title: Cough mixtures: not always for cough.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Opioid based cough mixtures are readily available to the public and are generally used safely. However, like alcohol, their use can sometimes be a significant part of a dependence problem.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This case study provides practical information for general practitioners in the detection, assessment and management of patients with cough mixture opioid dependence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Opioid dependence is generally considered synonymous with heroin dependence or dependence on prescribed opioid analgesics. However, cough mixtures are a readily available source of opioids. People who become dependent on these mixtures commonly do not present for medical assistance until the problem is severe.
authors.affiliation: Edith Cowan University, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, the University of Western Australia. moira.sim@health.wa.gov.au
authors.forename: Moira G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.forename: Gary K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Hulse
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Khong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000996:Antitussive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003061:Codeine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003371:Cough / Q000188:drug therapy; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010604:Pharmacy; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000996:Antitussive Agents; D003061:Codeine