Codeine as a drug
Codeine as a drug
Codeine is a well-known drug that is mainly used as a cough suppressant and painkiller. What many people don't know is that in high doses it can have a completely different effect - one that makes it particularly popular with young people and in subcultures. Codeine is often taken in leisure time to relax, switch off or "switch off" for a while. The so-called "lean" mixture, in which cough syrup containing codeine is combined with lemonade and sometimes sweets, is particularly popular. But it is by no means as harmless as it sounds. The risk of becoming addicted is high, and the transition from "occasionally" to "no longer without" happens faster than you think. Precisely because codeine is legal, many people underestimate the risk.
The brand name behind the trend
Codeine-Knoll as a drug
"Codeine Knoll" is a term that refers to the long-established brand Knoll Pharmaceuticals. Among other things, this company produces drugs containing codeine that are actually intended for medical purposes. Unfortunately, however, these preparations are often misused - both by patients who can no longer control their intake and by people who use them specifically as a drug. The reason why "Codeine Knoll" is mentioned so often is that such products were long available in pharmacies and were considered particularly "pure". But beware: even if the brand sounds reputable, the abuse of codeine is anything but harmless. The availability may make it easy to get hold of the substance, but the health consequences are just as serious as with other opioids.
Codeine as a drug: effects and dangers
The effect of codeine depends heavily on the dosage. At low doses, it relieves pain or calms an annoying cough. But at higher doses, codeine unfolds a completely different side. Many consumers report:
- a feeling of deep relaxation
- slight euphoria,
- and the impression of being able to leave everyday life behind for a while.
Unfortunately, this effect comes with considerable dangers. The body quickly becomes accustomed to the substance and the dose has to be increased to achieve the desired effect. However, the more you take, the greater the risk of serious side effects such as breathing problems, nausea and disorientation. What is particularly dangerous is that an overdose can be fatal - often because breathing stops and the body is no longer supplied with oxygen.
Codeine as a drug: side effects that many underestimate
Anyone who abuses codeine should also be aware of the side effects, which are often more significant than the desired effect. In addition to the typical sedation and relaxation, many users also experience undesirable side effects:
- Drowsiness and extreme tiredness,
- dizziness and disorientation,
- constipation or other digestive problems,
- and, in severe cases, respiratory depression.
It becomes particularly risky when codeine is combined with other substances such as alcohol or tranquillisers. This combination can intensify the dampening effect on the central nervous system - and drastically increase the risk of respiratory arrest. What's more, those who take codeine long-term risk not only physical damage, but also psychological problems such as anxiety, depression or addiction.
Codeine as a drug: how dangerous is the dose?
When taking codeine, the dose makes the difference between "safe" use and danger to life. Doses of 20 to 50 milligrams are often prescribed therapeutically, for example to relieve coughs. But anyone who uses codeine as a drug quickly exceeds this limit and ends up with 100 milligrams or more - quantities that are difficult for the body to tolerate. Above a certain dose, breathing is so severely dampened that it can stop completely. Particularly dangerous: Every person reacts differently, depending on age, weight and previous illnesses. Some seem to tolerate high doses without any problems, while others are in danger of death even at lower doses. This is why the consumption of codeine as a drug is a risky game with health.
Codeine as a drug: what does consumption really cost?
If you want to buy codeine legally from a pharmacy, you need a prescription - without a doctor's prescription, access is significantly restricted. It's a different story on the black market, where everything containing codeine is traded, from cough syrup to tablets and capsules. Prices can vary greatly, and costs rise quickly, especially in scenes where codeine consumption is popular. However, in addition to the financial costs, there are other, much more serious "prices" to pay:
- Physical health suffers due to long-term consequences such as organ damage or breathing problems.
- Psychological dependence can dominate one's entire life and lead to social isolation.
- The risk of consuming contaminated or counterfeit products is high and can be life-threatening.
In the end, consumers pay with their quality of life - and in some cases with their lives. This is a bill that no one should underestimate.