Media release - 15 June 2015
Are you addicted to a ‘legal’ drug? Codeine addiction on the increase
When most people think about drug addiction they conjure up images of shady dealings on
street corners. However, the legal route that many people take to obtain an addictive opiate
involves walking into a pharmacy and buying any number of medicines that contain codeine.
The Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA) recognises that codeine abuse
is a widespread problem. According to Mark Payne, the CEO of ICPA, “No accurate
statistics exist for codeine abuse in South Africa but it has become common enough, and of
enough concern, that the appropriate authorities in South Africa have considered making
codeine products only available on a doctor’s prescription and have already lowered the
quantity of codeine in medicine.”
The Pharmacy community however recognizes the implications of this to both the patient
and the doctor and has put in place a program (Codeine Care Initiative) that will monitor the
use of this drug by patients preventing duplication and also the abuse of codeine containing
medicine. In this manner the patient that has fallen into the abuse pattern will be identified
and helped whilst the conscientious patient will not have to go to the lengths of having to
spend extra time and money on a doctor’s consultation for a medicine that is very safe when
used correctly.
Ahead of Drug Awareness Week, taking place from 24-28 June 2015, ICPA provides
this information on codeine and the signs and symptoms of addiction:
What is codeine
Codeine is contained in over the counter schedule 2 preparations and is typically found in
common medicines used, for example, to treat colds and flu symptoms, supress coughs and
treat general pain - and it does not require a prescription for its purchase.
Codeine falls under the category of narcotic medication and is a type of opiate - derived from
the opium poppy plant and is related to the drug heroin. Since codeine is a member of the
opiate drug class, it has similar morphine-like effects on the body, giving users a sense of
calm and wellbeing. As your body becomes used to codeine, increased doses are needed to
achieve this same desired effect and this is where the danger of addiction comes in.
How can you become addicted?
Regular or long-term use or abuse of codeine medications (several times a day for several
weeks or more) can lead to addiction.
Because addiction occurs gradually over time, it is sometimes difficult to gauge your risk of
becoming addicted - or if you have already become addicted – to codeine.
Signs and Symptoms of codeine Addiction
According to ICPA, if you are struggling with codeine addiction you may experience several
signs and symptoms that indicate a problem. Similarly, if you are worried that someone you
care about is suffering with an addiction to codeine, look for these signs and symptoms:

Withdrawal from social activities, loss of interest in hobbies

Repeatedly borrowing or asking for money to support addiction

Mood swings and/or irritability

Depression and anxiety

Hallucinations

Persistent drowsiness/fatigue and excessive sleeping

Complaints of itchy skin and bluish tint to lips and fingernails

Loss of appetite

Constipation

Nausea and dizziness

Uncontrolled muscle twitching
Check for addiction by answering the questions below:
1. Have you tried to cut down or stop using medication containing codeine, but been
unsuccessful or found it very difficult?
2. Have you continued to use medication containing codeine even after the original
symptoms disappeared?
3. Can you get through a whole week without using your medication containing codeine?
4. Do you find yourself needing greater and greater amounts of your medication containing
codeine to achieve the desired results?
5. Has your use of medication containing codeine created problems between you and other
people in your life – either at home or at work?
6. Have you experienced any withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, anxiety, anger or
irritability, either when taking medication containing codeine or when trying to stop?
If you have answered Yes to any of the questions above the ICPA recommend that you
either speak to your pharmacist, speak to your GP, or go to www.turntohelp.co.za.
“As a body which represents the interests of independent community pharmacies across
South Africa, the ICPA feels that it is part of our responsibility to call people’s attention to the
prevalence and dangers of codeine addiction,” concludes Payne.
Ends
About the ICPA
ICPA (Independent Community Pharmacy Association) is an organization which provides
independent community pharmacies with a collective strength and a coherent voice that is
heard by government, medical schemes, pharmaceutical suppliers and importantly, the
consumer.
ICPA represents the largest pool of professionals in the healthcare sector with over 1 100
pharmacies, about 2 500 pharmacists and 20 000 supportive healthcare personnel spread
across metropolitan, urban and rural South Africa.
The objective of ICPA is to assist and support its members in securing a sustainable and
successful future as independent, owner-managed pharmacies. In addition to this, the ICPA
strives to foster an understanding of the role that independent pharmacies can (and do) play
in delivering important healthcare services to the communities that they serve.
All ICPA members are committed to high quality pharmacist care and to the restoration and
maintenance of the health and well-being of the consumer – the lifeblood of all pharmacies.
Issued on behalf of ICPA by Catalyst Communications:
Contact: Catherine Pate 082 922 1737 / pate@mailzone.co.za