Codeine is a fairly common drug that is generally used in the medical field to treat pain and is a cough suppressant as well. It is a narcotic analgesic that is available by prescription only, although some people manage to get a hold of it without a prescription. As a medical drug, this substance is controlled, due to the ability to be addictive. It is used recreationally as well and can be extremely addictive.

About Codeine

Codeine comes in a variety of preparation, including pills and liquid form. Many users use it because it gives a feeling of euphoria. Although this drug requires a prescription in the United States, in Mexico and other countries it is easily acquired without a prescription. Many people use codeine with alcohol, and whether it is abused with alcohol or used alone, it can cause a variety of bad effects upon the body.

Effects of Codeine Abuse

While codeine abuse can give a feeling of euphoria and happiness when it is used, it has many negative effects as well. Some of the effects that occur with codeine abuse include confusion, lack of motor skills, dizziness, and restlessness. In extreme cases and when people overdose on this drug, it can depress the respiratory system, cause kidney damage, and it may even result in death as well.

Getting Help with Codeine Addiction

Unfortunately, many people find themselves addicted to Codeine. Not only is addiction to Codeine a physical problem, but it is a psychological one as well, and if you are addicted you will need professional help to overcome this addiction. It is important that you understand that your addiction is truly a problem, and then you need to make the choice to get help. You can find a variety of different drug rehab programs that are available to you for free, where professionals can help you overcome your addiction to Codeine.

Think all drugs are illegally obtained? It may surprise you to know that similar highs achieved through substances like cocaine and marijuana may be found in common household objects. Unfortunately, damaging effects and health risks also come with the abuse of these items, which are commonly classified as inhalants.

Inhalant abuse is defined by the chronic inhalation – also known as sniffing or huffing – of household products that are high in toxicity. Look around your home and you may find things like nail polish, model airplane glue, correction fluid, aerosols, or paint thinner. Get too close to these products and the fumes may invoke a dizzying sensation. This is the high that entices many people, in particular children, to abuse these products.

When inhalants are abused, the vapors and fumes from these products are taken into the lungs and distributed throughout the body, provoking a feeling of intoxication not unlike that of being in a drunken state. However, since the sensation wears off quickly, the abuser may be influenced to continue huffing, and the risk greatly increase. Inhalant abuse can lead to headaches, lethargy, fatigue, and body pain.

Continued absorption of toxic chemicals into the body can also cause severe damage to the central nervous system, a decrease in oxygen to the body, and in some cases death. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome may occur among younger users who suffer cardiac arrest from inhaling for the first time. It commonly occurs when an aerosol is sprayed into a bag, which then covers the nose and mouth. Oxygen is cut off from the body, and the abuser suffocates.

SIGNS THAT A LOVED ONE MAY BE ABUSING INHALANTS

Parents in particular should be alert and look for signs their children are abusing household items for a quick high. Some signs to look out for may include:

• Constant dizziness or slurring of speech
• Constant sniffling, red eyes and runny nose
• Unusual behavior with markers or correction fluid (bending close while using them)
• Paint marks or other unusual stains on the face

Does this mean that you should get rid of all items in your house that may be abused. Of course not. When used properly, many of these products serve a useful purpose in our daily lives. It is important, however, to be aware of the risk involved in mishandling aerosols, lighter fluids, and other products that give off fumes. Parents should school their children accordingly and watch for any sign of abuse. For those that are constantly abusing inhalants, rehabilitation may be needed in order to stop the damage being done to the body.

If you suspect a loved one of abusing inhalants, speak to a physician or a drug rehab professional immediately to determine the next steps in helping the user. The sooner you act, the sooner you can help preserve the quality of your loved one’s life.