What would you (or social services [shock] make of this?

[CodeineAddict22]

Someone taking Codiene tablets apart, lots of them (not sure of exact number) and then liquidising them and taking them like that?

Kitchen is like a scene from The Nightmare Before Christmas (mad scientist?)

I don't know what to do.

Opioid addiction is very serious. It's been more prevalent in North America but it's causing huge problems.
I'm not sure what to advise. I'm guessing contacting one of the drug addiction charities may be a good starting step.

This is very serious and they need help. You're right in that they need to want the help. Have you looked at Narcotics Anonymous?

No, I'll google it now, thanks

Codeine addiction is quite serious and acute withdrawals can cause problems. The person you are referring to can acccess the drug and alcohol team via the GP who can refer and also it needs to be noted on their medical records as it can cause side effects. I used to see many patients admitted with things such as severe abdominal pain caused by severe constipation who were on (and caused by) codeine.

He would never agree to that, ever. I've shown the narcotics website to him and he said it's shit but will go to a meeting.

That's probably all I'll get.

Leave him.

He has to hit rock bottom before he can decide to fix himself

The problem is then custody of the dcs.

Try famanon.org.uk ?

What is that, please?

Re social services - if there is drug taking (and it sounds quite blatant giving what you said about the kitchen) then the children may notice and report to someone, who will certainly be concerned for their wellbeing. Social Services will seek to support and to check that someone has the children's best interests at heart and is protecting them/capable of protecting them. Whatever actions you take now have to be in line with protecting the children as your number one priority, because that's what social services will be looking for.

Are you worried that he will get/try to get custody of the DCs? He wont. Dont let that be a reason to stay.

He would some of the time.

Is he doing cold water extraction on cocodamol?

I saw the above BBC documentary, codeine addiction isn't far off heroine addiction- the withdrawal and detox methods are pretty much the same. I take codeine and gave done for several years, you quickly build tolerance and have to take more and more to get the same 'high'. I've never abused them but withdrawal symptoms occur fairly quickly, maybe 12 hours after the last dose, withdrawals can be tough for many people and they may need help just for that. Im lucky and haven't had any addiction and have withdrawn a few times, but it can be very addictive. If you are worried about any children I would look at reporting. Overdose is a big risk, it depresses respiration so very dangerous.

I think he must by, though I didn't know it had a name as such.

How old are your DC, if he's leaving this stuff around the kitchen what are the odds they might try it by mistake.

You have a duty of care to protect the/your children. Report him for help if he doesnt want it the remove yourself and your kids from the situation.

Oh they wouldn't try it or see it to my knowledge

http://www.codeinefree.me.uk/

OP try this website.
Codeine is very addictive.

Get help asap.
Is the Codeine in the form of Cocodomol?
If so, you are at high risk of irreversible liver damage.

Sorry - he is, not you.

Please could people post actual facts instead of uninformed 'opinion'.

No, social services won't become involved because of a co-codamol addiction. There is absolutely no threat of any children being taking into care and those posters who claim such should read up facts before posting advice.

I have a cousin who had an over the counter codeine addiction - started off taking them through back pain, then carried on as they gave her a slight feeling of 'euphoria'/relaxation.

As for comparing codeine to heroin? Give your head a wobble - yes it's from the same opiate family but in no way similar to heroin as in socially, hard core etc.

Take photos. You might need them one day. And then follow all the useful advice above!

I do agree that codeine is addictive - and in extreme cases harmful - as would constant use of Paracetamol or any other pain killer. It is not in the league of heroin nor social services ffs.

Cinderlla if a person is going to the lengths described by the op, grinding up (cocodomol?) tablets and is refusing to seek help then I would say that is very serious.

The risks of paracetemol poisoning are often under considered too. If the person is trying to extract codeine from cocodomol, he may not be doing it right and could die of liver damage before the codeine even has a chance to do it's worst.

Squishysqirmy

Yes actually the Paracetamol that causes liver damage - not the codeine that people get addicted to because of the slight 'euphoria, relaxed feeling' they may get.

Not for one minute would I advocate it, but separating the codeine from the Paracetamol would actually be beneficial!

It pretty similar if it gets far, it's not a stretch to compare them. I've taken codeine for years and have had a few other stronger substances. I have more invested in this subject area than most commentators so have researched quite a bit. Withdrawal from a heavy codeine addiction will be very similar to heroine withdrawal. Codeine is a pro drug which metabolises into morphine, heroine is also morphine with a little extra and faster. They aren't just within the same family, they are very close relatives with codeine just being far weaker, but you can take more and more to increase the effect. Many addicts buying illegal drugs, including heroine, started off on prescription opiates. Heroine addicts will take codeine to stave off withdrawal. I suggest you go give your head a wobble and actually do some research before denouncing others based on your cousin. My experience is first hand.

I've watched others coming off drugs shaking and sweating, drugs I've also withdrawn from but escaped such severe effects - buprenorphine, used to help heroine addicts withdraw but some find withdrawing from this drug even harder. Some find tramadol the worst and that's a minor pain killer too.

The Thomas recipe for opiate withdrawal may be helpful if this person wants to attempt withdrawal alone. He could consult a GP to get support and they may prescribe codeine without paracetamol to decrease the risks. Other meds can also help ease withdrawal. The mother in the BBC documentary was taking methadone - yep just like a heroine addict would.