Last Updated:
April 18th, 2024
Codeine Addiction
Codeine is a medication you might take to alleviate mild to moderate pain or suppress coughing. As an opioid analgesic, codeine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body, reducing the perception of pain and suppressing cough reflexes.
However, codeine can be addictive due to its opioid properties, which can lead to changes in brain chemistry and the development of dependence. Over time, repeated use of codeine can result in tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effects. This tolerance can then progress to dependence, where your body becomes reliant on codeine to function normally. Once a stage of dependence is reached, a codeine addiction has been formed.