Codeine Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Detox Help

Codeine withdrawal symptoms are often felt by people who routinely use codeine. These withdrawal symptoms are felt once the drug exits the body, and its effects are no longer present. It’s important for codeine users to be aware of the withdrawal effects, as it can indicate dependence, opioid use disorder, or addiction.

This article will explain what codeine is used for, the withdrawal symptoms of codeine, the codeine withdrawal symptoms timeline, and what you can do if you or a loved one is struggling with dependence on or addiction to opioid substances like codeine.

What is codeine?

Codeine is a naturally derived opioid prescribed for:

Pain relief
Cough suppression
Sometimes anxiety or insomnia (off-label)

It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, dulling pain signals and triggering dopamine release. That dopamine surge brings a wave of pleasure and relief — which is exactly why people often take codeine again, even outside medical advice.

Over time, repeated use causes the brain and body to depend on codeine just to feel normal. That’s when recreational use slips into addiction.

What causes codeine withdrawal?

Codeine withdrawal happens because of tolerance and dependence.

At first, codeine provides relief and euphoria.
The body adapts, needing higher doses for the same effect.
Eventually, the brain can’t function without codeine.
When the drug wears off, withdrawal symptoms appear.

This cycle fuels ongoing use—not to get high, but just to avoid the pain of withdrawal.

Codeine withdrawal effects

The withdrawal effects of codeine are, as mentioned, difficult and unpleasant. Although they are rarely dangerous, they are still nasty enough that users instinctively prefer to continue using codeine rather than experience the withdrawal symptoms. Here are some of the typical codeine withdrawal effects:

Insomnia
Fever
Anxiety
Diarrhea
Sweating
Fatigue
Muscle pains
Increased heart rate
Elevated blood pressure
Dysphoria
Runny nose
Stomach cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Restlessness

Factors that affect codeine withdrawal symptoms

There are many factors - which differ from person to person - that will affect the duration and severity of codeine withdrawal symptoms. These factors include the duration, dosage, and frequency of codeine use. People who have been using codeine for longer, more frequently, or at higher doses, will experience more severe symptoms for a longer amount of time.

Other factors that affect withdrawal symptoms include age, gender, using other substances, metabolism, internal organ health, body weight, method of using codeine, and other co-occurring mental health disorders.

Codeine withdrawal timeline

If you’re using codeine and are considering quitting, you’re probably wondering, how long does codeine withdrawal last? It varies, but here’s the typical breakdown:

6–12 hours: First withdrawal symptoms begin (anxiety, sweating, restlessness).
24–48 hours: Symptoms intensify — peak discomfort with nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, cramps.
4–10 days: Symptoms ease. Energy slowly returns, though emotional distress may linger.
Weeks–Months: Some may experience PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome), including mood swings, cravings, or sleep disturbances.

The worst is usually over within a week, but support during this time is critical.

Remember that the difficulties of codeine withdrawal usually last around a week. After that week, your body adjusts to life without the substance and you can start your journey to recovery. Withdrawal is a horrible period, but it doesn’t last forever, and the end goal is so very worthwhile.

How to manage codeine withdrawal effects

While in the throes of codeine withdrawal, try to relax and take it easy as much as possible. Try to sleep if you can, but if that’s impossible, don’t push yourself to do anything strenuous or emotionally taxing.

You can address each symptom as it appears, finding the best treatment plan to help you manage them. There may be some medication you can take, or alternative healing you can engage in to relax your body and help it heal.

What is codeine detox?

Codeine detox is a process where people who are addicted to codeine slowly wean off the drug until it exits the body completely. A codeine addict can choose to detox from codeine on their own, although that would lead to avoidable suffering and pain, since they most likely don’t have the tools or knowledge needed to make the experience as painless as possible.

The best option is to enter a medical detox program at a hospital, medical facility, or drug rehab facility. Medical detox is preferred by people trying to get sober because the medical team can monitor the patient, ensure they have enough fluids and medication, monitor their vitals, and give them the most easy and painless detox experience possible.

Codeine addiction treatment

If you or someone you know is using codeine regularly, you may be dependent on or even addicted to the drug. You can evaluate whether or not you are likely addicted by assessing if using codeine comes before all other commitments and relationships in your life.

In other words, if you continue to engage in disruptive, addictive behaviors, regardless of the negative effects on the people around you and to yourself, that is a good indication that you may be struggling with an addiction.

But the good news is that there is so much hope. At Avenues Recovery, we have helped many thousands of people find lasting recovery across all of our facilities nationwide.

Starting with medical detox and professional medical and emotional assessments, our team will craft a personalized plan with one-on-one and group therapies, 12-step groups, and other mental and emotional healing modalities to help you heal. We’ll help you address the root of your addiction while teaching you the tools you need to achieve life-long recovery, dignity, and serenity.

We invite you to reach out today and start your journey!