Codeine Addiction Help in Reading

Signs of codeine addiction

Codeine addiction can develop gradually. Common signs include:

• • Taking codeine-based products (co-codamol, codeine linctus, Nurofen Plus) daily
• • Buying multiple packets of over-the-counter codeine products from different pharmacies
• • Hiding codeine use or taking more than the recommended dose
• • Feeling unable to manage pain, anxiety, or daily stress without codeine
• • Continuing to use codeine long after the original reason for taking it has resolved
• • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when codeine wears off

Codeine withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal from codeine should always be managed with medical support. Symptoms include:

• • Restlessness, anxiety, and irritability
• • Muscle aches and stomach cramps
• • Sweating, chills, and goosebumps
• • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• • Insomnia
• • Strong cravings
• • Symptoms typically resolve within 5–10 days but psychological cravings persist longer

Treatment for codeine addiction in Reading

• ✓ GP-managed tapering (gradual reduction in dose)
• ✓ NHS drug service — codeine dependency is commonly treated
• ✓ Lower-potency pain relief under medical supervision during taper
• ✓ CBT to address underlying pain or anxiety driving the dependency
• ✓ NA meetings