Yo ask if you have experience of addiction?

I was addicted to weed and cocaine. An 8 day bender resulting in me getting a DVT put a stop to that.

You're not going to get judge for being "addicted" to co-codomol. You are not taking more than the recommended amount however it does sound like you are relying on them.
I am sober from cocaine ketamine and crack ( yes I have all of my teeth 👀) I've had support of my psychiatrist, CPN and GP, I have felt judged at times but you won't get judged, only support for co codomol issues.
Good luck.

Cocodomol is legal and most people start taking it for pain relief rather than recreationally so there's a difference there of course. You shouldn't get too hung up on comparisons though and trying to place yourself in a hierarchy of 'wrong doing'. Other people's substance use isn't really relevant. You have identified that you are having a response to this drug that concerns you, as you think you're liking it too much. That doesn't make you a bad person. It just means you need to protect yourself from it.

Your GP will find this topic utterly normal, everyday, run of the mill, dare I even say - boring. They will not be shocked. They can help you reduce your dose in a safe way, to make it easiest for your body. They can also help with anxiety. In fact, if you ask for a GP appointment, you'll probably be fobbed off with a call from the in-house pharmacist, if they have one.

The two aren't mutually exclusive! Lots of people fall accidently into addiction through absolutely no fault of their own, taking prescribed and legal medications. It's not a moral failing. The main concern is the health impact and while I think you need to keep perspective and not let your worries spiral, it's good you've recognised a red flag for health so you can take the action you need to before it becomes a problem. Good luck!

Its perfectly possible to stop by yourself and if you feel going to your GP will add to your anxiety, you can try it on your own first. I'd be surprised if you're physically dependent, but if the thought of withdrawal scares you, then a gentle self administered taper may be worth trying. You basically reduce a tablet then hold it at that number for 3 days, then reduce another and hold for 3 days until you're done. Replace your dependence on the tablets for soothing with something comforting, herb tea, hot chocolate, yoga etc. Try to do a little excercise each day, it's very good for anxiety, eat well and drink lots of fluid. Take a vit D supplement. If you haven't managed to start reducing in two weeks, or start and give up, then make your GP appointment.

She already states in the OP that it is the buzz she is chasing and enjoying though. Yes she's in the early stages of addiction and has recognised that but it won't be along before the dosage increases and then when that buzz reduces with tolerance increasing the switch to something will be easier. Intervention with support is much more likely to work now than in a few months time when it becomes a strip or a box a day.

I would definitely agree to seek support in stopping rather than going it alone. They will be able to help through your withdrawal and it is well known that it can be dangerous/life threatening for an addict to just stop. IMO it's not just abstinence needed, it's also the mindset because you can so easily walk into a shop and buy more with no questions asked. That could become a trigger and/or a battle in itself if you are trying to stop with no support.

One of my close relatives was addicted to opioids. It started with cocodamol then codiene, then heroin dabbling, then methadone. He died last August whilst he was 7 weeks into a recovery programme that included an in-house stay. He was drug free by then but the damage had already been done to his body. If the recovery and support path had happened in the earlier stages of the opioid cycle, it's likely he would still be alive.

Op I'm not a doctor or a trained professional in the sense I don't know the medical implications of this particular medication however based on what you said i think as you've taken the first step , this is a massive sign you will beat this. we are stronger then we know if we put our minds to something, we have to have the confidence that we will succeed. I don't want to talk nonsense to you but I think you're in a stong position to beat this but you must must contact gp immediately to get your appointment booked in. Do you think you can call the gp now at all?

My DH was addicted to Solpadeine Max for a couple of years and he suddenly stopped taking them and he was absolutely fine.

Yes I do, currently in addiction after a few years of on/off addiction if I’m being entirely honest. I can stop for a while and then just get sucked in again.

Addiction is horrible, the constant noise and battle in your head. There’s so much I can say about it but at the end of the day it is just shit. It can feel so scary and vulnerable.

I honestly have no real advice beyond that I get it. Not addicted to opioids myself but I understand that it makes you feel very fuzzy and content so they sound really quite scary to me. Hope you’re ok etc

OP please relax.

Firstly, a lot of the horror stories you see generally relate to a more severe addiction. These people tend to take much, much more than the prescribed amount trying to chase the buzz (think 3-4 tablets per time instead of 2, over 20 a day etc). You’re sticking within the guidelines of your prescription, you are not harming yourself, you are NOT going to die.

If you’re taking 8 a day then lower it to 6 then 4 then 2. You can also start taking only one cocodamol with one paracetamol to reduce the opioid intake even more. (Suggested to me by a doctor)

You will be fine, you can do it. If you find yourself struggling then reach out.

I think it's the paracetamol in the cocodamol that is dangerous. And it is very dangerous. People think because 500mg tablets are available in supermarkets that they're miles away from dangerous doses. They aren't. The codeine, the very addictive element actually isn't that dangerous on its own, long term side effects and constipation and tolerance. I agree, they're wonderful, I love the feeling of euphoria. But I also love the painkilling properties and am terrified they'll stop working if I overdo it!

Definitely see your GP. They will be able to help.

You can stop, but you dont have to go it alone. Please reach out to your GP, or google your local drug and alcohol service for advice.

Op you are not the worst person at all for this. Not even close. Think how much guts it took to even talk about this online. Please please contact your GP, they will want to help you . They will be able to answer all your questions and give you all the support you need. Good luck Op.

I was alright stopping co-codamol but I’d definitely suggest weaning yourself off by slowly reducing them down to nothing. If you struggle or need support do not hesitate to ask your GP for help, they will not judge you, it’s more common than you think.

Tramadol was a whole different experience. That shit is evil and I was given it with zero warning. Only took it for a few weeks for a trapped nerve. As soon as I realised what I was feeling was withdrawal I threw the lot in the bin. Scared me and I went cold turkey, was a horrid week.

My brother is currently in rehab with opioid and alcohol addiction. He's going through hell withdrawing. Please seek help before it gets worse.

They absolutely will not judge. They are fully aware these medicines can cause addiction. There's is no judgement what so ever. These things can happen to any of us. I think its great you have noticed yourself and you want to sort it. Massive respect for this!!