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Painkillers containing codeine are readily available over the counter here in the UK and elsewhere. There has recently been an increase in the number of discussions and articles regarding codeine addiction/dependency.

Codeine is an opiate with narcotic properties and is useful in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is available in combination preparations with other non-opiate pain killers such as acetaminophen. Apart from being an effective analgesic, it is good at treating diarrhea and also has cough suppressing properties so is sometimes used in cough syrups.

Codeine is converted to morphine in the liver, however some patients metabolize this drug more efficiently than others, so not everyone will feel the same analgesic benefit. Tolerance to the drug also develops with frequent and regular use, creating a need to take a higher dose to gain the same effect.

Whilst codeine is only available in small doses without prescription, with continued and regular use addiction can occur and it seems that this is becoming a common problem, among men and women alike, with detriment to their health. Many magazines and t.v. programs have been discussing this problem recently and there are dozens of articles on the Internet, with self help groups being set up to offer support to those affected.

Withdrawal from codeine can be difficult, but not impossible. It must be done slowly to minimize the negative physical symptoms and patients find they are more successful if they seek assistance or support from their GP or a support group. Unfortunately one of the withdrawal symptoms is severe headaches, so this can lead to a vicious circle of events. Not taking the pain killers gives rise to a headache - taking the pain killers reinforces the addiction. It can be a bumpy ride!

Perhaps legislation regarding control of codeine should be revisited. If codeine were no longer available without prescription - even in combination preparations - the number of patients developing addiction/dependency could be greatly reduced.

Learn more about this author, Libbie Reed.
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