Codeine is a prescription pain medication used to treat mild to moderate pain. It comes in the form of a tablet and is the main ingredient in prescription-grade cough suppressants. Tylenol 3, another popular pain reliever, is a mix of codeine and acetaminophen. Codeine is an opiate (also called a narcotic). Other opiates include heroin, oxycodone, and morphine. Street names for codeine include coties, t-three’s, schoolboy, and cough syrup.
Codeine Effects and Abuse
Codeine use often begins harmlessly, with a prescription for a codeine-based cough syrup. Because codeine is not as regulated as some opiates considered to be more dangerous (such as OxyContin or morphine), obtaining and abusing it is actually quite easy. This is despite the fact that codeine is very chemically similar to drugs such as morphine and hydrocodone. Though not as strong, codeine provides similar effects to morphine.
The effects of codeine include:
- Apathy
- Drowsiness
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
Codeine Addiction
An addiction to codeine may stem from habitual abuse of the drug in its cough syrup or pill form. Codeine can lure its users into a false sense of security because many people do not consider it to be as potent or addictive as its opiate relatives.
Many people don’t stop at codeine. They try to reach a better high by mixing it with other substances, including alcohol. Because codeine and alcohol are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants, combining them can lead to dangerous levels of depression in the brain and respiratory failure.
“Purple Drank”
Codeine cough syrup is used to make what is known as “purple drank.” Purple drank is a recreational form of the drug created by mixing prescription-grade (codeine) cough syrup with soft drinks, such as Mountain Dew or Sprite, for consumption in large doses. It is also called sizzurp, lean, and syrup.
Dangerously glorified in popular culture, purple drank has been referenced throughout many television shows and songs; it is mentioned frequently in songs by artists like Lil’ Wayne and Three 6 Mafia.
Rapper Lil’ Wayne was admitted into the intensive care unit in March of 2013 for seizures and unconsciousness caused by severely high levels of codeine. Although he survived, he remained in critical condition after undergoing a stomach pump three times in order to remove the drug from his system.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
