Hydrocodeine and codeine are both opiate pain relievers. There are many similarities with hydrocodeine vs codeine, and a few differences as well. While hydrocodeine is more addictive, it is possible to become addicted to either medication.
In the United States, about two million people are addicted to prescription opioids, which include drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and methadone. These medications work by attaching to the same opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces pain signals. This can be helpful for people who are suffering from moderate to severe pain. However, these drugs can easily be abused.
If you or a loved one are battling an addiction to hydrocodeine, codeine, or other drugs, holistic drug rehab in Tacoma, WA can help.
What is Codeine?
Codeine is generally used for mild to moderate pain relief. It is also used in cough syrup formulations combined with other drugs. Codeine is a compound in the opium plant, along with morphine and other substances. The main pain-relieving action of codeine is due to a small part of the drug being converted to morphine by the body.
Codeine is more effective for some people than others. It’s believed that this is due to the way your body processes the drug. The liver metabolizes most of the codeine, and the brain and intestine metabolize the rest. It’s thought that differences in the amount o certain liver enzymes are responsible for the differences in effectiveness between individuals.
It’s important to note that codeine carries a risk of respiratory depression and even death in some cases. This risk is much higher in children. According to health professionals, breastfeeding mothers shouldn’t take codeine. If the body doesn’t break it down correctly, too much codeine can pass to the baby.
Codeine has many drug interactions because the liver enzymes break down many other drugs as well. These drugs can either intensify or negate the effects of codeine, depending on their mechanism of action. There is little difference between hydrocodeine vs codeine about drug interactions because the same liver enzymes metabolize them.
What is Hydrocodeine?
Hydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic opioid because its chemical structure is not found in any naturally occurring opiate. It is twice as strong as codeine. Typically, it is recommended for moderate to severe pain. Its addiction potential is similar to that of morphine but less than oxycodone.
Differences Between Codeine and Hydrocodeine
Codeine and hydrocodeine are both opioids that are used to relieve pain. However, they have some key differences. Codeine is a weaker opioid than hydrocodeine. It is also less effective at relieving pain. Hydrocodeine is a stronger opioid than codeine and is more effective at relieving pain. Additionally, hydrocodeine is less likely to cause nausea and vomiting than codeine.
Addiction Potential
When it comes to Hydrocodeine vs. codeine addiction potential, hydrocodeine is more addictive than codeine because it is more potent. However, it’s essential to realize that any opiate carries mental and physical addiction risk. Taking codeine in higher amounts than prescribed will also significantly increase the risk of dependence and addiction.
Both substances carry a risk of addiction due to headaches. They can cause you to have headaches, mainly if you are already prone to them. Doctors often prescribe them for headaches. However, you should not take them for headaches daily, as it can cause them to worsen. When you stop taking the drug, the headaches may become more frequent and painful.
Dependence vs. Addiction
Physical dependence is not the same thing as addiction. You can become physically dependent but not suffer an actual addiction. In most cases, you’ll find addiction and physical dependence together. If you are dependent but not addicted, you may be able to taper your dose down over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms. However, addiction to the drug makes tapering is extremely difficult. At Bayview Recovery, our addiction treatment programs help you every step of the way on the road to recovery.
Potency
When it comes to hydrocodeine vs codeine in terms of potency, codeine is approximately ten times less potent than morphine, with variation ranging from seven to 14 times less power. Hydrocodeine is roughly twice as strong as codeine, making it three to seven times less potent than morphine.
Prescriptions Can Cause Addiction
Drug addiction affects people from all walks of life. Often people begin the road to addiction with a legitimate prescription and need for pain relief and find themselves addicted due to the euphoric nature of the drugs. Doctors prescribed drugs also have a false sense of security.
“I can’t become addicted to this. My doctor gave it to me. it’s not like I’m buying drugs off the street.”
Get Help With a Hydrocodeine or Codeine Addiction In Tacoma WA
If you are struggling with a codeine or hydrocodeine addiction, it is important to get help. There are many treatment options available, and the sooner you get help, the better your chances of recovery.
If you are someone you know are struggling with opiate addiction, contact us today at 855.478.3650. There is help available at our substance abuse treatment center in Tacoma WA.
