I didn't know where else to put this - codeine addiction

[LifeOnACrunchieBar]

My mum as recently stopped taking codeine after a 25 yr addiction. She's not feeling great. I need to know more about it. Can anyone help?

Because of withdrawal symptoms, you're best weaning yourself off them by way of slow reduction rather than simply going cold turkey. Is she getting them prescribed by GP or buying herself? Codeine is part of the opiate family, so withdrawals would be similar to those experience by heroin users (feeling sick, being sick, paranoia, sweating, insomnia, flu like symptoms, shakes). Withdrawals are likely to be at their worst 2-3 days in and then hopefully start to reduce.

Is your mum seeking any professional help? A 25 year addiction is such a long time. Do you know what drug services are available in your local area? Would she consider a referral into services?

Thanks for responding. She stopped on Tuesday...so she should be over the worst now? She won't seek help, shes too proud... She also had an alcohol addiction but has been sober for over 2 years, just the codeine addiction became worse and worse. Didn't realise she was also reliant on them. Anyway, she is being open about it now, so that's positive. Bloody doctor has be giving them to her? plus she buys other stuff from several different chemists.

I know she needs to speak to something to keep her clean, but who and how? I'm not sure she will. She's embarrassed.

sorry that should say someone to speak to. She also need something... something to focus her attention on, something to help her with her self esteem. The codeine was all she had for the couple of years and her life is empty as she gave up most things for it. I will suggest volunteering...but not sure it's enough. She has always been an alcoholic and drug user for as long as I can remember but she was functional when I was a child, now that she has no real purpose or responsibility, she was a lot less functional on the codeine in the past couple of years. Shes been sober before for a couple of years (I think she stopped the drugs too)...but then started again. We are trying to support her, but I don't know if our support is enough. Is there a discrete way to get help? Can you get help privately from an addiction counsellor who will visit at home with my dad present too? She won't do it alone. How do I make sure they arent just a quack after some money?

Ok, had a look on the internet and think I've found someone...will see if I can convince mum.

There will be NHS drug and alcohol services in your area. She could always just arrange an assessment to have a chat with a specialist about her options? Doesn't mean she has to commit to returning. The GP has been prescribing her codeine for 25 years?! What for?