Usually prescribed by a physician to treat mild-to-moderate levels of pain, manage a pesky cough, or treat gastrointestinal problems, codeine use often starts out innocently. Yet many codeine users begin to turn to the drug to cope not only with their physical pain, but emotional pain as well.
If you find yourself being unable to cut back, experiencing cravings, taking larger doses than prescribed, and suffering through withdrawal symptoms, you may have developed a dependency. Codeine might be a miracle drug for the relief of medical symptoms, but codeine addiction is a menace that could lead to devastating health and interpersonal problems. Take your medication as prescribed, and ask your pharmacist if you have any uncertainties!