The use of codeine is on the rise according to a study published in the South African Medical Journal.
A report in the Times on Monday, stated the number of people addicted to it is also increasing.
Stephen Grootes spoke to Professor Charles Parry who is a lead researcher on the study.
One can go to the pharmacy and get it as over the counter medication and walk out with hundred tables of Myprodol or cough syrup for that matter without a prescription.
— Charles Perry from Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Research Unit
Here obviously there are no limits and people can go to multiple pharmacies and get as much as they like.
— Charles Perry from Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Research Unit
People who are prescribed codeine are often prescribed it far longer than they need and they become addicted and doctors don't always help wean them off so they end up moving to over the counter pills later.
— Charles Perry from Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Research Unit
Click on the link below to listen to the full interview...
This article first appeared on 702 : Codeine addiction on the increase - Sama
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