When it comes to drug abuse, there’s only so much someone can tell a person. If you’re someone struggling with an addiction, hearing what to do and not to do from some one who doesn’t use or from someone who just kicked the habit, might not be any help.
Sometimes, you might need to hear from a professional. Brittany Withers is a registered nurse who operates CannaHealth Mag. Her interest in helping learn about their health and what works best for a person’s body, is promoted us to contact her to speak about some of the extreme health risks that come from repeated use of codeine.
CashColorCannabis: State your name and what you do
Brittany Whiters: My Name is Brittany Whiters and I’m a registered nurse with a digital magazine that emphasizes Cannabis as medicine and holistic therapy through the perspective of various healthcare professionals.
CashColorCannabis: What are some of the major concerns you have when it comes to codeine being used recreational today?
Brittany Whithers: Codeine is a popular prescription analgesic. The term analgesic refers to a class of medicine used for pain management. It’s concerning that the government so freely allows this controlled substance to be prescribed when it’s abuse prevalence is known and ability to cause respiratory distress leading to death is high.
CashColorCannabis: What are some health concerns that users should be aware of?
Brittany Whiters: The major health concern with recreational codeine use is respiratory distress which can lead to death. When ingested codeine interacts with opiate receptors in the brain and spinal cord including the brainstem respiratory center (what signals you to breathe). Other side effects include constipation due to its effect on smooth muscle, cardiovascular effects including low blood pressure (hypotension) which decreases perfusion to vital organs and erectile dysfunction!
CashColorCannabis: What are some of the concerns they could face overtime, even if they have stopped using?
Brittany Whiters: Long term effects of prolonged codeine use include stomach ulcers, liver damage, kidney damage and major depression.
CashColorCannabis: If someone was to try to kick the habit, what you recommend for them to try? Exp. Cold turkey, treatment, etc.?
Brittany Whiters: REACH OUT FOR HELP! Do not go cold turkey due to the severe withdrawal effects it can have on the body. And this increases the relapse potential. There are many options such as inpatient or outpatient programs, twelve-step programs, group/counseling/therapy and individual counseling/therapy.
CashColorCannabis: Do you fear that this along with other prescribed medicine will gain more popularity?
Brittany Whiters: Unfortunately, I do believe it will increase as long as the opportunity exists.
CashColorCannabis: Do you feel music and pop culture is playing a role in why codeine has become so popular today?
Brittany Whithers: Yes, music and pop culture portray recreational prescription drugs like codeine and promethazine as cool. Future, Lil Wayne and more talk openly about their use and impressionable youth (honestly, people of all ages) admire the lifestyle and the person living that lifestyle so it becomes very desirable. And social media is just worsening this.
CashColorCannabis: Teen use is really a concern. What should parents look for in their children if they are concerned they are drinking codeine?
Brittany Whiters: Signs and symptoms (s/s) to be aware of are social changes like apathy or problems with focus and concentration. Also physical changes like dilated pupils, drowsiness and slurred speech. However, these s/s can be general with drug use therefore the most important action is to intervene quickly when any change in behavior is observed.