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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Codeine Addiction! I am a drug addict through no fault of my own

40 replies

MaBella · 15/12/2010 22:19

AIBU to think that HCP should warn patients about the addicitive nature of codeine based painkillers before dishing out prescriptions for them?

I was given them after the birth of DC3. I had a CS and was in a lot of pain for several months after. I was given a script for Co-Codamol 30/500 which was put on repeat for me.

15 months later I am still taking them because when I try to stop I get awful withdrawal symptoms!

I am a drug addict through no fault of my own and I am so angry.

I am going to stop taking them after Christams. DH is going to take a week off work and I am going to go cold turkey. I am dreading it and I'm scared too

OP posts:

amijee · 15/12/2010 22:59

You are def NOT being unreasonable. It is shocking to prescribe this strength of codeine on a rpt prescription for so long. Unfortunately, it happens all too often.

It is NOT your fault but please don't go cold turkey as it will be very very unpleasant before christmas.

THe website below is a self help group for people in a similar situation.

www.codeinefree.me.uk

Try to get professional help as well - especially someone who knows about addictions. It is an addiction to prescription drugs and is as serious as any other addiction.

BuzzLightBeer · 15/12/2010 22:59

I am sorry for you... "but who has time to read the info after having a baby"?? Er, anyone with any sense?
You are saying that no-one warned you, but you had the warnings in your hand over and over again, every time you got a box of them.

I am not trying to be mean, just pointing out to anyone reading this that you should always understand any medication you are taking. Not taking any notice is insane.

Good luck with it, I hope you feel better soon.

llareggub · 15/12/2010 23:01

I think whoever has been dishing them out to you without question has acted irresponsibly. My repeat medication is reviewed regularly with a doctor where we discuss the ongoing need for the medication.

You should definitely discuss withdrawal with your GP and get properly supported. Personally, I think you should also consider some counselling to get over this feeling of being a "dirty drug addict" as you call it. I do think you need to take some personal responsibility here too.

tomhardyismydh · 15/12/2010 23:06

fucking hell this thread is snobbery at its worst.

"scanky drug addict", "dirty drug addict" how horrible to read.

this is as much your fault as it is anyone elses fault who gets addicted to any substance.

You where prescribed drugs and foolishly did not take personal responsibility just as any adict does not.

I am sorry for you and feel you need support as much as any addict does for what ever reason they are addicted to what ever substance.

But im sorry this is your fault.

agreed though that drugs should not be put on repeat prescription like this with out any drug review, but you should have also reviewed your own drugs. you are an adult after all.

A1980 · 15/12/2010 23:20

There's no shame in it at all.

I would change your GP completely and go to a different practice. That way the GP whom you socialise with will never see your notes again.

Also you said earlier that you tried reduction and you couldn't do it. I don't want to put a downer on what you are trying to do but if reduction was hard, cold turkey will be much much worse.

Are there any anonymous groups you can go to who can help you? That way it never goes on your medical notes.

LadyBiscuit · 15/12/2010 23:23

errm ... tomhardy - are you reading the same thread? The only person who's used the term dirty drug addict is the OP. No one has mentioned skanky except for you. And as for snobbery, you seem to be the one who is exacting the harshest judgement - most people have been v sympathetic

AngelZigzagsSparklyYuletideLog · 15/12/2010 23:27

I said skanky, but I put it in '' because I don't happen to think that people addicted to any drug, legal or otherwise, are the scum of the earth,

I was repeating how the op viewed herself, and was definately not making any kind of judgement on people who are addicted to anything,

A1980 · 15/12/2010 23:27

LadyBiscuit as I read it, the OP didn't start the skanky heroin addict bit, another poster did.

See the first page. Another poster says something along the lines of it isn't as if you are a skanky heroin addict.

I found that quite offensive too of the poster on the first page.

A1980 · 15/12/2010 23:28

Didn't see your above post before I posted Angelzigzags.....

ninjinglebells · 15/12/2010 23:30

I think what Tom Hardy is saying is that you shouldn't suggest that a Heroin Addict is Skanky and I hope is suggesting that any addiction deserves sympathy

BitOfFalalalalaa · 15/12/2010 23:30

I think you need to cut down gradually- ie increase the hours between doses.

Do ask for your GP's help though- the amount of paracetamol you are ingesting is more of a worry than the codeine element of the tablet, tbh. You might want to look at taking Milk Thistle substitutes to support your liver, and certainly don't stress it any further with alcohol if you can help it.

llareggub · 15/12/2010 23:31

Actually, I did find the reference to a "skanky heroin addict" offensive but the OP didn't say that. She did mention some quite negative things about her addiction which is why I suggested counselling.

Addiction happens in all social circles, to all sorts of people. The only common thread is the addiction.

AngelZigzagsSparklyYuletideLog · 15/12/2010 23:34

I was going to say how I viewed other drug addictions ie not the stereotyped person, not black and white issues, but didn't think it was the place or what the OP was asking for or needed.

Rev084 · 15/12/2010 23:39

I just got voltoral and paracetamol as I said I wanted to breastfeed so wouldn't give me codiene (bf didn't work out too successfully with prem baby but the good intentions were there).

However codeine, the post-op strength, is an amazingly powerful drug, alot of people are casually addicted to it yet wouldn't admit to it.

I've gone cold turkey with antidepressants, though maybe thats not as bad as doing it with codeine. Had many failed attempts as couldn't put up with the cold sweats, being sick and having frightening nightmares. Try as others have suggested, reducing verrry gradually.

It may even be the case that you might need professional help as its such an addictive drug.

tomhardyismydh · 16/12/2010 00:28

I would suggest seelking help with NA. I think they will treat your difficulties more seriously than your GP and will help you along side anything gp puts in place to reduce your meds.

I know op did not say skanky and it was another poster.

Agreed my post comes across somewhat agressive, not my intension just trying to be honest, so I appologise for that.

addiction is foolish, difficult and stigmatised under every circumstance that is why i say seek help from NA you will come across many different people and maybe find someone there whos story has resemblance to yours op.

I do agree you need support as much as anyone.

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