Co-codamol addiction
Struggling with co-codamol addiction can feel overwhelming, but the right support can help you reclaim control of your life.
Start your recovery journey today with Priory’s specialist co-codamol addiction treatment programme.
Co-codamol is a painkiller that combines paracetamol with the opioid, codeine. While it can be highly effective for managing moderate pain, it also carries a risk of addiction.
It is rare for someone to develop a dependence when co-codamol is taken as prescribed. However, as dependence can build gradually, many people don’t realise they’ve developed a problem until symptoms become harder to ignore.
On this page, we’ll explain the signs and risks of co-codamol addiction, and outline the treatment options available at Priory to help you take the next step towards recovery.
Symptoms of co-codamol addiction
Recognising the signs of co-codamol addiction can be difficult, especially as symptoms often develop gradually. Many people start with a genuine prescription for pain, only noticing the changes in how they feel or behave later on.
Early warning signs
These signs are sometimes easy to overlook, but may suggest a growing dependence:
- Taking co-codamol for longer than prescribed, or using higher doses to achieve the same effect
- Running out of tablets earlier than expected
- Feeling anxious or irritable if you miss a dose
- Thinking about when you can take your next dose
- Using co-codamol not just for pain, but also to relax, cope with stress or sleep
Symptoms of established addiction
As addiction progresses, the impact on your physical health, emotions and daily life becomes more noticeable.
- Drowsiness, dizziness or slowed reactions
- Constipation, nausea or stomach pain
- Low energy or frequent fatigue
- Increased tolerance (needing to take increasingly more of the drug to feel the same effects)
- Withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, or flu-like feelings when not taking the medication
- Hiding or downplaying your co-codamol use
- Neglecting work, studies, personal care or family responsibilities
- Avoiding social situations in favour of using medication
- Spending significant time or money sourcing more medication
- Visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain extra prescriptions
- Mood swings, irritability or feeling low
- Increased anxiety or restlessness
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about your use, but struggling to stop
Timeline of co-codamol addiction
Addiction usually develops over time, in distinct stages marked by different behaviours and warning signs. While the experience is different for everyone, the process of addiction often follows a similar pattern.
Initial use
Co-codamol is prescribed for pain and taken as directed. At this stage, the medication can be highly effective and safe if used in the short-term only.
Tolerance develops
Over time, the body may become used to the medication. The same dose feels less effective, leading some people to take more frequent or higher amounts.
Dependence
As usage progresses, the body begins to rely on co-codamol. Missing a dose may cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, sweating or flu-like symptoms.
Addiction
After a certain amount of time, a psychological need develops, which is when co-codamol use becomes a compulsive behaviour. People may feel unable to cope without it, taking it not just for pain but also to manage emotions, stress or sleep.
Crisis point
In the more advanced stage of co-codamol addiction (which may happen quickly for some people), both physical and mental health can be seriously affected. Daily life, relationships and work may suffer, and the risks of overdose or long-term health problems increase.
Long-term side effects of taking co-codamol
Using co-codamol for long periods, or at higher doses than prescribed, can have serious effects on both physical and mental health. These risks come from the two active ingredients of codeine and paracetamol, as well as the way long-term use impacts daily life.
Risks linked to paracetamol
- Liver damage, which can be severe or life-threatening
- Kidney problems over time
- Higher risk of accidental overdose, as people may take more tablets to chase the effects of codeine without realising the paracetamol content is harmful
Risks linked to codeine (opioid component)
- Physical dependence and addiction
- Brain fog, poor concentration and memory problems
- Mood changes, including anxiety, depression or irritability
- Chronic constipation and digestive issues
- Reduced energy and motivation
Long-term mental health effects
- Persistent low mood or feelings of hopelessness
- Increased anxiety and restlessness
- Reduced motivation and difficulty planning or completing tasks
- Loss of interest in activities and reduced quality of life
- Increased feelings of guilt, shame, or low self-esteem
Over time, these side effects can significantly impact health, relationships and your ability to manage daily responsibilities.
Withdrawing from co-codamol
When someone has been taking co-codamol regularly, the body becomes used to its effects. Stopping suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts, which is why coming off the medication can feel challenging.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Restlessness and irritability
- Sweating or chills
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach cramps
- Anxiety or low mood
- Trouble sleeping or vivid dreams
- Muscle aches and flu-like feelings
Timeline of withdrawal:
- Withdrawal symptoms often begin within 12 to 24 hours of the last dose
- They usually peak after 2 to 4 days, when cravings and physical symptoms can feel most intense
- Gradually, symptoms start to ease over a week or two. Emotional and sleep-related difficulties may last longer without support
Trying to stop taking co-codamol suddenly, especially at higher doses, can be unsafe and very difficult to manage alone.
Detoxing at home without support often leads to relapse, as cravings and discomfort can be overwhelming. The withdrawal symptoms can be severe, making it vital to detox under medical supervision, with the support of experienced professionals. Medically supported detox makes the process safer and more comfortable, with monitoring to manage symptoms and reduce risks.
Although withdrawal can feel daunting, it’s a vital first step towards recovery. With the right care, you don’t have to go through it alone. Compassionate, professional support can make the journey much more manageable.
Treatment for co-codamol addiction
Recovery from co-codamol addiction is possible, and effective treatment can help you regain control of your life. At Priory, we provide a range of evidence-based therapies and ongoing support to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
These are some of the potential options to consider for treating co-codamol addiction.
Psychological therapies
Various types of therapy can help people understand the root of their co-codamol addiction, change unhelpful patterns, and build healthier ways to cope.
These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed approaches. Therapy sessions also focus on emotional regulation, managing stress, and rebuilding self-esteem.
Relapse prevention
Learning how to prevent addiction relapse is a key part of treatment. This includes developing coping strategies, identifying triggers that typically lead to co-codamol use, and planning for challenging situations that might create stress and increase the urge to take it.
At Priory, ongoing support is available to help people stay on track and maintain recovery over the long-term.
Peer support
Many people benefit from connecting with others who understand what they’re going through. Options may include 12-step groups, SMART Recovery (Self Management and Recovery Training), which is an international community of peer support groups, and group therapy sessions.
They offer encouragement, accountability, and shared experiences with others in recovery.
Dual diagnosis support
Addiction often occurs alongside other mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. In this case, Priory can provide integrated treatment to support both conditions together, improving overall wellbeing and reducing the risk of relapse.
No matter how long you’ve been using co-codamol, help is available and recovery is achievable. With the right treatment, you can move forward with confidence, towards a healthier, more fulfilling future.
FAQs
What happens if I mix co-codamol with alcohol or other drugs?
Mixing co-codamol with alcohol or other substances can be very dangerous. Both codeine and alcohol slow down the nervous system, which increases the risk of extreme drowsiness, breathing problems, overdose or even death. Combining co-codamol with other medicines, such as sleeping tablets or sedatives, can also cause harmful interactions.
How long does co-codamol withdrawal last?
Withdrawal usually begins as soon as 12 hours of the last dose, peaking after a few days. Withdrawal symptoms usually start to ease after 1 or 2 weeks. Some symptoms, such as sleep problems or low mood, can last longer. Enlisting professional support during this time can make the process safer and more manageable.
What’s the difference between dependence and addiction?
Dependence means your body has become used to co-codamol, so you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly. Addiction goes further, as it involves a psychological need, where taking co-codamol feels compulsive and begins to have a bigger impact on your health and your way of life.
