Codeine Withdrawal & Detox in Orlando

What Is Codeine Withdrawal?

When someone takes an opioid like codeine regularly, their brain and body try to adjust to the drug’s constant presence. Eventually, the brain and body will no longer function normally without the presence of the drug. This process is how dependence develops. If the brain is suddenly deprived of codeine after dependence sets in, the central nervous system becomes disoriented as it tries to recalibrate to the drug’s absence. This state of recalibration is withdrawal, and it often leads to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and side effects.

Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms

Common signs of codeine withdrawal can seem like a case of the flu. Common symptoms of codeine withdrawal include:

• Muscle aches 
• Insomnia
• Increased tearing, sweating and runny nose
• Yawning
• Enlarged pupils 
• Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
• Goosebumps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Agitation and anxiety

For people who have used codeine for a long time, symptoms can be significantly worse and may require medical intervention. It’s best to consult a professional before trying to end codeine use.

Additionally, many codeine withdrawal symptoms are the reverse of symptoms caused by codeine. For example, while codeine use can cause constipation, withdrawal may make a person develop diarrhea. Similarly, codeine usually causes sleepiness, while withdrawal can lead to trouble sleeping.

Codeine Withdrawal Timeline

Codeine is a short-acting opioid that is quickly absorbed by the body, and its effects are felt rapidly. It is also eliminated from the body quickly, so codeine withdrawal symptoms will usually appear within eight to 24 hours after the last dose is taken.

Codeine withdrawal is not usually life-threatening. However, people who experience strong symptoms whenever they try to reduce their codeine dose should speak to their doctor to ensure detox will be safe. Those who have been combining codeine with other drugs or alcohol should also speak with a doctor before detoxing.

Though withdrawal symptoms may vary in levels of discomfort and length, most people experience a similar timeline of events during codeine withdrawal and detox:

• Days one to two: The first couple of days of detox are challenging, and withdrawal symptoms will begin during this time. Without medical supervision, a person might be tempted to relapse to avoid discomfort. 
• Days three to five: If the detox continues, withdrawal symptoms should decrease by the fifth day. 
• Day six to ten: In most people, codeine withdrawal symptoms will resolve by day 10.
• Weeks or months later: Psychological symptoms may take weeks or months to heal. This part of withdrawal is an ongoing process for many.

Codeine withdrawal is not a pleasant experience, but it is necessary to break the dependence on the medication. Fortunately, when treatment has proper medical supervision, the worst of the codeine detox symptoms can be effectively managed.

Factors That Determine How Long Codeine Withdrawal Will Last

The codeine withdrawal process varies from person to person, and your withdrawal experience will not be identical to anyone else’s. However, there are some factors that can influence the duration and severity of codeine withdrawal. These include:

• Your dose of codeine: Higher doses may indicate more physical dependence, creating a higher risk of withdrawal symptoms.
• How often you take codeine: A person who takes codeine on a frequent basis will be more at risk for withdrawal symptoms than a person who takes the drug less frequently.
• How long you have been dependent on codeine: Long-term codeine dependence may be harder for your body to overcome than a more recent dependence.
• The presence of other medical or mental health conditions: Other health conditions can complicate the withdrawal process, making medical supervision all the more important.
• Your age: The older you are, the worse withdrawal symptoms may be.
• If you are dependent on other medications: Polysubstance abuse, or abusing multiple substances at the same time, can lead to a longer recovery period than if codeine is the only drug you take