin, OxyContin, etc. and it’s possible to become dependent on it. Codeine addiction affects many people because this opioid is commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Promethazine-codeine cough syrup is a prescription medication containing an opioid drug called codeine, which stops coughs, but when taken in higher doses produces a “buzz” or “high.” Cough and cold medicines are usually sold in liquid syrup, capsule, or pill form. Drinking promethazine-codeine cough syrup mixed with soda (a combination called syrup, sizzurp, purple drank, barre, or lean) was referenced frequently in some popular music beginning in the late 1990s and has become increasingly popular among youth in several areas of the country.
Because of the popularity codeine syrup has with some celebrities and the miseducation of it not having any consequence, it has led many unexpected individuals to become addicted to codeine. Once a person is dependent on this opioid, they will experience painful withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop their codeine intake.
Because codeine syrup abuse often starts innocently without the intention of becoming a daily user, it is thought that when a user does become addicted and starts having withdrawal symptoms, that it’s easy enough to detox at home. This can be very uncomfortable and very dangerous. Detoxing with no therapy or professional help also creates a low chance of the user staying sober because there will be drug cravings after having used for long periods of time.
What are Withdrawal Symptoms from Codeine Syrup?
Withdrawal varies, of course, with everyone. There are many factors such as health, age, genetics, mental health, other drug use and history with substance abuse. Some users often don’t know they’ve built up a tolerance to codeine and mistake their withdrawal symptoms as the flu. Codeine is a short-acting opioid, so withdrawal symptoms start and end earlier than the longer-acting opioids, such as Methadone.
Codeine’s withdrawal timeline typically begins within 24 hours of the last dose but can start as soon as 8 hours. However, a majority of symptoms will subside after 5 days of detox.
Because detoxing from codeine varies from person to person, it is never suggested to detox at home or alone. Medical supervision should be sought out when detoxing from codeine or any other substance. What you can expect when detoxing from codeine:
First 8 – 24 hours
- Achy muscles
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Teary eyes
- Trouble sleeping
- Frequent Yawning
Next 36 – 72 hours (peak symptoms)
- Diarrhea
- Stomach aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Goosebumps
- Dilated pupils or blurry vision
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
5 days or more days
Most physical symptoms wear off at this time. Drug cravings, however, can last for years if left untreated and, therefore, should be followed up with continued care and support groups.
Always be Supervised During a Codeine Detox
As mentioned earlier, the withdrawal effects vary and should be medically supervised. Medical detox is recommended where there are 24-hour care and routine check-ups. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you should be given medication to help you stay comfortable, rest and curb cravings while you are going through these withdrawal symptoms.
Allure Detox Offers a Safe Codeine Detox
If you are or a loved one is suffering from a codeine addiction, detox is the first step in recovery, and Allure Detox can help you get started on your path towards recovery. We at Allure Detox have a medical detoxification program where we detox patients on a medical basis, which allows us to give patients more than safety. Clients continue to live in a home-like setting with family support during medical detox at Allure. This continued participation allows clients to learn and resume their lives, even as the substance leaves their system.
When it comes to Allure Detox, we provide much more than the bare minimum. Of course, we help clients stop using safely – that’s just a given. Almost as important as that, though, is that we offer clients the foundation for a lifetime of relief and recovery.