If anyone has seen my posts, you will know that I am a recovering alcoholic & stopped drinking (again) a year ago. I’m proud of myself. However, I went through quite a few years of very bad physical pain & was prescribed pure codeine amongst other things. I haven’t taken codeine continuously but was on Zapain for a while which gives you a great warm relaxed feeling. My GP took me off Zapain quite some time ago & ever since, I have been taking over the counter tablets (Solpadeine Max & Nurofen Plus or Boots own equivalent) daily. Obviously this isn’t good, even though there’s less codeine in each dose of 4 tablets than in 2 Zapain. Plus my original pain is gone & now I only really struggle with neck/shoulder/ general upper back pain whilst I’m in bed so I don’t need pain relief, at least not every day. I’m going to several different chemists so that the staff don’t start to recognise me & refuse to serve me. It’s expensive too - we’re talking over £11 for a packet of Nurofen Plus. Has anyone had experience of taking codeine or got addicted to it? It’s scary how easily it can be obtained (I’ve bought online too & you used to be able to get pure codeine without any proper checks). DH remarked how long I was on the pure codeine from my GP. There need to be more reviews as I’m sure there are lots of folks who rely on strong painkillers & can’t get off them. The trouble is, the feeling you get is lovely. I sometimes miss the effect of alcohol & now the codeine is replacing it. I am constipated & have been getting tummy pains. The ibuprofen can give me heartburn too. I know this has to stop.