Codeine Withdrawal & Detox in Orlando

Last Updated: September 21, 2023

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Codeine is an opioid medication that is much weaker than morphine, heroin and many other opioid drugs. However, people can still become dependent on codeine within a short period of time, especially if they are using it regularly or at high doses. A person with codeine dependence will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug, which makes them want to take it again.

The fear of experiencing painful symptoms is often enough to steer some people away from quitting codeine. However, medical assistance can help ease any uncomfortable symptoms that arise during the codeine withdrawal process. For many, attending a medical detox program is the first step to quitting codeine for good.

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.

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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:

The Withdrawal Timeline

Days 1-2:

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 3-5:

If the detox continues, withdrawal symptoms should decrease by the fifth day. 

Days 6-10:

 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

Codeine Detox

Detox is the first step in the treatment of drug addiction. Codeine is eliminated from the body during detox, leading to a number of different withdrawal symptoms. It is possible for some people to only experience minor effects of withdrawal during and after detox. However, attempting detox at home can be dangerous partly because withdrawal-managing medications are not readily available to relieve discomfort. The discomfort of withdrawal often causes people to relapse in an attempt to relieve the pain.

If a person relapses during detox, they might return to the dosage they were using before they tried to quit. However, the body might not be able to handle the high volume of the substance after a period of sobriety. This overload of codeine can lead to serious injury or an overdose. For this reason, choosing to undergo detox at a medical facility that provides 24-hour supervision is a much safer option.

Codeine Detox Treatment Facility in Orlando, Florida

The best way to get through codeine withdrawal is with the help of medical professionals who can prescribe medications, monitor your health and treat withdrawal symptoms as they occur. This is especially important if you have co-occurring mental or physical health problems.

For many, attending medical detox at a professional rehab facility like the Orlando Recovery Center is a highly effective first step. Located on the banks of Lake Ellenor near downtown Orlando, our 93-bed treatment center can provide the help you need to overcome codeine use and begin the recovery journey. Our team of addiction experts and medical staff oversee each step of the treatment process, providing you with around-the-clock care as you work toward a healthier, codeine-free future.

If you or someone you know is struggling with codeine use in the Central Florida area, the Orlando Recovery Center can help. Contact us today to learn more about addiction treatment programs that can work well for your situation.

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Sources

Foley, Michelle; Carney, Tara; Rich, Eileen; et al. “Medical professionals’ perspectives on[…]ross-sectional study.” BMJ Open, July 14, 2016. Accessed February 7, 2022.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Protracted Withdrawal.” July 2010. Accessed February 7, 2022.

World Health Organization. “Withdrawal Management.” 2009. Accessed February 7, 2022.

American Society of Addiction Medicine. “National Practice Guideline for the Trea[…] Opioid Use Disorder.” December 18, 2019. Accessed February 3, 2022.

Federal Bureau of Prisons. “Detoxification of Chemically Dependent Inmates.” February 2014. Accessed February 3, 2022.

American Academy of Family Physicians. “Opioid Conversion Table.” Accessed February 3, 2022.

Drugs.com. “Codeine.” March 29, 2021. Accessed February 3, 2022.

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