A lot of people have heard about codeine in the news lately. They may not realize that millions of people use the drug every year. Despite its medical uses, some of them abuse the drug. Most recently, however, codeine cough syrup was in the news for new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restrictions.
FDA Restricts Giving Children Codeine Cough Syrup
As of April 2017, the FDA restricted the use of codeine medicines for children younger than 12. It explained that medicines such as codeine cough syrup carry serious risks for kids. The agency noted that it only approves single-ingredient codeine medications for adult use.
The risks of codeine include difficult or slowed breathing and even death. However, these risks are higher for children, and even some older kids shouldn’t take the medicine. The FDA also recommended against breastfeeding mothers using codeine meds. Because of the increased risks, it will make several changes to prescription labels that contain codeine.
Other News Headlines about Codeine Cough Syrup
News about the FDA restrictions isn’t the first time that codeine cough syrup has been in the headlines. It got a lot of attention in March 2013 when rapper Lil’ Wayne overdosed and ended up in intensive care. He was unconscious and had seizures after having purple drank. The medical team had to pump his stomach three times to get all of the codeine out.
This recreational form of the drug contains a mix of the prescription cough syrup and a soft drink. Other names for the concoction include lean and sizzurp. Alarmingly, several popular celebrities such as 2 Chainz and Three 6 Mafia glorify the drink. They’ve referenced it in songs and on television shows.
However, several famous people have lost their lives after drinking purple drank. Big Moe, Chris Penn, DJ Screw and Pimp C are on the fatality list. Despite this, more people drink the mixture every year.
Understanding Codeine and Its Effects
Doctors have prescribed codeine meds to treat mild to moderate pain for years. It’s the main ingredient in prescription cough suppressants too. However, codeine is an opioid. This synthetic drug category also includes oxycodone and hydrocodone. In its more natural form, they are opiates such as heroin and morphine.
Along with other opioids, codeine is a narcotic with addictive properties. It binds to receptors in the brain to stimulate dopamine production. The immediate effects include drowsiness, euphoria, and relaxation. The drug can also cause constipation and respiratory failure.
Overdose is also possible, which can lead to death. With prolonged use or abuse, people can develop an opiate addiction. The addiction can take over their lives, damaging their careers and relationships. Many people with opiate addiction also have financial and legal problems.
Help Is Available for Codeine Abuse and Addiction
If you think that you have a codeine use or addiction problem, your first step toward recovery is drug detox. At Healing Springs Ranch, we can help you get the detox you need. Then we can create a treatment plan that integrates a whole-person approach to rehab. Your plan will include a range of therapies, such as:
Don’t let codeine use destroy your career, health, and relationships. Get the help you need from our quality rehab center. Call Healing Springs Ranch at 866-656-8384 now to begin your recovery.