Codeine Addiction Statistics

Codeine addiction is a growing health crisis worldwide. Codeine is an opioid used to treat mild to moderate pain and is often found in prescription medications and cough syrups. Although it can be effective when used as prescribed, when misused, codeine carries a risk of addiction.

Jessica Miller is the Content Manager of Addiction HelpKent S. Hoffman, D.O. is a founder of Addiction Help
Written by
Medically reviewed by Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.
Last updated January 1, 2025

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How Many People Are Addicted to Codeine in the U.S.?

In 2022, over 1.9 million (or 22.2%) people aged 12 and older self-reported misuse of codeine products in the United States.

Similar to other opioids, codeine addiction usually starts with the use of a prescription. However, tolerance can build fast, which can lead to misuse, defined as taking a higher dosage or using the medication more often than prescribed.

Continued misuse of prescription opioids like codeine can quickly escalate to a substance use disorder (SUD).

In many cases, teens and young adults are more vulnerable to misusing codeine since they can easily get access to it in various cough syrups. And codeine abuse can bring about a range of effects, such as pleasure, pain relief, relaxation, and happiness.

Codeine Addiction Rates in the U.S. vs. Other Nations

As of 2022, the United States ranked third for codeine consumption in the world at 7.6%.

India reported using 26.4% of the global codeine production, making them the top consumer, with Iran coming in second at 15.8%.

The top 15 codeine-consuming countries ranked from highest to lowest are:

  1. India
  2. Iran
  3. United States
  4. France
  5. United Kingdom
  6. Germany
  7. Canada
  8. Brazil
  9. Hungary
  10. Australia
  11. Norway
  12. China
  13. South Africa
  14. Spain
  15. Vietnam

These countries account for roughly 84.6% of codeine use worldwide.

Statistics on Codeine Use

Codeine has been historically less regulated than other opiates that are considered more dangerous, like morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. This makes getting the prescription drug easier, increasing the chances of developing an opioid use disorder.

In the United States alone, approximately 3 to 4% of 130 million prescription drug opioids are written yearly for codeine. That makes up 4.5 to 6 million codeine prescriptions.

Studies show that about 20% of adults experience chronic pain (lasting longer than 3 months) in which an opioid, like codeine, might be a part of their treatment plan.

Codeine is effective at treating various conditions, including:

  • Acute and chronic mild to moderate pain
  • Severe pain when combined with other painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, analgesics, or acetaminophen
  • Dry coughs
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Cold and flu symptoms when combined with decongestants and antihistamines

The side effects of codeine range from mild to severe, depending on its drug use, such as:

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation
  • Lethargy
  • Increased tolerance
  • Physical dependence
  • Constipation
  • Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth
  • Stomach pain
  • Slowed breathing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Seizures

These side effects may lead to overdose or death when codeine is used for a prolonged period or when combined with other potent pain medications, alcohol, and illicit drugs.

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Statistics on Codeine Abuse

Codeine drug abuse is often reported to reduce chronic pain, get high, or cope with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

Of the 1.9 million people who self-reported abusing codeine:

  • 3% said they misused codeine products to relieve physical pain
  • 4% of that population stated they misused it to get high or feel good
  • 7% to feel relaxed
  • 5% to cope with feelings and emotions
  • 3% because they were “hooked,” had cravings, and wanted to avoid codeine withdrawal symptoms, like irritability, insomnia, muscle aches, and more

Codeine Addiction Statistics by Demographic

Codeine and opioid addiction remain a significant problem for many people and their loved ones. Codeine-specific data, however, is often grouped in with opioid statistics, detailed below.

Gender and Codeine Use

Studies show that men are more likely than women to misuse opioids like codeine.

Men are often prescribed opioids because of physical injury from labor-intensive jobs. Young and adult men are also more likely to misuse opioids to deal with emotional pain and distress or to fit in with social groups.

However, the gap between men and women is closing. Women are more likely to receive long-term opioid prescriptions to deal with chronic pain (such as fibromyalgia). Having chronic pain may coincide with anxiety and depression conditions, leading to higher rates of opioid misuse.

Age and Codeine Use

Opioid abuse (including codeine) is often broken down by age group.

Of the population that abuses opioids, including codeine (i.e., for pain relief and/or recreational use), a 2015-2018 report shows:

  • Adolescents (age 12-17): 5% reported misusing prescription opioids
  • Young adults (age 18-25): roughly 15% reported misusing opioids
  • Adults (age 26 and older): about 79%% reported abusing opioids

Race and Codeine Use

As of 2019, reports show opioid addiction rates by race for adults in the U.S: 

  • Non-Hispanic White: 4.3%
  • Non-Hispanic Black: 7%
  • Non-Hispanic Native: 8%
  • Non-Hispanic Asian: 7%
  • Non-Hispanic mixed race: 2%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 1%

Of these rates, non-Hispanic White adults are 14 times more likely to undergo an intervention with various treatment options for opioid addiction compared to other races.

Socioeconomic Factors and Codeine Use

People in lower-income and rural communities have higher rates of opioid substance abuse. These areas often lack access to healthcare and addiction treatment programs, contributing to a cycle of misuse and overdose.

People with full-time jobs were 14 times more likely than those unemployed to receive codeine addiction treatment, like methadone or buprenorphine.

Codeine Overdose Rates

Unlike other countries, the United States does not provide specific data for codeine-related overdoses. As such, it is often overshadowed by the overall opioid crisis.

Of the opioid data available, 2022 reports showed opioid overdose deaths claimed about 107,000 American lives, making up nearly 75% of overdose deaths. This figure also includes synthetic opioids, like fentanyl.

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Statistics on Effects of Codeine Misuse

In addition to addiction, codeine misuse can affect the overall health and well-being of anyone who abuses it. Some examples include:

  • Breastfeeding: Mothers who use codeine while breastfeeding risk severe respiratory depression, overdose, and death of their infants.
  • Mental health concerns: Long-term misuse can alter a person’s brain chemistry and lead to mental health conditions. This can worsen existing conditions, like anxiety or depression, and increase overdose rates when combined with a depression medication like benzodiazepines.

Find Supportive Resources for Codeine Addiction Now

If you or a family member are struggling with a codeine addiction, help is here for you.

Compassionate and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment centers can help you take your life back from a codeine addiction, depending on the level of care you need.

You can find help for a codeine drug addiction, including detox, short-term care, and access to mental health and medical professionals, by visiting SAMHSA or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

You can also explore online support groups and therapy with BetterHelp. However, if you choose to get help, know that codeine abuse and addiction are real, and you have options to help you manage and reclaim your health.

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18 Sources
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  11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 1999-2014. NCHS Data Brief, 189, 1-8. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db189.htm
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  14. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Only 1 in 5 U.S. Adults With Opioid Use Disorder Received Medications to Treat It in 2021. https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2023/08/only-1-in-5-us-adults-with-opioid-use-disorder-received-medications-to-treat-it-in-2021
  15. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Opioid Overdose Crisis: Statistics. https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/statistics/index.html
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Written by
Jessica Miller is the Content Manager of Addiction Help

Editorial Director

Jessica Miller is the Editorial Director of Addiction Help. Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica's empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.

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Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. is a founder of Addiction Help

Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.

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