A Facebook user, Mohammed Chiroma, uploaded this pictures of a once hardworking young man in Borno who drug abuse has reduced to a scavenger. 
Codeine is a relatively weak opioid painkiller – similar in chemical structure to morphine, but with just a fraction of its potency. It is used in the treatment of mild to moderately severe pain and can be obtained in some countries without a prescription.
Often, codeine is combined with aspirin or acetaminophen to augment its effectiveness. Some prescription cough suppressant formulations may also contain codeine.
Signs of codeine addiction can include:
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Less interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Cold sweats, clammy hands and feet.
- Poor physical coordination.
- Confusion.
- Mood swings.
- Changes in sleeping patterns.2
It is important to understand the signs of codeine addiction so you can know when to find treatment for yourself or your loved one.
