Question for a gp regarding codeine addiction

[Quickquestionhl]

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.

Where I've been ill I've not been able to buy any so have cut down a lot more than I planned. Still have a little but not what I'm used to. I'm really struggling today. Feel so sick and I'm really irritable. Woke up drenched in sweat. My dd is really testing my patience. Scared about tomorrow when I'll have to look after her alone for the whole day. Tbh that's what has always put me off stopping before. Get to about this stage then think how the hell will I cope with dd. But it's now or never I suppose. Sorry for the moan and thank you for your story of going to the gp. Well done on getting over your tramadol addiction .

You're doing brilliantly OP. You should be proud of yourself. You're still also probably feeling a bit run down after your flu as well so don't be hard on yourself.

Can you do anything with DD that can distract her or keep her busy? Even something like building a den and having an indoor picnic - she can help you prepare it maybe?

You've made so much progress to cut down so much - it would be so grim to go thru that again. I think a battle plan for DD is a good idea and some treats planned for you. Do you find her easier in or out of the house? Assuming you feel better that is. Hope the flu shifts and you manage much better than you thought.

How are you doing @Quickquestionhl?

Hi everyone, I cut down a lot the last day and found it really hard yesterday. Woke up drenched in sweat and my legs hurt so much. But I'm glad because it shows that it is getting out of my system. Even though I feel like death. I still haven't stopped completely. I really hope this method does make it more manageable will I eventually do stop completely. I still haven't been to the doctor about it.. Please don't judge me it's a mixture of fear but also genuinely a lack of time and opportunity to go. I'm not just making that up, it's been a very busy time for me. That's why I've not been on here so much. I really want to tell my counsellor but she was ill last week and cancelled and I had to cancel this week because of childcare issues so hopefully next week.

And funnily enough dd has been having an indoor picnic all morning, before I read this thread!

Do speak to your GP. They see a lot more of this than you realise. I was scared to go through rehab for Valium addiction but they are really great and taper you down gently so there are limited side effects.

Glad you're still determined OP. You will get there.

Hi OP. I’m on morphine for a medical condition. I’m very fortunate not to have developed an addiction as I’ve been on it for years - my body is physically dependent on it but I don’t crave it if that makes any sense.

When I found out I was pregnant I was on a shockingly high dose (genuinely shocking). I cut my dose in half over night as I was terrified of my babies being in withdrawal. Through my pregnancy I cut my dose down by 90% and in the 20 months since it’s only increased very slightly.

The withdrawal was absolutely awful so I wouldn’t recommend making such a big reduction. Can you still get soluble co-codamol? This would allow you to gradually reduce the amount every few days until you can get to the doctor.

It's amazing how many people have been through this or similar.

Today is ok so far. Think I've adjusted a bit to the lower dose. I wish I could fix the rest of my life. But one thing at a time.

How's it going @Quickquestionhl?