The Effects Of Codeine Addiction

Home / Posts tagged "jhb rehab" (Page 26)

The Effects Of Codeine Addiction

18 February, 2020Articles, News

As a member of the opiate classification of drugs, codeine acts as a central nervous system depressant, resulting in decreased sensations of pain and increased pleasurable sensations due to the drug’s indirect effect on the dopamine reward system in the brain, which results in significant potential for the development of physical dependence. Codeine also affects areas of the brain that are involved in very basic functions, such as respiration and coughing, and the drug is commonly found as a cough suppressant in prescription cough syrups.

Codeine abuse is common among young people

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports on an emerging trend in individuals under the age of 25 that involves abuse of codeine. Codeine is easily accessible; anyone can buy it at any pharmacy across South Africa.

There is a trend of drinking dangerous amounts of cough syrup which contains codeine-promethazine in order to experience psychoactive effects. Promethazine is an antihistamine, and codeine acts as a cough suppressant. In large doses, these substances can produce extreme sedation, mild feelings of wellbeing, and a release of inhibitions. Street names for this particular form of cough syrup include purple syrup, syrup, and sizzurp.

Actual figures regarding how many individuals are abusing codeine are not readily available, but the practice appears to be focused among younger individuals. The abuse of codeine represents a serious threat to these individuals in terms of their long-term health and the potential for overdose.

The Effects of Abusing Codeine

People abusing codeine will quickly develop tolerance to the drug and will need to take larger amounts of it to get the effects that they once achieved at significantly lower doses. As the individual takes larger amounts of the drug at regular intervals, they are more likely to develop physical dependence.

Withdrawal

The development of withdrawal symptoms in individuals who abuse codeine is particularly distressing because codeine has a very short half-life, and an individual can conceivably start to experience withdrawal symptoms within several hours of discontinuing the drug.

Even though the withdrawal symptoms associated with physical dependence on codeine are reportedly mild in comparison to the symptoms that occur with morphine and heroin, individuals who use large amounts of the drug for lengthy periods of time may get caught in a cycle of abuse to avoid these withdrawal symptoms.

The withdrawal process associated with codeine is not generally believed to be potentially physically dangerous; however, individuals who are emotionally unstable or prone to poor judgment may be at risk for harm due to accidents, impulsive behaviours, or even suicide in extreme cases. Individuals who mix codeine with other drugs, such as alcohol, or other medications, stimulants, or benzodiazepines, may be at risk for a number of potentially serious physical complications during the withdrawal process. These may include issues with cardiovascular functioning and the development of potential seizures (especially for individuals who abuse codeine on a regular basis with benzodiazepines or alcohol).

Treatment of codeine addiction

It appears that the majority of individuals who abuse codeine are younger; approaching these individuals with concerns about their behaviour can be very tricky. It is well known that individuals who have substance abuse issues can be very defensive regarding their use of drugs and/or alcohol, and younger individuals may become even more so when confronted by a parent, friends, or other relatives. Many sources refer to this tendency to be reactive as “denial,” which itself is suggested to be a symptom of a substance use disorder.

If you or a loved one are battling a codeine addiction and are in search of rehabilitation contact Crossroads Recovery Centre for a free assessment, the individual can be tested and the treatment options can be discussed. Codeine addiction usually requires a medical detoxification and professional help is required for sustained abstinence.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

RESOURCES

https://steemit.com/drug/@pipiro/drugs-abuse-a-total-consideration-on-codeine

https://www.jenonline.org/article/S0099-1767(16)30214-8/abstract

https://books.google.co.za/books?hl=en&lr=&id=-JivBAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT18&ots=cdRR23NJxb&sig=hqcxV0blNxO5C8MW8Cir3ZUxtVg&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043

Pretoria Admissions: +27 82 653 3311

Stories of Recovery

The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
Oliver VG
Read more
On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
Johan B
Read more
I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
Carla S
Read more
"Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
Angelique J
Read more

Approved Medical Aids

Nyaope Demystified

Reach out now, we can help

Home / Posts tagged "jhb rehab" (Page 26)

Nyaope Demystified

14 February, 2020Articles, News

Nyaope is a drug completely unique to South Africa. In 2009 when abuse of the substance became widespread the rumour mill began to churn. Tabloid headlines have suggested that people purposefully infect themselves with HIV in their desperation to obtain antiretrovirals (ARV’s) for the side-effects of these drugs. Later, reports came out that users were starting a practice called “bluetoothing” in order to share the high. Nyaope has gained infamy in the South African consciousness, but truth and myth need to be separated at some point.

What is nyaope?

Rat poison, pool cleaner, ARV’s, marijuana, heroin, these are but some of the rumoured components that make up this dangerous cocktail. The main component is low grade heroin and the rest of the contents exist solely to bulk up the weight. It takes the form of a grainy brown powder, hence the street name “sugars”. It is also known as Whoonga, the street name used depends on the region. This powder is either combined with marijuana and smoked or it can be injected intravenously.

What are the dangers of Nyaope?

Since nyaope is composed mostly of heroin, an opiate, the effects are euphoria, relaxation and drowsiness. There is a high risk of overdose, especially when injected intravenously. This is also a consequence of the fact that nyaope is generally sold and used in poorer communities. In an attempt to keep the cost as low as possible, the producers of this drug add a large variety of other drugs and substances; this means that one dose may be vastly more potent than the next.

In addition to the above, the “bulking” ingredients pose their own risks, and because these components are generally not advertised by the sellers, a person who uses this drug can never be 100% sure what they are actually putting into their body.

With all intravenous drug use, the likelihood of bloodborne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis increases dramatically. Nyaope use also increases the risk of mental disorder and psychosis, these effects may remain long after the use of the drug has stopped.

Opiates are also physically addictive; this means that when use of the drugs stops suddenly, the user will experience withdrawal symptoms. This forms part of the reason why nyaope addicts are so desperate to pursue their next fix, it is an attempt to stay out of the discomfort and pain caused by withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include, but are not limited to, extreme physical pain, vomiting, fever, chills, stomach troubles, anxiety and depression.

How is Nyaope addiction treated?

The initial days of treatment for a nyaope addict are generally spent on detoxification medication. The dosage and duration of this medication is generally determined by how much and how long the person has been using the drug. It is very important that a doctor assesses and administers the medication and that the client is medically supervised for the duration of the detox.

After the detox process is finished, nyoape addiction is handled therapeutically much the same as other addictions are handled. One-on-one counselling, group therapy and peer support groups are used to facilitate long-term recovery in the client.

All addiction is a lifelong recovery process accessible to all, through the use of peer support groups such as 12 step fellowships like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. If you or a loved ones needs assistance please contact us.

Photograph courtesy Al Jazeera.