Codeine addiction

[Cissyandflora]

Can I ask has anyone got over codeine addiction? I have a ten year addiction and use more than prescribed. My life revolves around the drug. I am full of shame and only my sister knows about this irl. And she doesn’t know the extent. I’ve struggled with various addictions since my teens. I am now in my 50s. My gp called me and suggested I come off the drug. He said in my own time. And suggested coming in to start reducing in a few weeks. In typical addict fashion I am in a spiral of anxiety and can think of nothing else. Given the choice I would probably never stop. I take whatever I can get my hands on. Please do not pile in with criticism. I know I’m not doing the right thing. I feel a craving for mood altering drugs. I’ve used this to cope with everything in my life for the past 10 years. I am ashamed. I am mostly afraid of stopping and live in fear of my prescription being stopped. If I had to say the one problem with my addiction it is this- it’s the fear of not getting the drug.

I know there will be people who are impatient or angry with this type of person- me. But I really thank you for reading and please addicts help me if possible. Can I get off the drug? Please don’t berate me I don’t need that. If you don’t understand please don’t comment. I don’t mean that rudely. I’m just reaching out to strangers because I’m at a low ebb and I can’t discuss this with anyone irl.

@TulesDana I’m so sorry to hear that you have been through such a time. And I totally know how you will have felt through the surgery taking control like that. It’s that reason that I’m going to try this now. So that no one can do this to me. In the past 6 months I had to go to many private doctors to get enough drugs and some would not prescribe at all.

@User2921 I have codeine phosphate prescription only. Then I buy otc and take 8 of the co codomol on top of the codeine. I know it’s a lot and I know that I would never ever be honest with a doctor about it. I’m going to try the tapering. I’m going to take your advice and do it very slowly.

My motivation is purely because I’m terrified of my prescription stopping against my will. I know this is absurd. I know I’m an addict. I have had addiction problems since I was around 15 years old.

This thread is everything to me right now.

@nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut thank you. I have a pill cutter. They are tiny.

I’m taking all my meds in a short space of time. Not getting any high. I think I have to accept defeat. I’m an addict. I’ll try to stop. I will try.

For any other addicts who may be reading this- there is a 24 hour AA meeting on zoom. Im listening.

OP you need to find another high/warm fuzzy that's not substance related. Something non harmful that switches the lights on for you or at least keeps the darkness away.
Outside of substances, is there anything that lifts you or has in the past? Art, relationships, healthy eating, exercise, dancing, anything?
If so, could you have a plan to build that into your life so you know that you have something to fill the gap?

I gradually reduced mine. I was prescribed cocodomol 30/500. I bought some solpadeine Max strength to help which has 12.5mg codeine..

So when I needed to take them, I did it like this..

Week 1.. 1 stronger cocodomol and 1 solpadeine up to 4 times a day.

Week 2.. 2 solpadeine 4 times a day.

Week 3... 1 solpadeine and 1 paracetamol 4 times a day.

Week 4... half a solpadeine and 1 paracetamol up to 4 times a day.

Week 5 .. nothing.

This worked well for me and I’ve used it a few times over the years. I’ll start again soon as I’ve been back on prescribed cocodomol.

When I’ve tried to go cold turkey Ive managed it but I end up feeling rotten with aches snd sweats. Gradually cutting down takes longer but I haven’t had any ill effects in the past. Hope this helps xxxx

Can you get just codeine? Not mixed with anything? Because if you can, my advice would be to tackle the codeine addiction while maintaining your dose of paracetamol. Dealing with withdrawal from 2 drugs at once is very difficult and paracetamol headaches are a bitch.

In the meantime Rapid Ibuprofen Lysine is nonaddictive and very effective for muscle and joint pain, might help you manage your symptoms during the transition.

@nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut

Can you get just codeine? Not mixed with anything? Because if you can, my advice would be to tackle the codeine addiction while maintaining your dose of paracetamol. Dealing with withdrawal from 2 drugs at once is very difficult and paracetamol headaches are a bitch.

In the meantime Rapid Ibuprofen Lysine is nonaddictive and very effective for muscle and joint pain, might help you manage your symptoms during the transition.

Yes you can. It’s prescribed that way because it’s cheaper to buy. It means I can take with otc covodamol. And keep paracetamol at safe levels. Before that I was taking paracetamol too often and too much. I’ve really used cocktails. I’m honestly not worried about the physical pain anymore. I think that went long ago. This all started because about 11 years ago my colleague broke her arm. She was prescribed co codomol and I started taking them. That was it. I went through hospital visits and many doctors. Then got it on repeat. If I can’t get my repeat on time I’m in a terrible state. Cannot function. Nothing to do with physical pain. Just need the drug. I’d never admit this to a soul in real life. I see my old colleague on Facebook these days- not in real life for about 7 years. Every time I see her living her life I am astounded that she is happy, travels, has relationships. Lives a drug free life by the looks of it. And mine has remained stagnant since she broke her arm. I’m kind of exaggerating and joking- the addiction is entirely my own doing. Completely. And I’m happy for her. But when you have addictions I find it’s hard to fathom how others live without.

I think I need to make a distinction here. Addiction is something very hard to understand unless you experience it. Its your responsibility but its not your FAULT. The self blame won't get you anywhere but more dependant.

You're an addict yes but please don't talk like that makes you less somehow.

You need to get off this drug for the sake of your own wellbeing not to mention the sake of your liver and kidneys. So look at positive ways to do this rather than beating yourself up. You got addicted. Okay. It happens. So sort it. You are a capable woman and you can get yourself off it.

You are struggling to taper. So you NEED to involve your GP. What is your job and why does it prevent you telling them? If it doesn't directly interfere with your work then there is no reason they have to know and as far as I know codeine isn't mind altering. Are you a doctor and ashamed? Because if you are, don't be. Doctors know better than anyone how easily this happens and how hard it is.

What you need really is to be given a weekly prescription to prevent you going through it too quickly and something to offset the withdrawal.

What could you do to prevent yourself buying it otc? Try and think of something. And keep telling yourself that however much it feels like it, you don't NEED it. You crave it, yes. But you don't NEED it anymore than I need chocolate.

How's it going op. I could have written your post. I think it's a lot more common than people think

I haven't read the full thread, just some of your updates. I just want to say don't be ashamed.

And it's not your fault. I know your addiction feels like she kind choice you made, but it's not. You didn't choose to become an addict, you are trying to cope with life the best way you know how.

We are our own worst enemies. In another time of my life I got high just to drown out my own self critical voice.

Everyone's journey is different so I can't tell you what to do or how to get there. But I just wanted to say don't be ashamed. And it's not your fault.

@Deadposhtory Im also wondering how common this is. I was addicted to tramadol for 10 years, nobody knew. I appear just like any busy mother( my children were 7,9 and 12 when I started), my children were flourishing and I looked perfectly healthy and together. It's a very strange lonely world when your a functioning addict. It's enormously helpful just reading these posts from @Cissyandflora, I have never connected with anyone about this.

It's a very strange lonely world when your a functioning addict

You can say that again, TulesDana.
Like you I look healthy and together. I have a small, successful business and reasonably in control of life and I don’t fit the stereotype of an addict. I think this is one of the things that makes it hard to give up.

I like the lack of anxiety and ‘inner peace’ (as someone up thread brilliantly described it) that codeine gives me, but nonetheless when I order extra supplies I worry that there will be a knock on the door by the police, .........or that when travelling I’ll be stopped at customs and asked why I’ve brought twice the number of pills to what I’m prescribed.......or that I’ll run out.
The fact is, I can’t stop taking them because of my bowel issues but nor can I keep to the number I’m prescribed so I don’t know what the answer is.
What a freedom it would be not to be constantly checking I’ve got enough.

I used to take lots of codeine because it was the only thing to help with my back. I gradually cut back but it was so hard because it was so soothing so I can understand why you feel you cannot and you are still in pain.

Is there a substitute that you could try?

God you’re all amazing. I can’t tell you what reading these replies means to me.

I’m here posting again because all of the above helped me so much. I’m still trying to do my best.

That's awesome @Cissyandflora
We're proud of you. It's tough but worth it.

Hey, just thought I’d join the thread! I am suffering with this addiction myself but have come to a place where I know I need to give up. I am taking 16 nurofen plus per day which is better than the 32 a day I was on. I completely relate to everything in this thread, from panicking about running out, panicking about having enough over Christmas and factoring in bank holidays. I had a terrible few days with a pain in my right side, which I have convinced myself that taking so many tablets has finally damaged something. Good going @Cissyandflora you are doing really well and I hope to be free of the dependency this year. I am following all the advice here and hoping it all works out ok!

What effect does the codeine have on you? I also understand that it's physically addictive.

I think you need to speak to your GP or a drug support service. Don't be ashamed these things are so common. I take cocodamol for period pain when it's bad ad I have adenomyosis and fibroids. The codeine is nice I get it.

@Princessbanana you’re doing well to cut down by half. You should feel proud. I’ve had help from NA. Was in AA for years too. I’m still reducing. Have yet to feel a physical withdrawal which is a great surprise to me. I’ve been a heavy user for over 10 years. Never a day without opiates in all that time.

@Plussizejumpsuit thanks yes I’m trying to get support from NA every day. I wouldn’t share this with a doctor though.

Yes I really am trying to get off them this time. It’s very reassuring to hear that you have no withdrawals. I will try and contact NA tomorrow and see if they have advice. I am in the same predicament as you and also can’t go to my doctor, not that I’d want to anyway! He’s an ignorant old man who looks down his nose at everyone! I’ve only been in them for 2 years, 10 seems like a life time! Your doing great and thank you for the support 💕

@Plussizejumpsuit the effects that codeine has on me is a feeling of euphoria I suppose. It makes me feel like getting up and doing all the stuff I would usually put off ie clean the oven, hover under the beds, wash the floors upstairs etc. I would have two days work done in one day on codeine! It also would take away any pain I was having at the time. A few weeks ago I was taking it to feel great and get up and go, it did start off taking it to ease the pain of my back but I am now taking it just to feel normal and the lowest dose I can handle without any withdrawals. I’m not sure if I can explain it any better than that. 😁

You can join the NA zoom calls every day. There are even 24 hour ones. I am surprised at no withdrawal symptoms but maybe i am speaking too soon. It’s been over 10 years and literally every day I’m obsessed with getting enough and taking it. If you really feel ready then you could try the cutting down method. No idea if i will be able to sleep tonight. I’m quite nauseous but it’s because i have eaten so much in compensation

Oh I must look into that, the 24hours zoom sounds really supportive! Yes I feel the same, every morning it was how many can I get today, do I leave some for tomorrow? Na, I’ll take them all today and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow! I take 8 at a time so now I’m only taking them twice a day instead of 4 or 5 times a day depending on how many boxes I have. I have a pretty bad headache this evening and sore muscles and I know it’s from not having enough, but it’s not too bad and hopefully by the end of the week my body will have gotten used to this dose. Hopefully sleep will come soon for us both!😣

I would go to a proper drug addiction provider personally than your GP. This isn't just about withdrawing in a safe way, this is about the mental addiction and overcoming that at the same time. Addiction is a bigger beast than a lot of people realise and you need holistic help to overcome it.

@Heidi1976 true. I’m using NA. Used AA for my alcohol addiction years ago.