Prescription opioid medicines such as codeine were misused by around 9.5 million people in the United States in 2020.^1,2 In Nevada, prescription opioids were involved in 235 overdose deaths in 2018, which made up the majority of opioid overdose deaths of all types, including deaths from heroin.³ In this article, you will learn about codeine and codeine addiction, as well as how to find help in Las Vegas, Nevada or nationwide.

What Is Codeine?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies codeine as a Schedule II drug. This means that though it has legitimate medical uses, it also has a high potential for abuse.¹ Codeine and several other opioids are made from substances extracted from the opioid poppy plant, and has been historically prescribed as a painkiller, an antidiarrheal medicine, and a cough suppressant.¹

“Sipping Lean”

The terms “sipping lean” and “lean” are slang for a common way to misuse codeine. Sipping lean refers to the practice of mixing codeine cough syrups with soda or juice and using this combination to get high.⁴ Lean is sometimes also called “sizzurp.”⁴ Misusing codeine cough syrup can lead to overdose and death, especially when mixing with alcohol.⁴

Codeine Health Effects

Codeine, like all opioids, can have side effects, even when used as directed. These include:⁵

Constipation.
Stomach pain.
Nausea and vomiting.
Feeling dizzy.

Frequent codeine use or misuse may also increase your risk of:^6,7

Tolerance, which means that your body gets used to the effects of codeine and you have to keep taking more and more of it to get the same effects.
Physical dependence, which increases the chance of an unpleasant withdrawal if you suddenly reduce your dose or stop taking it.
Addiction, which means you take codeine compulsively, and find yourself unable to control your codeine use, no matter the harm it causes. The clinical term for codeine addiction is “opioid use disorder,” or OUD.

It is also important to know that codeine, like all opioids, can lead to serious health risks, including overdose.⁷ Opioid overdose happens when you take a high enough dose of opioids that your breathing greatly slows or even stops.⁷

Other long-term health effects from using codeine or other opioids include:^8,9

Chronic constipation.
Increased risk of bowel obstruction.
Problems with breathing in sleep (sleep apnea).
Irregular periods (menses).
Infertility.
Erectile dysfunction.
Increased sensitivity to pain.
Weakened bones.
Higher risk of falls, fractures, and other injuries.
Heart attack or heart failure.

Signs and Symptoms of Codeine Addiction

You may be worried that you or a loved one have a codeine addiction. While only a trained professional can diagnose you with an OUD, signs they look for include having 2 or more of the following in a 12-month period:⁸

Taking more codeine or using for a longer period of time than you meant to.
Continuing to use codeine even though you want to stop or cut back.
Spending a lot of time finding and using codeine.
Craving codeine.
Not being able to fulfill your roles at home, school, or work as a result of codeine use.
Continuing to use codeine despite social or interpersonal problems to result from such use.
Engaging in high-risk behaviors, like driving, while you are using codeine.
Choosing to use codeine rather than pursue your normal interests, like playing sports or socializing with friends.
Using codeine even though you know it is causing physical or mental health issues.
Needing to take more and more codeine to get the same effects (tolerance).
Needing to have codeine to feel “normal” or to prevent withdrawal, which indicates you are dependent on it.

Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms

If you are dependent on codeine or other opioids and you greatly reduce your dose or stop using it, you may have physical withdrawal symptoms. These vary from one person to another, but common codeine withdrawal symptoms include:¹⁰

Anxiety.
Sleep troubles (insomnia).
Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Rapid breathing.
Yawning.
Runny nose and watery eyes.
Fever.
Sweating.
Goosebumps.
Stomach cramps.
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Muscle or bone pain.
Muscle spasms.

How to Treat Codeine Addiction in Las Vegas

There are several inpatient and outpatient options for codeine or other opioid use disorder treatment in Las Vegas. An inpatient program, where you live in a treatment center, may be a good option if you have any other substance use issues or other physical or mental health conditions.¹⁰ Some people can complete OUD treatment on an outpatient basis, where you attend set appointments during the week while you live at home. If you are otherwise healthy, have not had previous failed attempts at outpatient rehab, have a strong support system at home, and have no other substance use issues, outpatient treatment may be a good option.¹⁰ Your doctor can help you assess which treatment setting is right for you.

The first stage of treatment for codeine use is often detox, which is the process of letting codeine safely clear out of your body while closely watching you for any complications. In addition, detox can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms, which can be highly unpleasant. After detox, many people continue treatment with rehab or therapy. Treatment after detox will help you understand why you began using codeine and how to prevent relapse going forward.¹⁰

How to Find Codeine Detox or Rehab in Las Vegas, Nevada

American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers codeine and other opioid addiction treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada, and several other locations across the United States. At AAC, you will find compassionate and caring staff who will work with you to tailor a treatment plan to your unique recovery needs. Call our free and confidential, 24/7 helpline at today. Let American Addiction Centers help you start today on your journey to recovery.

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Codeine Addiction Treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada