Addicted to codeine

[goatstare]

I'd been using over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine for years; at first sporadically and then regularly. At the first hint of period pain or hangover I'd knock back a couple of Nurofen Plus or Solpadeine Max and I knew it would sort it.

I always enjoyed the slight haziness that went with it, that the pills took the edge off my stress as well as any physical pain. I started taking two or three when there wasn't really any pain to kill - up to a point where it was every day. No big deal, I'm not like the bloke on the documentary I saw who was necking a box of co-codamol a day. But it meant that i wasn't sharp at work and made small mistakes. I got the reputation of being lackadaisical. Again, nothing major.

Then I got pg and stopped completely. It wasn't hard actually, I felt clear-headed and happy, I was on the ball at work and didn't feel numb any more.

at 7 months I got severe SPD and GP prescribed a very strong codeine-based painkiller. Well, if the GP says it's OK, I thought.. and happily took them and enjoyed the side-effects. The prescription carried on after childbirth due to complications with epi stitches. Fine with BFing apparently, so I felt the continued use was sanctioned.

The prescription ran out and I started buying OTC painkillers again, roll on 18 months and I'm taking 4 at a time and 8 in the evenings. I have all sorts of toddler-wrangling-related aches and pains that I use to justify their use, but the dosage I need is really worrying me. I know it's bad to take that amount of ibuprofen / paracetomol at once. Incidently I've had liver tests regularly for another reason and nothing's ever come up about my secret painkiller abuse so I've felt OK about carrying on.

I know I should stop, but I'm actually terrified. Hiding the packets from DP, sourcing new pharmacists so I'm not going to the same one all the time, it's crazy. Yet because I'm never 'off my face' and you couldn't tell to look at me, I can keep it a secret and convince myself it's not a big deal.

Has anyone any experience or advice in how to deal with this? I'm really ashamed of myself. (so much so that I've namechanged - I'm a regular, btw)

hopeful bump..

Sorry no experience, but would suggest GP. I am sure they come across this problem frequently.

As an aside, I recently had a minor op and was given codeine. 3 tabs a day for a week. To be honest, I didn't really need it after the first 2 days, but kept on taking 2 tablets for 7 days. And then, OMG , I suddenly got the worst constipation I have ever ever had. When I finally escaped from the toilet after a most unpleasant 2 hours, I checked the small print on the packet. Entirely down to the codeine.

Not sure if that is relevant or helpful, but your body must be messed up - please get help.

Can you begin to wean yourself off by gradually reducing your consumption? Might be easier than cold turkey.

Hi goatstare (am a gp btw) - really sorry that you are in this situation.

You are absolutely right - it is the codeine you are addicted to, but the excessive paracetamol and ibuprofen that will also have potentially disasterous effects.

Could you talk to your GP? If I saw you in my surgery, firstly I would be completely non-judgemental and sympathetic - as would the vast majority of GPs I know. We can also be fairly vague with our records (within reason of course) if that's something you are concerned about.

In the end, the most likely outcome would probably be referral to a community drugs team (they also deal with prescription drug addictions). These vary a lot depending on the area.

I have on 1 occasion supported a lady who didn't want to be referred. Basically we worked out how much codeine she was taking per day and I prescribed codeine only tablets for her in a gradually reducing dose. Took a long time but we did it!

Well done for admitting the problem - hope you get the help you need

You really do need to go to the GP, as fedup says.
A friend of mine is a pharmacist who deals with methadone prescriptions.
Some of the people who are now on methadone are not heroin addicts - they are codeine addicts.

I don't mean to frighten you, but this is a genuine possibility if you don't see the GP sooner rather than later.

Really sorry and for what it's worth you're not alone, and it's not your fault. These are bloody strong opiates and FWIW I was going down the same road as you when my friend realised what was happening, and gave me the warning I'm giving you now.

sorry PopsyWind, cross posts.

gosh - methadone

I think I do need the shock tactics.

There are big problems with heroin in my area and the idea of queueing up with the heroin users in my local chemist fills me with horror. Guess I'm not so different from them, it's just that my little addiction is 'legal'.

You need to look at this website:-

www.over-count.org.uk

Codeine is a highly addictive substance.
This group deals specifically with otc (over the counter) prescription and painkiller addiction. Its more common than people realise.

Thanks Attila, I'll check it out. And thanks to everyone who's replied, you're all right, I need to sort this.

I'm going to try and tell DP tonight, I'm shaking.

Goatstare, dont feel ashamed. Im sorry you have this problem but like others said, codeine is very addictive. My mum is also addicted and took 2 every 3 hours for years She totally denies it and always has, but then some days she'll say " Ive only had 6 today" So she does know. She takes them for "headaches" and i think to calm her nerves too.

I have bad anxiety and its so very tempting to take them as i love the feeling they give me when i take them for period pain. They just knock me out and i'd love that right now!

So its easy done, dont be ashamed and go to your GP for help. Wishing you al the best.

I'm also a GP and agree completely with Popsywind.

See your GP and be honest. Codeine is the addiction part, but the other stuff potentially could damage your organs. Switching you to codeine alone and reducing it gradually would be the wise move. Some GPs may ask the local drug services to be involved too.

We see a fair bit of this in GPland, so don't be embarrassed.

goatstare - you ok ?
How's it going ?
Hoping DP being supportive .

Hi vq, thanks for asking. For one reason and another I've not managed to speak to DP.

I have made a small step - decreasing the amount I'm taking by a little at a time. If this defeats me I will go and see the GP.

Bit terrified by it all TBH, realising that I've been treating painkillers the same way as some people use alcohol to blot out a difficult day. It's been such a crutch for me.

Don't have anything to add, but here to let you know that I am thinking of you. Please try to tell your DP and your GP. Addiction is very hard thing to conquer on your own without support from those around you.

Good luck.

you have admitted your addiction which is very hard to do ; if you stare it in the face (as it were) that will start you off on the right path.

Think of your children as well - they need their mummy!

goood luck.

Maybe tell your GP if telling your DP isn't possible at the moment ?
Good luck ,keep going .
We all use crutches - some are less harmful and more helpful than others .