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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Codeine addiction

211 replies

Cissyandflora · 07/01/2021 17:45

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.

OP posts:
Plussizejumpsuit · 02/02/2021 11:17

[quote Princessbanana]@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. 😁[/quote]
I understand this. I've worked with people with addiction and actually I think my mum might have some issues with codiene. I just asked because I'm wondering what else can be put in place to replicate it. I know it's not simple and I'm nit an expert. But for example having things to look forward to that you enjoy. Stuff with domestic stuff like lots of detailed plans and treats so you have motivation to get that oven clean.

But equally as somone with mh issues but no addiction I wonder if you're expecting too much of yourself? Not letting emotions sit with you? It's not taht the rest of us are sorted and feel great all the time so you need codeine to get to where you think normal people are. It's maybe that it's noal to sometimes feel shit and unmotivated.

But as I say I'm not an expert. But I do know this type of addiction is way more common than people think. There are experts out there who can help with coming off it. So I really think you need to get tgat support.

Each ccg has to provide drug and alcohol support. So see what is available in your area. It's not just NA.

Heidi1976 · 03/02/2021 08:15

[quote Cissyandflora]@Heidi1976 true. I’m using NA. Used AA for my alcohol addiction years ago.[/quote]
That's a great start. I think something like NA alongside a proper funded community drug treatment provider would help too. Due to the addiction being opiates, they can give you medical assistance if required alongside other psychosocial treatments and a more 121 support network. I'd definitely look into it.

Original poster
Cissyandflora · 03/02/2021 08:56

@Heidi1976 I can’t look for any of that support because this is a secret. I’d never admit to this in real life. It would affect my job.

OP posts:
Hairsprayinthesink · 22/02/2021 19:05

Hi OP I realised at the start of jan too that I had become addicted to codeine. Using online pharmacies, and even recently tried a DIY method to remove the paracetamol from cocodamol and take just the codeine from it. I love the codeine high and that’s the only reason I’ve been taking it. But now I’m absolutely ready to get off it. I have taken 60 mg this morning and 30 this evening, which for me is a massive reduction as I’d been taking 400mg a day. I just take a bit to take the edge off the withdrawal feelings and then ride it out. I am going to go lower again in a couple of days time.

Inforapenny65 · 25/08/2021 15:36

Hey @Cissyandflora - I just wondering how you are doing? I hope you don’t mind me asking as I was very inspired by your thread and I hope you are well x

Original poster
Cissyandflora · 25/08/2021 15:56

@Inforapenny65

Hey *@Cissyandflora* - I just wondering how you are doing? I hope you don’t mind me asking as I was very inspired by your thread and I hope you are well x
Oh gosh. Well I’m afraid I went back on the codeine. I will try again but not this year. I’m ashamed to say it but I just cannot do it this year. Thank you for asking and I do hope you are ok. I have to remember that I conquered my alcoholism and that damaged my children. But this one is still my addiction.
OP posts:
Saoirse82 · 25/08/2021 16:30

Good for you for taking the first step, that is massive in itself!
Just be careful if you are taking over the recommended amount of paracetamol a day, when I was addicted to codeine I'm sure I did some liver damage due to the paracetamol, I still have some issues now although all my test results are normal but I can't tolerate anything that's hard on the liver like certain tablets and can't drink alcohol without a host of symptoms.
I was only addicted for a short period of time, the thing that actually got me off the codeine with ease was taking pregablin for 3 weeks. I'm not suggesting you try this as pregablin can be addictive in itself although it's not as quickly as codeine would grip you, I'd suggest trying it in tbe short term only you have past addiction issues with alcohol and it might not be a good idea but certainly something to talk about with your GP. My main concern with the codeine would be lasting effects due to too much paracetamol. Good luck, you can do this! Flowers

Hairsprayinthesink · 31/08/2021 16:27

@Cissyandflora hey OP how are you? Are you open to a direct message? Would love to talk x

Original poster
Cissyandflora · 01/09/2021 15:14

Yes you can message me

OP posts:
VivienneOlsen5 · 06/12/2021 14:43

When I was addicted to alcohol I had a lot of troubles and it was very hard. I even get court-ordered rehab.

People often asked me, how long is court-ordered rehab? This and other information you can find here addictionresource.com/drug-rehab/court-ordered/

Good luck!

VivienneOlsen5 · 06/12/2021 14:45

When I was addicted to alcohol I had a lot of troubles and it was very hard. I even get court-ordered rehab.

People often asked me, how long is court-ordered rehab? This and other information you can find here addictionresource.com/drug-rehab/court-ordered/
Good luck!

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