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Original poster

Question for a gp regarding codeine addiction

61 replies

Quickquestionhl · 07/05/2018 15:31

Hi, I'm really hoping for an answer. I've been addicted to otc codeine products for a few years now. I have tried and failed to stop and I really want some help. Nobody knows about my addiction and my partner would not be supportive.

I have been thinking about speaking to my gp but I am scared. What would be the most likely course of action if I do this? I also see a counsellor (privately) for ptsd and depression. She doesn't know about this either. I'm scared and ashamed to tell anyone but I know I have to stop.

OP posts:
Original poster
Quickquestionhl · 10/05/2018 21:43

Hi, I'm sorry the truth is I felt ashamed to post because I went over my new dose today. I didn't want anyone to think badly of me. I just did it once, I took what I was taking before and then the next time I went back down to what I've been doing. I keep telling myself just once doesn't have to mean it's all ruined. I need to not let one slip up make me go completely back. Thank you for checking up on me. It does mean a lot you know. I should have posted here instead of doing it but it's done now. I can only try harder tomorrow.

I did eat more today, on the plus side. I had 2 biscuits and a coffee around midday. Then at 4 I had some cheese and crackers. Going to have my dinner soon. (Always eat dinner quite late but usually its my only meal of the day).

OP posts:
iklboo · 10/05/2018 22:26

Honestly, don't beat yourself up. You're doing so, so well. Nobody will think badly of you because what you're doing is incredibly hard and very brave.

You're absolutely right that one small blip doesn't mean you've failed or done anything bad. You're still doing so well.

Great that you've eaten a bit more too. Can you think of a treat or reward you would like to aim for - something small to start with so there's not too much pressure on you - for keeping on track (or as best you can)?

iklboo · 10/05/2018 22:27

Honestly, don't beat yourself up. You're doing so, so well. Nobody will think badly of you because what you're doing is incredibly hard and very brave.

You're absolutely right that one small blip doesn't mean you've failed or done anything bad. You're still doing so well.

Great that you've eaten a bit more too. Can you think of a treat or reward you would like to aim for - something small to start with so there's not too much pressure on you - for keeping on track (or as best you can)?

Lougle · 10/05/2018 22:45

I really admire you, ikbloo. You're doing something very hard. Don't judge yourself harshly for being addicted to codeine. There is a reason that there are warnings on every box, and every time you buy a box you should be asked if you have taken it before. If you say "yes, I take it regularly...", you should be refused sale. If you say "I have used it, but not recently..." or "no", you should be warned not to take it for more than three days without consulting your doctor.

One thing my father did when he gave up smoking after 33 years, was to use an Oxo container (it was a clear plastic cube container) and to put the money he saved from buying cigarettes in that container. It was so encouraging to see the pound coins lining up and then stacking up, and that was when cigarettes were only about £4 per pack!

The other thing I wanted to say is that you haven't said how much codeine you are taking, but please do remember that Solpadeine contains paracetamol, and paracetamol overdose can be fatal, even at quite low levels of overdose. Likewise, high levels of ibuprofen can cause gastric bleeds. For that reason alone it would be much better to go to your GP so that you can get your situation properly and safely managed and get your liver function checked, and some gastric protection at the very least. Flowers

iklboo · 10/05/2018 23:02

Hi @Lougle - it's not me, it's Quickquestionhl but I've had experience with family going through it.

Lougle · 11/05/2018 06:48

I'm so sorry, in my tiredness I mistyped. I meant to address QuickQuestionhl.

Original poster
Quickquestionhl · 11/05/2018 11:07

One thing my father did when he gave up smoking after 33 years, was to use an Oxo container (it was a clear plastic cube container) and to put the money he saved from buying cigarettes in that container. It was so encouraging to see the pound coins lining up and then stacking up, and that was when cigarettes were only about £4 per pack!

Maybe I can do that as the reward thing iklboo suggested as I can't think of anything I'd like but seeing the money would be a good reminder of what I'm doing.

I'm ususally careful not to exceed paracetamol but I was regularly going over the ibuprofen max dosage. I have had really bad acid reflux from this, I've always been a sufferer of indigestion /heartburn but I made it so much worse and knew I was doing it but carried on anyway. Its been a lot better the last few days actually. It's the nurofen plus I've cut down on the most.

I had blood tests done on my liver function and stuff a few months ago, for unrelated reasons, and luckily they all came back as normal. I was terrified that something would be wrong and I was terrified they'd be able to see from my results how many painkillers I was taking but neither happened. I realised from my fear about the tests, that I had a real problem, but instead of tackling it I just counted my blessings all had been fine and carried on.

Thank you again for the support on this thread. Thank you so, so much. I'm just a stranger to you all. I love mumsnet, really I do.

OP posts:
MissConductUS · 11/05/2018 11:48

You're quite welcome for the support. I had similar support from other Alcoholics in AA when I first got sober, so this is one small way I can pay it forward.

I can only try harder tomorrow.

Don't feel too bad about your slip. Your brain chemistry has changed. If quitting was easy it wouldn't be addictive. I implore you to seek help from your doctor. It really will ease the journey.

Original poster
Quickquestionhl · 11/05/2018 12:17

I implore you to seek help from your doctor. It really will ease the journey

I'm going to try and do it next week. I really am scared about that, more than anything else, but this thread has helped me see it will be ok. Thank you miss.

OP posts:
Lougle · 11/05/2018 14:03

If it helps to think of it like this, your doctor would far, far prefer to see you and help you while you were choosing to go to him/her because of your addiction, than be seeing you and treating you because you had no choice but to go to him/her with the results of your addiction. I don't say that to scare you, or worry you. Simply to say that now is your time. It's a time when you can make choices. Hard ones, that take huge determination to make, but ones you are in control of. That really is something to cherish.

Original poster
Quickquestionhl · 11/05/2018 17:02

You are completely right lougle. I really am taking this all in. Thank you Flowers

OP posts:
MissConductUS · 11/05/2018 20:20

OP, I work in health care. Patients who step up and admit that they need help are the bravest ones we have, and we are hugely grateful to them because they have moved past denial and are ready to accept treatment. You cannot force someone to accept medical care, even if they need it. The ones who don't ask for help can't be helped and that is a tragedy for everyone.

Take a deep breath and press on. It will be an uncomfortable conversation, but only for about 30 seconds.

lazymum99 · 11/05/2018 21:03

Is there an Addaction near you. A member of my family had a bad codeine habit and self referred to Addaction. It is a charity and was put on suboxone to help come off it.

ElizaDontlittle · 12/05/2018 13:03

I absolutely agree - I too am in healthcare, not a GP but in hospital, and what is enormous and scary to you is not shocking nor met with judgement by us but a problem, and illness, to help you to manage and leave behind. You are doing amazingly - one extra dose and you were back on with your plan - but since there is help there why not take it.
I hope you are having a good weekend. I am procrastinating and here if you need to chat.

Original poster
Quickquestionhl · 12/05/2018 15:58

Thanks everyone. Was feeling tempted to take extra but went for a long walk and then did some laundry. Just tried to stay distracted until the time passed.

I will have a Google for addaction, thank you lazymum. And everyone really thank you for the reassurance about speaking to my gp. I feel much better about doing it. Still scared I won't lie, but a lot less scared than I was before.

OP posts:
Lougle · 12/05/2018 17:35

That is so good to hear. You are amazing. Don't let go of that feeling that you've won, today, at this moment. All you need to do is win small moments, repeatedly Flowers

ElizaDontlittle · 13/05/2018 07:29

Well done you. That's not easy - you've did great yesterday. Today's a new day and you can keep taking baby steps today.

iklboo · 16/05/2018 08:41

How's it going OP?

Original poster
Quickquestionhl · 16/05/2018 18:10

Hi sorry I've not been here. I've been stuck in bed with the flu the last few days. I'll post more when I'm better. Thank you as usual for sticking with me.

OP posts:
iklboo · 16/05/2018 18:14

Get well soon! I think I'm coming down with the bloody thing myself. Lots of rest & fluids and sleep as much as you can. We'll be here for you when you're feeling up to it Thanks

lazymum99 · 16/05/2018 18:19

Are you sure you have flu? Withdrawal symptoms from codeine are supposed to be very similar.

Original poster
Quickquestionhl · 16/05/2018 18:19

Thanks and aw no iklboo. Hope you don't get it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Quickquestionhl · 16/05/2018 18:27

I've been cutting down but I don't think enough for withdrawal to be that bad. I think it's the flu, body aches and pains everywhere, swollen glands, sleeping all day long. Will that be what happens when I do go through proper withdrawal? Eek.

OP posts:
iklboo · 16/05/2018 18:41

If you're cutting down slowly rather than going full on cold turkey then I think the withdrawal symptoms may be more gradual and manageable. It certainly seemed that way for my relative.

donutsarelife · 16/05/2018 18:45

I had an addiction to tramadol and was taking way too much (ironically I was taking more at night to try to put off the withdrawal pains in the morning but I was making them worse). I went with my partner (who was supportive) and we spoke to the GP. She was brilliant and helped me to stop taking them. I have 3 DD and SS were never called etc