To have a massive fear of addiction

[Cheetosss]

I have suffered with OCD and anxiety most of my life. My biggest fear is becoming an addict I really do not know why. I have been buying OTC painkillers for a bad back and never upped the dose or anything, even though they do make feel relaxed. I stopped taking them for 72 hours and didnt get any withdrawal symptoms and then took one for a migraine as I just got myself so worked up about being an addict. I am worried that because I am so worried about it, this might make me become one?

Classic OCD. Speak to your GP about it.

Have you got another thread about this?

I think you should discuss this with your GP

You can’t become addicted to painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen - but equally it can be dangerous to take them for prolonged periods for other reasons. See your GP about your back pain, and the OCD.

YANBU to be worried about it; but your own experience has shown you that you use meds in an appropriate way. This is worth having therapy for, because its not just about the meds or the fear of addiction.
You make good choices, you don't seem to have issues with addiction, you deserve to be able to trust yourself.

If the other nearly identical thread is yours too, then just stop buying codeine. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for your headache. You do not need to be using codeine for a normal headache.

A few years ago I was convinced I had skin cancer, it was just awful, I cried with happiness when I left the GP but soon enough something else comes along.

Yes, because you actually need therapy/medication for your OCD and anxiety not a treatment or diagnosis of an imagined ailment.

This thread is the same as another one, exactly the same details just different name. You’re not an addict. You’re really not. People who are addicted to painkillers take more and more to get the buzz. Maybe cut the times a day you take them. And use with paracetamol (if the codeine doesn’t have it included) so take 2 codeine, then paracetamol. At the next dose take just the paracetamol. By the way doesn’t it cause you constipation? I always say I couldn’t get addicted to Codeine for this reason!

I cant stop seeking reassurance

You could be free of this if you had treatment for your OCD and anxiety!

But seeking reassurance does not seem to be helping you. Have you spoken to your GP?

Yes the Dr put me on sertraline but I held off for such a long time as I was breastfeeding and lied about taking it when I wasn't. I am not breastfeeding anymore.

I get a sense of relief when I get the reassurance but before long the thoughts are back in my head and I start hating myself all over again.

I am so sorry that I have created a couple of threads, it just helps me so much, I am going to make an appointment

You must see your GP for help with your MH. No reassurance in the world will convince you to stop worrying. You need treatment.

I’m glad you are making an appointment and really hope you are given the help you need for the OCD/anxiety.

This is just wasting their time. If you wanted to breastfeed, you could have told the GP and they’ve had prescribed you a medication which is safe for breastfeeding.

If you actually want to get better, you need to take the help and advice the GP offers.

I have OCD too so I completely understand what's going on in your head. You can get help, please try your GP

I would be happy to take the medication but I was so worried I would harm by baby

But if you’d explained you were breastfeeding, they’d have prescribed a safe one to take.

I feel bad for you as you clearly are very mentally ill but this is exactly what the GP can help with. And it’s really much more dangerous to lie to them rather than say you didn’t take it.

Make a routine appointment. Tell them what you’ve told us here and take the medication they offer. If it’s not quite right for you, then they can try others. There are lots of options. One will work for you. You’ll get so much better and will be free of these intrusive thoughts.