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Twelve-step programs — In an American survey of treatment providers from three separate institutions (the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse…
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used to treat those with opioid use disorder or opioid dependency. It does provide mild pain relief and can cause a slight euphoria, but it also has a ceiling effect. Once you get to a certain dose, taking more of the drug will not increase the high you experience.
Ultram is a medication, similar to opioid analgesics, used to treat moderate to severe pain. It acts on the central nervous system to promote relaxation and feelings of well-being. It is a narcotic and is a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means it does have medicinal benefits, but it can also be addictive.
Dangers of Mixing Buprenorphine and Ultram
It is dangerous to mix any drugs, period, and mixing buprenorphine and Ultram can have deadly effects. Taking two opioids at the same time can increase the risk of an overdose. Also, using buprenorphine together with Ultram can significantly increase the risk of seizure activity.
The American Journal on Addictions says:
Drug interactions are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Methadone and buprenorphine are frequently prescribed for the treatment of opioid addiction. Patients needing treatment with these medications often have co-occurring medical and mental illnesses that require medication treatment. The abuse of illicit substances is also common in opioid-addicted individuals. These clinical realities place patients being treated with methadone and buprenorphine at risk for potentially toxic drug interactions.
Furthermore, when mixing Ultram or any other opioid with buprenorphine, most likely you will not feel the effects. Buprenorphine has a higher binding rate than Ultram, and it occupies the opioid receptors in the brain.
Dangers of Mixing Suboxone and Ultram
Another thing to note here is that there is a huge difference if someone were to mix Ultram with Suboxone. Suboxone is a combination medication used to treat opioid use disorder or opioid dependency. Suboxone contains two ingredients, buprenorphine, and naloxone; the naloxone in Suboxone reverses the effects of opioids.
You can take Ultram after you have taken Suboxone, however, if you take Suboxone after taking Ultram or any other opioid, you will most likely experience precipitated withdrawal symptoms. The naloxone in Suboxone would reverse the effects of the Ultram, and the buprenorphine would dislodge the Ultram or opioid from the receptors and replace it. Precipitated withdrawal is a very awful experience.
One last thing that I think is important to note. Buprenorphine or Suboxone are both 50 times more potent than Morphine, so if you have been taking either medication for a length of time, your opioid tolerance is going to be high. If you are trying to achieve a high by mixing the two drugs, it would take very large doses of Ultram, and that high of a dose would likely be extremely dangerous.
Treatment for Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling offers evidence-based addiction treatment. Our cutting edge addiction treatment will lead you on a road to long-lasting recovery. You don’t have to suffer any longer. Call us today.
Ecstasy is a synthetic drug chemically similar to hallucinogens and stimulants. It has a similar structure as methamphetamines and is a derivative of amphetamines. Ecstasy alters an individual’s mood and perception and also produces feelings of extreme pleasure, increased energy, distorted time and sensory perception, and emotional warmth.
Ecstasy used to be a legal medication. It was developed in 1912, by the Merck pharmaceutical company. The original form of the medication was called “MDMA”, and in 1953 it was used by the US Army in psychological warfare testing. In 1960, “MDMA” was used as a psychotherapy medication to lower inhibitions, and by the 1970’s it was being used as a party drug.
In the 1980s MDMA was the most popular drug for weekend parties. In 1984, it was sold under the brand name of “Ecstasy”, and in 1985 it was banned due to safety concerns.
According to the National Institutes of Health:
MDMA was initially popular in the nightclub scene and at all-night dance parties (“raves”), but the drug now affects a broader range of people who more commonly call the drug Ecstasy or Molly. People who use MDMA usually take it as a capsule or tablet, though some swallow it in liquid form or snort the powder. The popular nickname Molly (slang for “molecular”) often refers to the supposedly “pure” crystalline powder form of MDMA, usually sold in capsules. However, people who purchase powder or capsules sold as Molly often actually get other drugs such as synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”) instead. Some people take MDMA in combination with other drugs such as alcohol or marijuana.
Ecstasy usually comes in the form of a pill, but it can also be injected or taken as a liquid; the liquid form of the drug is called GHB. GHB is a central nervous system depressant, and it is a very dangerous form of the drug. There have been many instances where GHB has been unknowingly slipped into people’s drinks. They are then lured away from their original location and will wake up the next day without having any recollection of what happened to them.
What Are the Street Names for Ecstasy?
Ecstasy has many different street names. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has many alternative ecstasy names listed in their database because drug dealers often change the street names to try and confuse law enforcement.
Known as a party drug, ecstasy comes in pill or powder form; the pill has a variety of logos and colors. The street names put together by the DEA include:
Adam
Beans
Biscuit
Clarity
Disco Biscuit
E
Eve
Hug Drug
Lover’s Speed
MDMA
Peace
STP
X
XTC
Molly
There are also some other street names of ecstasy: Cadillac, California Sunrise, Essence, Elephants, Love Drug, Love Pill, Molly, Roll, Scooby snacks, Snowball, and XE.
Side Effects of Ecstasy Use
Ecstasy affects three different chemicals in the brain, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Its effects can give the individual a greater sense of well-being, emotional warmth, enhanced sensory perception, and increased empathy towards others. Some of the side effects of the drug can include:
Anxiety
Depression
Confusion
Attention problems
Decreased libido
Irritability
Insomnia
Reduced appetite
Memory problems
Impulsiveness
The onset of Ecstasy is about 45 minutes after a dose is taken, and the duration is usually between three to six hours.
Dangers of Ecstasy Abuse
Just like a lot of heroin, cocaine, and other substances in this country are being mixed with fentanyl, Ecstasy can also have a lot of additives. A person may purchase a pill that they believe to be pure Molly, but much of the time it is mixed with cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, bath salts, and/or over-the-counter cough medicine. You do not know what you are buying these days, and any of these substances can be extremely dangerous especially when mixed with MDMA.
Treatment for Ecstasy Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling provides cutting edge addiction treatment. We tailor our programs to meet the individual needs of each person suffering from addiction. We offer a variety of different treatment programs to help recreate your life and get you on the road to a lasting recovery.
FAQ
How long does Ecstasy stay in your system?
Ecstasy can be detected in blood for 1 to 2 days & in Urine for 2 to 4 days after taking it.
Cocaine is an illicit substance that is a central nervous system stimulant. “Coke” can either be snorted, dissolved, and injected intravenously or smoked. The smokable form of cocaine is called crack cocaine.
Crack cocaine is cocaine that has had baking soda added to it and has been cooked down to form little rocks that can then be smoked. It is a freebase form of cocaine that produces a very short, intense euphoria to those that smoke it.
The Nation Institutes of Health states that:
Cocaine is one of the most prevalent and potentially dangerous illicit drugs. In 2012, almost 4.7 million individuals (aged 12 and older) in the US reported past-year use. There are notable racial and ethnic disparities in cocaine use with Whites more likely to report lifetime cocaine use (i.e., powder and/or crack cocaine) as compared to Blacks and Hispanics, but smaller differences for past-year use. For crack use specifically, Blacks were more likely to report lifetime use as compared to Whites and Hispanics, as well as past-year use. Possessing cocaine places an individual at risk for arrest and incarceration, which can lead to health consequences and loss of federal rights and benefits. (NIH)
Even though statistics do show that crack cocaine is more prevalent in blacks, this drug no matter what form it’s in, just like any other drug, does not discriminate. Addiction does not discriminate. Many people come from a variety of ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses that have issues with a crack cocaine addiction.
How Long Do the Effects of Crack Cocaine Last?
The onset and duration of cocaine vary and depend solely on how the drug is ingested. Let’s take a look at the different ways it’s ingested and how long the high lasts.
Injecting Cocaine – the onset of injecting cocaine is 10 to 15 seconds and the high lasts from 5 to 15 minutes.
Snorting Cocaine – the onset of snorting cocaine is 1 to 3 minutes and the high lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.
Gumming Cocaine – gumming cocaine is eating it or rubbing it on your gums. The onset of gumming cocaine is 1 to 3 minutes and the high lasts for 15 to 30 minutes.
Smoking Crack Cocaine – the onset of smoking crack cocaine is 10 to 15 seconds and the high lasts for 5 to 15 minutes.
The methods that get cocaine into your system or bloodstream faster allow the drug to wear off faster. The high euphoria that one gets from smoking crack cocaine comes on very hard and very fast making it one of the most, psychologically addicting drugs. Once the high wears off, the drug leaves you craving more and more of it. A lot of times you will hear people say that they continue to smoke crack cocaine, trying to achieve that initial high and euphoria that they got when they took that first hit, and they are never able to obtain it.
Is Crack Cocaine Withdrawal Real?
The crash you get when the cocaine wears completely off is often as intense as the high, just in the opposite direction. The major depression that one gets from cocaine withdrawal is at times unbearable. Other side effects of coming down from cocaine can include restlessness, irritability, trouble sleeping despite being tired, and anxiety.
Getting Treatment for Crack Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine and crack cocaine highs are intense, but also short-lived. This illicit stimulant is highly addictive and also very hard to recover from. Although recovery from a crack cocaine addiction is very hard, it is also possible.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling offers evidence-based treatment to get you on the road to recovery. Call us today to get started on a lasting recovery!
FAQ
How Long Does a Crack Cocaine High Last?
The duration of a crack cocaine high can vary depending on several factors, including the amount and purity of the drug, the method of administration, individual tolerance, and the person’s metabolism. Generally, the effects of crack cocaine are intense but relatively short-lived compared to other forms of cocaine.
When crack cocaine is smoked, the onset of the high is rapid, usually within seconds or minutes, and the effects peak quickly. The high typically lasts for about 5 to 15 minutes, though some individuals may experience a longer duration of up to 30 minutes. After the peak, the effects gradually decline, leading to a comedown or a crash.
It’s important to note that the short duration of the high often leads to repeated and frequent use of crack cocaine to sustain the desired effects. However, this pattern of use can increase the risks of addiction, physical and psychological harm, and other adverse consequences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it’s crucial to seek professional help and support. Substance abuse treatment programs, counseling, and support groups can provide guidance and assistance in overcoming addiction and establishing a healthier lifestyle.
The programs of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are 12 Step programs. Twelve-step programs are organizations that were created for recovery from substance abuse. The first twelve-step program that was created is Alcoholics Anonymous; it was created in the 1930s.
The 12 Steps were created to establish guidelines to help those that were struggling with alcoholism overcome their addiction to alcohol. Because the 12-steps and program helped so many people in its early years, today there are a lot of 12-step programs available for several different addictions and compulsive behaviors.
Is There a 13th Step in Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous?
The “13th Step” is not officially part of any 12-step program. The definition of “13th stepping” is when an individual who has over a year of sobriety attempts to develop a sexual relationship with someone who is brand new in recovery, or who has less than a year of sobriety. When you join a 12-step program, you are strongly advised against starting a relationship of any kind for at least the first year of your recovery.
The Dangers of 13th Stepping
Starting a relationship of any kind, especially a sexual relationship, when you are new in recovery can be dangerous for several reasons. Here is a list of some of those reasons.
When you are new in recovery, you are very vulnerable. For someone, that has been in recovery, to take advantage of a newcomer is exploitative.
Starting a new relationship, especially a sexual relationship, can distract you from sustaining recovery.
If the relationship doesn’t work out, the potential for relapse is there, and this gives the newcomer justification to relapse.
It can drive new members away. This is a betrayal of trust.
13th-stepping can damage the reputation of the program and individual meeting groups.
It can make a newcomer feel very unsafe and like they can’t trust the program or anyone in it.
The act of 13th Stepping is detrimental to anyone that is involved. It is detrimental to the program and specific meeting groups.
How Do You Protect Yourself from 13th Stepping?
There are several ways to protect yourself from 13th Stepping. Here are some things you can do:
It is best to stick with a sponsor of the same sex if you are heterosexual and of the opposite sex if you are homosexual.
If any sponsor in the program makes sexual advances towards you, it is very important to end the relationship immediately. Sponsors are there to help support you and give you advice only. Any other behavior can be damaging to the newcomer.
Newcomers’ priority should be their sobriety, so any sexual relationships should be avoided in the first year of recovery. Sexual relationships put the newcomer at too much risk.
Flirting is normal to an extent, but if the flirtatious behavior is making the newcomer feel uncomfortable, they should immediately talk with their sponsor about it. Their sponsor will be able to give them advice on how to deal with the behavior.
The only time it is acceptable to have a sexual relationship with another member of the program is when both parties are secure in their recovery and both have at least a year of sobriety under their belts. Sometimes even a year of sobriety isn’t enough depending on where each party is in their recovery.
AA meetings and groups, on the whole, are safe, but if you attend a meeting and notice any unethical behavior, it would be best to find a new meeting to attend. People in recovery are far from perfect; no one is perfect, but if you witness this type of behavior, especially right off the bat, it would be in your best interest to get away from it immediately.
Effective Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling offers evidence-based addiction treatment to get you to a lasting recovery. What are you waiting for? Call us today!
One of the main components of every 12-step method of addiction recovery is “coming to believe in a power greater than yourself.” Unfortunately, many men and women who could greatly benefit from a 12-step program allow this component to deter them entirely, generally because they believe this entails becoming religious or coming to believe in and put faith in a God. On the contrary, the phrase “higher power” encourages spirituality and the fostering of a spiritual connection – there is nothing religious about it. The step itself reads, “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” This is the 2nd step of Alcoholics Anonymous, and it explores spirituality as well as the definition of insanity.
When you enter addiction recovery, you will begin to further understand the meaning of insanity, which is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. What better describes active addiction than this definition of insanity? Those who are inactive addiction will use their drug of choice over and over again despite negative consequences, repeatedly telling themselves, “This time will be different,” or, “I’ll be able to control my intake this time around, I just know it.” Of course, this is never the case.
Time and time again those who are struggling with active addiction will make the same mistake. How do they pull themselves out of that trite old rut and overcome addiction? Well, they certainly cannot do it without help – and this is what “higher power” means. It means understanding that left to your own devices you will not be able to overcome addiction; that you will require some outside help, whatever that may look like to your specific case.
How to Choose a Power Greater Than Yourself
How do you go about choosing a power greater than yourself? We have outlined several simple steps – take a look.
First, do not put too much pressure on yourself. There is no “right way” to go about this. Over time you will begin to develop a clearer picture of what the phrase “higher power” means to you. In the meantime, choose something that you do not understand, like the ocean, or something that you know has helped you, like the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Practice prayer and meditation daily. This will further help you bolster your spiritual connection and will help you discover who or what your higher power is over time.
Ask around. Ask other men and women who have years of sobriety under their belts who or what they look to when they think of a power greater than themselves. There is no shame in asking for advice or guidance.
Choose something to work with initially, even if it seems silly to you. Many people will choose a doorknob as their higher power as a sort of placeholder until they can further explore their spirituality. The most important thing is that you recognize that addiction is out of your control and that your life has become unmanageable.
Recreate Life Counseling and the Twelve Steps
At Recreate Life Counseling, we passionately believe that spirituality is a fundamental component of every successful long-term recovery program. We also believe that working through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous is an important part of every aftercare program; those who work through the 12 steps are far more likely to maintain long-term sobriety after treatment. Recreate Life Counseling offers an individualized and comprehensive treatment program for individuals who are suffering at the hands of substance abuse disorders of all types and severities. To learn more about our program of recovery, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
“Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others”; the 9th step of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). By now you have made it through the first 8 steps, congratulations, you have almost made it! There are some important things you must know and do to successfully make 9th step amends.
To work the 12 steps effectively, specifically step nine, you should have a sponsor or someone that has already worked the steps to help you and more importantly be there to support you. Do not try to attempt to work step nine without a sponsor, therapist, or spiritual advisor. Your sponsor can help walk you through this by asking you about your goals in making amends, how you plan to do it, and when. This person should have already worked on step nine, so they understand what it takes and can help guide you through it.
What Does Making Amends Mean?
Amends is a compensation for a loss, injury, or damage of any kind. Some of the steps you take to make amends include:
Make a list of the harm or damage you have caused.
Be willing to repair it.
Admit you’re wrongdoings.
Figure out the best way to repair the damage.
Be patient about gaining the other person’s trust back.
Before you start working step nine, you must have already completed step eight. Step eight says “Made a list of all the people we have harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.” You cannot work the 9th step effectively without doing step eight first.
Types of Twelve-Step Amends
You should know that there are three different kinds of amends: direct amends, indirect amends, and living amends. Direct amends involves taking responsibility for your actions and directly confronting the person you’ve harmed. Indirect amends is finding a way to repair the hurt and damage by doing something other than directly confronting the person like helping others. Living amends is making a change in your life. It is showing others that you have changed your life around and have made a commitment to yourself to end your previous destructive behaviors.
Direct Amends in Recovery
Making direct amends could be a simple “I’m sorry, and I’m working hard to change my life around and make sure it never happens again.” Sometimes it could be repaying money that you owe or promising to pay along with an apology and the assurance that you are working hard to change your ways.
However, it’s not always a good idea to make direct amends, that’s why the second half of the step says “except when to do so would injure them or others.” If the harm you have done is so severe that it could cause more problems, then no matter how good your intentions are, it’s probably best that you don’t make direct amends. It’s possible that the other person is unaware of the harm you have caused them, and making direct amends would make them aware and hurt them badly.
Another instance where making direct amends may not be a good idea is if admitting your wrongs could jeopardize your freedom, which could hurt your loved ones. However, if after talking with your sponsor you decide to proceed anyway, make sure you have spoken to your family especially if you are the head of the household or primary source of income. You don’t want to do more harm than good. Also, it may not be a good idea to make direct amends if it could potentially stir something up.
Indirect Amends And Living Amends
Sometimes an indirect or living amends is the best you can do. Of course, if you can make direct amends you should do so; this is why having a sponsor or advisor to help give you direction is so important. If you aren’t able to make direct amends, then you can volunteer your time or help someone else out. Making amends is more than just an apology, it’s changing your life around and changing your ways; eliminating the destructive behaviors that were once part of your life.
Step nine is one of the scariest steps but isn’t as difficult as we make it out to be. Most people are going to be receptive. Not everyone will be, but that’s not something you can’t worry about. You’ve done your part and attempted to make amends; this is your recovery, not theirs. For a lot of people, step nine is key on the road to recovery. It is a change for the better!
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling has evidence-based treatment to help you recreate your life. What are you waiting for? Call us today!
Codeine, classified as an opioid, is a narcotic medication often utilized to manage mild to moderate pain, chronic pain, and cough symptoms when combined with other medications. However, its availability varies significantly across different regions. In Australia, for instance, the status of codeine-containing medicines has undergone rescheduling due to concerns regarding prevalence misuse and public health implications.
Codeine was previously available over the counter (OTC codeine) in Australia, low-dose codeine products were commonly accessible without a prescription. However, in response to rising concerns surrounding codeine misuse and its potential for addiction, regulatory authorities mandated that over-the-counter codeine-containing products be prescription-only. This shift aimed to curb the misuse of codeine, particularly in light of its addictive properties and the associated risks of respiratory depression, especially in individuals with predisposing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
While codeine can provide effective pain relief for conditions such as acute pain, its status as a prescription-only medication underscores the importance of responsible prescribing and patient education within the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals play a critical role in assessing patients for suitability for codeine therapy, considering factors such as medical history, concurrent medications, and the presence of risk factors for adverse effects.
It is imperative for individuals to understand that codeine should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Furthermore, patients must be vigilant regarding the potential for dependence and addiction when using codeine for pain management, particularly over prolonged durations or at high doses.
This article serves as a general overview of codeine and its prescribing status, but it is crucial for readers to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and recommendations tailored to their specific healthcare needs. Additionally, individuals should adhere to regulatory guidelines and laws governing the purchase and use of codeine-containing medications in their respective jurisdictions.
While codeine can offer effective relief for certain types of pain and cough symptoms, its status as a prescription-only medication reflects the importance of balancing access to pain relief with measures to mitigate the risks of misuse and adverse effects. Responsible prescribing practices, patient education, and regulatory oversight are essential components of safeguarding public health in the context of opioid medications like codeine.
Is Codeine Over the Counter (OTC)?
In the United States, drugs with codeine in them are available only by prescription because codeine is a controlled substance and very addictive. The regulations in the United States have gotten strict on medication that contains Codeine due to the increase in addiction. However, in the United Kingdom and some other parts of Europe, Codeine can be purchased in low doses over the counter from a pharmacy. The codeine comes mixed with Paracetamol (Co-Codamol), with aspirin (Co-Codaprin), or with ibuprofen (Nurofen Plus). You can also buy Codeine from a pharmacy as a syrup (linctus) to treat dry cough.
Warning labels will tell you that Codeine is habit-forming. From our experience, Codeine is highly addictive, and individuals dependent on the drug have a hard time putting it away for good on their own. If you or anyone in your family have ever had issues with alcohol or addiction, have used street drugs, have ever overused any prescription medications, or if you have ever suffered from depression or any other mental illness, especially untreated mental illness, there is a greater risk that you will misuse codeine.
Codeine Abuse WILL Cause Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are in the United Kingdom or anywhere that you can purchase Codeine over the counter, we highly advise that you speak with a pharmacist about the symptoms you are experiencing before purchasing Codeine or any related products.
If you have been prescribed or have purchased Codeine or any related products over the counter for pain or a cough, and you believe you may be dependent or addicted to it, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may come in two phases. The early phase occurs within a few hours of your last dose, and other symptoms may occur later as your body readjusts to working without codeine.
Early Symptoms of Codeine Withdrawal
Feeling irritable or anxious
Trouble sleeping
Teary eyes
Runny nose
Sweating
Yawning
Muscle aches
Faster heartbeat
Late Symptoms of Codeine Withdrawal
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Enlarged pupils
Chills or goosebumps
Treatment for Codeine Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms can last for a week or may persist for up to months (as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) after you stop taking Codeine recreationally. If you or someone you love is addicted to Codeine, please contact one of our Recreate Life Counseling addiction specialists. Health professionals are available to talk to you confidentially, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Let Recreate Life Counseling get you the help you deserve and primary care intervention today for a full recovery from Codeine dependency.
FAQ
Can You Buy Codeine Over the Counter?
The availability of codeine varies depending on the country and its regulations. In some countries, codeine is available over the counter, meaning it can be purchased without a prescription. However, in many countries, codeine is a controlled substance and requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.
It’s important to note that codeine is an opioid medication and has the potential for misuse and addiction. Misuse or improper use of codeine can lead to various health risks and side effects, including respiratory depression, sedation, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
If you are considering using codeine for any reason, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your specific situation, provide guidance, and ensure its safe and appropriate use. They can determine whether codeine is suitable for your condition and prescribe the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment, if necessary.
Codeine and dihydrocodeine are two commonly prescribed opioid medications with similar uses but notable differences in their pharmacology and effects. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Codeine is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved opioid analgesic medication that is naturally occurring and found in the poppy plant that is typically prescribed for things such as a severe cough and is used to relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate pain. When codeine is used for treating pain, it acts by changing the way your nervous system and brain respond to that pain.
It’s main difference when it comes to Chemical Composition and Derivatives is that Codeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the opium poppy plant and is chemically classified as an opiate, while Dihydrocodeine (DHC), which is also derived from the opium poppy plant, DHC is a semi-synthetic derivative of codeine, structurally similar but with some differences in its effects.
On the other hand, when it comes to potency and analgesic effect, DHC is generally considered to be more potent than codeine, providing stronger analgesic effects at equivalent doses.
Furthermore, when it comes to metabolism and pharmacokinetics, toth codeine and DHC undergo hepatic metabolism, primarily via the CYP2D6 enzyme pathway. However, DHC is metabolized more efficiently than codeine. Also, Codeine is metabolized into morphine via CYP2D6, which contributes significantly to its analgesic effects.
DHC is metabolized into dihydromorphine, which also contributes to its analgesic properties.
What is Dihydrocodeine?
Dihydrocodeine is also an opioid analgesic medication, but it is semi-synthetic. While it is structurally similar and related to codeine, and they also have the same activity and effects, it is twice as strong as codeine and has a higher euphoric impact on the person taking it, as well as a higher risk of dependence and abuse. Dihydrocodeine was developed in the hopes of finding a more effective and better alternative to codeine.
Dihydrocodeine is also used for the treatment of cough, used as a pain medication, and also is used for the treatment for dyspnea (difficult breathing). Also, unlike Codeine, which is generally only found in couch syrup form, dihydrocodeine can be found in more forms such as tablets, solutions, elixirs, and other oral forms. In some countries, dihydrocodeine can also be found as an injectable that is used for intramuscular and deep subcutaneous administration. This is unlike codeine, which cannot be injected due to the risk of anaphylaxis or pulmonary edema, along with a potential large histamine release.
Formulations:
Combination Formulations:
Codeine is often formulated in combination with other medications, such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen, to enhance its analgesic effects.
DHC may also be found in combination formulations with other analgesics or non-opioid medications.
The big difference: Dihydrocodeine is semi-synthetic and almost twice as strong as Codeine.
Similarities Between Codeine and Dihydrocodeine
While most of the differences between codeine and dihydrocodeine are primarily within the structure of the two substances, it is important to talk about the biggest similarity between the two. That is their risk of abuse and addiction. While these two substances may not be the most potent when taken as prescribed, if they are taken in excess and more often than needed, you risk the possibility of addiction.
After all, both substances are still opioids, which have a very high likelihood of misuse and physical dependence, like most pain relievers. Not only is abuse and addiction to these two substances possible, but it also can act as a gateway to stronger opioid use like stronger prescription medications or illegal street drugs such as heroin.
How Does Codeine Help with Coughs?
When it is prescribed for a cough, it works by decreasing the activity in that particular part of the brain that causes coughing. Compared to other opioid medication options, codeine is thought to have pretty low potency and is not generally used for pain treatment due to there being better options available. While codeine is normally found in the form of cough syrup because it is most prescribed for that, it can also be found in tablet form.
Basically, it has two main uses:
Pain Management – Both codeine and DHC are used for pain relief, ranging from mild to moderate pain. However, DHC is often preferred for cases of moderate to severe pain due to its increased potency.
Antitussive Properties – Codeine is commonly used as an antitussive (cough suppressant), particularly in over-the-counter cough medications. DHC may also possess antitussive properties, although it is less commonly utilized for this purpose.
There are also prescribing considerations when taking codeine:
Individual Variability – Due to genetic variability in the CYP2D6 enzyme, some individuals may metabolize codeine and DHC differently, leading to variations in efficacy and side effects.
Patient-Specific Factors – Prescribing decisions should consider factors such as the patient’s pain severity, medical history, concomitant medications, and risk of opioid misuse.
Aside from the prescribing consideration, users or patients may experience the following side effects and adverse effects, especially if they take more than what is prescribed.
It’s common Side Effects for both codeine and DHC can cause side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, and sedation.
When it comes to respiratory depression and toxicity, high doses of both medications can lead to respiratory depression, a potentially life-threatening side effect, while toxicity risk increases with higher doses and prolonged use.
Meanwhile, if the user experiences an abrupt cessation of either medication, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while codeine and dihydrocodeine share similarities in their opioid properties and therapeutic uses, there are notable differences in potency, metabolism, and side effect profiles. Healthcare professionals must consider these factors when prescribing these medications for pain management and cough suppression, taking into account individual patient needs and safety concerns.
Treatment for Codeine Abuse
We at Recreate Life Counseling understand the seriousness of drug dependence and abuse, no matter what the substance is, and we believe your addiction must be treated as soon as possible. We focus on treating addiction with a combination of effective treatments, predominantly focusing on group and individual therapy.
If you or someone you love has been struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please feel free to give us a call today. We will discuss treatment options and do our best to point you in the right direction. Now is the time to turn your life around. Let us help you do it.
When an individual takes two prescription medications at the same time, it is considered polydrug abuse. Polydrug abuse is extremely dangerous, seeing as many drugs interact with one another in a variety of adverse ways. When it comes to Percocet and Xanax, combining the two is exceptionally unsafe, and can often prove to be life-threatening. Percocet is a potent pain medication – an opioid narcotic.
Xanax is a prescription tranquilizer – a medication used to treat severe symptoms of anxiety-related disorders. Combining these two drugs leads to central nervous system depression and slowed breathing, which can ultimately lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. Medical professionals will never prescribe these two medications at the same time because the potentially fatal interactions are well-known.
Still, some individuals take both medications at one time to enhance the “high” that drug abuse provides. Individually, Xanax abuse and Percocet abuse are very dangerous and will require intensive professional treatment. Those who combine the two medications are at greater risk of an overdose every single time they use, and professional intervention will need to occur right away to prevent accidental death. If you or someone you love has been struggling with polydrug abuse of any kind, call Recreate Life Counseling today. We will help get you started on your journey of addiction recovery.
More on Percocet Addiction
Percocet is a medication consisting of a combination of oxycodone, a potent opioid narcotic, and acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you believe that you or someone close to you has been struggling with an addiction to Percocet, there are several signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. These include (but are not limited to):
Gastrointestinal issues, usually marked by extreme and persistent constipation.
Insomnia and other sleep-related issues.
Mood swings, often marked by long periods of significant depression.
Profuse sweating.
Respiratory depression and difficulties breathing.
Low blood pressure.
Issues with coordination and concentration.
Those struggling with an addiction to Percocet, Xanax, or both will often engage in certain behavioral symptoms of addiction as well. One of the predominant symptoms is doctor shopping, which refers to making appointments with multiple doctors in an attempt to get a larger quantity of the medication in question.
More on Xanax Addiction
Xanax is a potent prescription benzodiazepine, one that is widely prescribed and responsible for a significant amount of overdose-related deaths on an annual basis. It was reported that in the year 2015 alone, there were over 8,000 deaths in the US that were directly linked to benzodiazepine abuse. The majority of men and women that acquire this drug will not receive a prescription but instead receive the medication from a close friend or relative (55% of all users, in fact). On the other hand, only 17.3 percent of American adults who abuse Xanax originally received the prescription from a medical professional.
In the year 2013, there were over 50 million Xanax prescriptions written nationwide. This drug is frequently abused and readily accessible. In many cases, an individual will begin to abuse Xanax, develop a physical tolerance, and then begin combining this drug with other prescription medications like Percocet. Again, combining Xanax and Percocet increases the risk of overdose and several other health-related complications.
Get the Help You Need
Recreate Life Counseling is dedicated to helping men and women of all ages overcome Percocet and Xanax addiction and go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives. We understand that those who have been struggling with polydrug abuse will require a more intensive level of care. Abusing two drugs at one time does excessive damage to the mind and the body. Fortunately, our comprehensive recovery program caters to those who have been grappling with addictive disorders of all severities. To learn more, simply pick up the phone and give us a call.
