Scientific Names

Methylmorphine

Generic Name

Opiate

Effects Of Codeine

Desired Effects:

Euphoria, relaxation, decreased anxiety.

Side-Effects:

Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness.

Risks

Short-term:

Tolerance, Overdose.

Long-term:

Dependence.

How does Codeine work?

Central nervous system Depressant, pain killer.

Legal status of Codeine

Class B under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

How Is Codeine Taken?

Orally, or Tablets may be crushed and injected. Codeine is also found in many cough medicines and is sometimes the drug of last resort for Opiate users who cannot get access to anything they can inject.

Paraphernalia

If injected: Needle and Syringe, water, matches or lighter, spoon, Tourniquet, Swabs.

Medical uses of Codeine

Treatment of mild to moderate pain.

Where does it come from?

Codeine is a chemical compound found in Opium. Diverted from the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacies, or GPs prescriptions. In the case of codeine Linctus this is one of the Over the counter products available from chemists.

Helping services

'Street agencies’ or projects, sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams, see clients who are using codeine. They offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, detoxification and prescribing for opiate users, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and other services such as acupuncture. Some may have extended opening hours and may be open at weekends. GPs and hospitals can make referrals to specialist drug services like Drug Dependency Units (DDUs). These are usually located in or adjacent to a hospital and specialise in helping problem drug users, especially people who are dependent on drugs like codeine. They provide counselling, detoxification, substitute prescribing and other treatments. Residential services offer treatment programmes for heavily dependent drug users who are trying to give up. Residents must usually be drug free on admission which means they usually have to undergo detoxification before entry. Programmes usually last 3-6 months, but some 12 steps programmes last longer. The types of programmes vary. Self help groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) co-ordinate local support groups for problem drug users around the country. Families Anonymous run similar groups for the families of drug users.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.

You can view a list of National Drug Agencies.

If you would like to talk about codeine problems then please call the DAN 24/7 Helpline on:

0800 6 33 55 88