It is common after a serious injury or disease to need to take pain medications. Two of the most common are codeine and hydrocodone. Both of these drugs are opioids. They are prescription medications often given for short-term use in serious cases. So, what is the difference between codeine vs. hydrocodone? No matter which one of these you are using, if you cannot stop doing so on your own, you may need a full adult drug rehab to help you.
At Memphis Recovery Centers, our substance abuse treatments provide the support to help people begin their recovery journey. If you or someone you care about struggles with
Codeine vs. Hydrocodone: What’s the Difference?
Both of these drugs alter the way the brain perceives pain. When it comes to using these drugs, doctors typically prescribe them because they work so effectively to stop a person from experiencing pain. One of the most significant differences between these drugs is in the way they are prescribed.
Most commonly, doctors prescribe codeine for mild to moderate levels of pain control. Hydrocodone is more commonly used for severe pain instances or when other pain medications are not effective. Both medications are pills that are taken every few hours as needed. Most are meant to be used for a short amount of time. Doctors generally will prescribe these drugs at the lowest possible dose to minimize the risk of addiction.
Recognizing the Signs of Opiate Addiction
There is a high risk of developing an addiction for those who are taking either of these drugs. Opiate addiction can occur because of the way the drugs interact with and change the brain’s chemistry. Over a short amount of time, a person may become dependent on the drugs, meaning they cannot stop using them without feeling pain, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings.
Either of these drugs can cause opiate addiction with signs such as:
- Needing to use more of the drug to get the same benefits
- Feeling cravings or thinking about using more often
- Wanting to take a dose of the pain medications before you should do so
- Seeking out more than one prescription for the drugs
- Struggling to meet responsibilities because of the need to use drugs or alcohol
When it comes to the differences in these medications, both drugs carry an equal risk for causing dependence. However, because hydrocodone is more powerful, a person may be at a higher risk of using this drug for a longer time.
Programs at Memphis Recovery Centers
Taking pain medications may not seem like a high-risk situation, yet continued use of them puts you at risk for addiction. If you cannot stop using these drugs even though you’ve tried, it may be time to seek help from a drug rehab center. Our team at Memphis Recovery offers this type of support through programs such as:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Adult drug rehab
- Family therapy program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient rehab program
The key to remember is that just because your doctor prescribed these medications to you doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for addiction. These drugs are very similar in function and effect, and both can create a risk for dependence if you use the drug outside of your doctor’s recommendations. There are other ways to treat pain that don’t put you at risk.
Benefits of Opiate Addiction Treatment
Once you embrace opiate addiction treatment at Memphis Recovery Centers, you’ll begin to experience some of the benefits that come with recovery.
Some of the benefits of addiction treatment include:
- Improving self-esteem and self-confidence
- Acquiring strategies to maintain recovery
- Building a support network of people to keep you on the right track
- Enhancing communication skills
Also, as you progress through treatment at Memphis Recovery Centers, you’ll regain a clearer perspective on life without the influence of opiates. This perspective will give you the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle.
Discover Addiction Treatment Options at Memphis Recovery Centers
When you consider codeine vs. hydrocodone, the details don’t matter as much as getting help if you have an addiction. If you are using these drugs and cannot stop doing so, treatment begins with a call to Memphis Recovery. Our trusted team of caring, compassionate professionals is ready to help you regain control of our recovery programs. Learn more when you call us at 901-272-7751 or reach out to us online today.
