Yo ask if you have experience of addiction?

[Guruu]

So, I don’t know I am addicted to Cocodamol, I don’t take more than the recommended dose but I love the chilled out feeling that they give me (I think I am leaning on them a bit too much post divorce) I need to nip this in the bud but I am scared if I will get withdrawal symptoms? I have been taking them for around 4 months.

She already states in the OP that it is the buzz she is chasing and enjoying though. Yes she's in the early stages of addiction and has recognised that but it won't be along before the dosage increases and then when that buzz reduces with tolerance increasing the switch to something will be easier. Intervention with support is much more likely to work now than in a few months time when it becomes a strip or a box a day.

Its perfectly possible to stop by yourself and if you feel going to your GP will add to your anxiety, you can try it on your own first. I'd be surprised if you're physically dependent, but if the thought of withdrawal scares you, then a gentle self administered taper may be worth trying. You basically reduce a tablet then hold it at that number for 3 days, then reduce another and hold for 3 days until you're done. Replace your dependence on the tablets for soothing with something comforting, herb tea, hot chocolate, yoga etc. Try to do a little excercise each day, it's very good for anxiety, eat well and drink lots of fluid. Take a vit D supplement. If you haven't managed to start reducing in two weeks, or start and give up, then make your GP appointment.

Maybe my anxiety here is the actual problem rather than opioid addiction. I always try and be a decent human being and don’t want to be a drug addict

The two aren't mutually exclusive! Lots of people fall accidently into addiction through absolutely no fault of their own, taking prescribed and legal medications. It's not a moral failing. The main concern is the health impact and while I think you need to keep perspective and not let your worries spiral, it's good you've recognised a red flag for health so you can take the action you need to before it becomes a problem. Good luck!

So it’s completely different to say, cocaine and other illegal drugs?

Your GP will find this topic utterly normal, everyday, run of the mill, dare I even say - boring. They will not be shocked. They can help you reduce your dose in a safe way, to make it easiest for your body. They can also help with anxiety. In fact, if you ask for a GP appointment, you'll probably be fobbed off with a call from the in-house pharmacist, if they have one.

Cocodomol is legal and most people start taking it for pain relief rather than recreationally so there's a difference there of course. You shouldn't get too hung up on comparisons though and trying to place yourself in a hierarchy of 'wrong doing'. Other people's substance use isn't really relevant. You have identified that you are having a response to this drug that concerns you, as you think you're liking it too much. That doesn't make you a bad person. It just means you need to protect yourself from it.

You're not going to get judge for being "addicted" to co-codomol. You are not taking more than the recommended amount however it does sound like you are relying on them.
I am sober from cocaine ketamine and crack ( yes I have all of my teeth 👀) I've had support of my psychiatrist, CPN and GP, I have felt judged at times but you won't get judged, only support for co codomol issues.
Good luck.

I was addicted to weed and cocaine. An 8 day bender resulting in me getting a DVT put a stop to that.

Well done for getting clean.