Codeine is a valuable painkiller that is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medications for adults. Unfortunately, it is also often abused for recreational purposes. Regardless of why someone has used this drug, it can be extremely important to understand how long does codeine stay in your system.
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, call us today or visit our admissions page to start your journey toward recovery.
What Is Codeine?
Codeine is an opioid that is typically used to treat mild to moderate pain, including chronic pain due to cancer. It is also present in some prescription cough and cold medicines, where it is usually combined with acetaminophen, aspirin, or other ingredients.
Though this drug can be extremely beneficial when used as directed to treat a legitimate medical concern, it also poses a high risk of abuse and addiction.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that codeine should not be used by patients 12 and under, patients ages 12-18 who have obesity and certain other health concerns, or patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How it Works
When a person takes codeine, the drug interacts with receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) that disseminate pain signals. Codeine suppresses the delivery of these messages, which results in a temporary easing of physical distress.
As an opioid, codeine can also cause elevated mood to the point of euphoria. Its mood-enhancing and perception-distorting effects have also made the drug a popular choice among people who are seeking a certain type of recreational high.
Adverse Effects
As with virtually every other prescription medication, codeine can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects. Even when a person uses codeine as directed by their doctor, they may still experience mild or severe adverse effects, but the risk is greatest among those who abuse the drug.
The range of codeine’s side effects includes:
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Fatigue
- Itchiness
- Hives, rash, and blisters
- Sexual dysfunction
- Urinary problems
- Blurred vision
- Breathing difficulties
Codeine use during pregnancy has been linked with low birth weight, premature birth, fetal brain damage, and miscarriage.
Finally, recreational codeine abuse, which may include combining this medication with other addictive substances, can put a person at risk of overdose. Signs of codeine overdose can include:
- Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Seizure or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
- Cool, clammy skin
- Bluish coloration near lips and fingertips
If a person overdoses on a medication that includes both codeine and acetaminophen, the potential damage can include both kidney failure and liver failure.
Addiction Risk
In addition to causing the side effects listed in the previous section, codeine can also put a person at risk of addiction. For example:
- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has classified pure codeine as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that the drug has been determined to have “a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.”
- Medications that have less than 90mg of codeine per dose, such as Tylenol with codeine, are classified as Schedule III controlled substances, which have moderate to low potential for dependence.
Research indicates that codeine addiction is responsible for about 2% of admissions to substance use disorder treatment centers in the U.S.
How Long Does Codeine Stay in Your System?
There are a variety of reasons why you may need to know how long does codeine remain in your system, such as:
- They are concerned about driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence of codeine.
- They don’t want to drink or use other substances while they still have codeine in their system.
- They have become dependent on codeine and are attempting to rid their body of the drug.
- They have an upcoming drug screen and are worried that they may test positive.
Regardless of your reason for wanting to know how long codeine remains in your system, the answer can depend on a variety of factors, including which type of drug test you take.
Influential Factors
The duration of time that codeine remains in your system can be influenced by:
- Your age, weight, and metabolism
- How much codeine you have taken
- How long you’ve been using codeine, and how much you typically take
- Your hydration level
- If you have certain medical concerns
Types of Tests
The detectability of codeine in your system can also depend on where you are looking for it. A typical drug screen will analyze saliva, blood, urine, or hair:
- Blood: A blood test will usually only be able to detect codeine for up to 24 hours after the last time you used the medication.
- Saliva: Codeine may show up on a saliva test for up to four days after you last used it.
- Urine: The detection window for urine tests is similar to saliva tests, so you may test positive for up to four days after using codeine.
- Hair: Hair follicles retain evidence of codeine use much longer than blood, saliva, or urine do. If you are required to submit hair for drug analysis, you may test positive if you’ve used codeine within the previous 90 days (three months).
Treatment Options for Codeine Addiction
If you’re unable to stop using codeine, even though you are concerned about its effects or you have an upcoming drug test, that can be a sign of addiction. The good news is that codeine addiction can be treated, so when you find the right type of care, you can begin to live a drug-free life.
Treatment options for codeine addiction include:
Detox
Detox, which is short for detoxification, refers to a short-term treatment program that helps people get through withdrawal safely and as comfortably as possible. If the distress of withdrawal has been preventing you from ending your codeine use, detox may be the ideal place to begin treatment.
Residential Rehab
In a residential program, you will live at the center where you’re receiving care. This allows you to step away from the pressures and distractions of typical daily life, so that you can focus your full attention on your treatment. Typical features of residential rehab for codeine addiction include:
- Safe and supportive environment
- Personalized daily schedules
- Multiple therapies and support services
- Round-the-clock supervision and support
- Nutritious meals and therapeutic recreation
Outpatient Programming
After completing residential treatment, you may be best served by stepping down to one of the following outpatient programs for additional support:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program (OP)
Types of Therapy
Depending on your needs and the parameters of the program you’re in, your care for codeine addiction may include:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Family therapy and support
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Holistic therapies
- Relapse prevention education
There are many paths to successful recovery of codeine addiction. This is why it’s so important to find a provider who will fully assess your needs, then develop a personalized plan just for you.
Find Help for Codeine Addiction in Atlanta
Retreat of Atlanta is a trusted provider of medical detox and personalized residential care for adults who have become addicted to codeine and other dangerous drugs.
If you have become trapped in the downward spiral of compulsive codeine use, Retreat of Atlanta is here for you. With our help and a concerted effort on your part, you can make sustained progress toward a healthier and more hopeful life in recovery.
To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.