Recent studies reveal that over-the-counter codeine cough syrups may pose a risk of misuse and addiction due to their sedative and euphoria-inducing properties. Alarmingly, up to 60% of the global population could be susceptible to opioid dependence. The UK's Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has seen a rise in codeine misuse since 2018, with severe health risks including depression, anxiety, and potentially fatal opioid overdoses. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society now advises alternatives for dry coughs. With the growing crisis, health professionals face a challenge of balancing codeine's therapeutic benefits with its addiction risk. This calls for reassessment of our understanding of addiction and underlines the need for careful regulation and public awareness.
Full article here: https://medium.com/@lawsuithelpdesk/title-codeine-cough-syrup-the-silent-addiction-lurking-in-your-medicine-cabinet-ec8587fb16cc
