Codeine

[AliceScarlett]

Over a year off it and I bought solphadine today. So angry with myself. I wasn't feeling well at work, but now I just feel trapped and wrong. It wasn't fun, but today it felt better than sobriety. I'm such a twat.

[organixeveryday]

NA is a really good resource too

[organixeveryday]

Be strong everyone. My dp ended up in hospital close to kidney failure after taking 40 N+ a day for 15 years. Started as prescription but soon spiralled out of control.
He is off them now and life is a million times better.
That life of fearing when he would get his next fix , and where he would be able to source them from is gone now.

[MrsWOLF1]

Hi ,have mainly just been reading on here but am struggling at the moment so here goes .I was prescribed codeine amongst other stuff over 20 years ago and gradually my tolerance levels rose and I was at the end having at least 30 a day .My main source was my prescription ,but also used my dm supplies ,She has passed away but there were loads of meds in her house .Finally all came to a head around a month ago and I've been taken off them ,no more prescription etc .The last few days have been hell on earth and I feel this constant "voice" telling me to go get some ,it's just a pill etc .Don't want to take them but I'm wavering

[atWitsEndNow]

I really need to stop my codeine habit. I spend a fortune on the stuff. Apart from a couple of years in my early twenties, I've gone from one substance to another. This was easier at first, easier to get hold of, legal, less obvious effects, cheaper. It has completely taken over my life. I'm trying to cut down so I don't get horrific side effects when it is all gone. I can't afford it anymore and one by one places are refusing to sell to me anyway. I'm struggling even just to cut down.

[Bambamboo]

Thanks both for replying, I take them for everything there my first to go to, also take for back and migraine but I now take for sleep and sometimes for the sake of it x

[Thatwaslulu]

I am worried about my own codeine habit. I have zapain prescribed for a back problem 100 tablets at a time. I find myself taking soluble solpadeine max, 2 zapain and sometimes ibuprofen all at the same time, then a few hours later repeating. If I'm stressed I down more of them. My GP has put them on repeat and I get a new prescription made up every 2 weeks or so. I did mention to him that I was a little worried but was too ashamed to tell him about the OTC top ups, and he said as long as they controlled the pain it was a harmless habit and he wasn't worried by it. It's nice to know that I'm not alone.

[StrongTeaHotShower]

Hi, I'm another codeine fan .
I've been battling my drinking and am trying to go sober but with every minor ache or stress I give myself an excuse to down 3-4 n+s washed down with a couple of solpadeines. I'm not having an easy time in my relationship and have an active dd aged 2 who is lovely but hard work.
I don't really have any advice for you all but just adding my voice to say 'you are not alone'. Luckily I don't have any physical dependency yet but it's a big fear.

[Bambamboo]

Just wanted some advice really, currently taking codine (have been for about a year) I no I take too much and don't need to tAke it but now I take it to stop me feeling shit, wondered about going to me gp, will he stop giving me codine straight away?

[Horsegirl1]

I am so ashamed I take far too much and don't know how to stop. I appear to have it all to friends and family but codeine is my confidence and without if I'm a miserable cow. I have everything a girl could want so why can't I just be happy with out this poison. I never took ANY drug or smoked and was prescribed codeine for a back problem and now I'm so hooked it's all.I can think about. I hate it when my script gets low. I get panacky and often by otc to tied me over till I get my script. It's so so shit and I'm disgusted in myself. I need off them but am so scared

[AliceScarlett]

Post away everyone

[Mummylyons]

Hi, sorry to but in this thread but I know EXACTLY what your going through I am going through a very similar thing with codiene it's a pain in the arse and you always think il try agin tomorrow or when they are gone but somehow I always end up repeating the prescription ! I need help to much to afraid to admit to family as I've been warned so many times about how they will affect me xx hope you all didn't mind me posting here xx

[BIWI]

What's up, Horsegirl?

[Horsegirl1]

Anyone else out there struggling ? I need help asap

[wonkylampshade]

That's brilliant, you've done so well.

[AliceScarlett]

Over a month now and feeling confident. It's hard sometimes in the short term, but overall it's feeling really worth it.

[wonkylampshade]

Well done Alice - and keep going! 20 days is fantastic and it's great you're feeling so well.

My XP was taking 900mg per day at one point. It's horrible stuff.

[YoJesse]

Congratulations on your sobriety Alice. Sounds like you're on the way to better days. Enjoy the sun

[AliceScarlett]

Crikey, I'm surprised you were not ill. Really glad you don't hardly take them anymore.

20 days sober. Feeling much better, brighter, calmer, I can see clearer now. 20 days is nothing in the grand scheme of things, but it's a good start, role on 20 years.

[GraysAnalogy]

alice I was taking 8 at a time, about 3 times a day. I don't know how I didn't end up in hospital myself. It got to the point where I learned to separate the codeine and paracetamol and would do that. I didn't get professional help no, because I had this fear that it would get out and effect my job. I went cold turkey. I still have a couple every now and again even when I'm not in pain but that's like once a blue moon not every single day without fail. I don't have the dependancy anymore. But still the craving. I think it's more rife amongst healthcare workers than we know. I know a nurse I worked alongside had a problem with them too.

[AliceScarlett]

FarleyKnuts Nowt wrong with a good stalk I've not been following that thread.
Well reminded about one day at a time. Too much forward thinking isn't wise. Thank you.

GraysAnalogy I'm a HCP too. I feel like such a fraud too. I think it just shows that all the knowledge in the world can't save you from addiction.
I don't think it will come back to bite you. We all cope in different ways, like you said it doesn't effect your job. Are you getting any help with it? 8 is... Idk, it's the daily amount isn't it, but obviously all in one go. I used to take the boots own ibuprofen ones just to avoid the paracetamol.

Thanks Pottering

[PotteringAlong]

One day at a time and I still think your marvellous.

[GraysAnalogy]

You're doing very well.

I was addicted to them. I still struggle with it - still prescribed it. The added problem is that I'm a HCP. It doesn't affect my work, but it made me feel like shit, like a fraud. That's the first time I have ever admitted that on this forum. hope it doesn't come back to bite me on the arse.

I was taking 8 at a time. Was having routine bloods and everything came back fine so I thought I was fine until it clicked one day that it's not fine. I'd go mental if it was anyone else doing that yet I did it to myself.

I took them because I liked the feeling, the relaxed feeling. Better than any anti-depressants I'd had. I would look forward to coming home and having them. My friends would talk about having wine and I'd be imagining popping tablets.

But then I'd run out and I found it hard to wake up, I'd feel like crap, achy, loose stools, all sorts.

You will have your wobbles, but the thing is you acknowledged it and got back on track. Thats good

[FarelyKnuts]

Day at a time Alice. Just for today. Too much long term thinking can mess you up and make it seem like an impossible climb.
Thinking of you.
I spotted you asking about DID on another thread (not stalking honestly!) but feel free to PM me.

[AliceScarlett]

Thanks :)

Pottering that's very sweet, but it's early days, give it 6 months and I'll be happier with things... Or not actually as I did 1.5 year's before,
I stopped hurting myself about 8 years ago, the day after the 5th year I slipped, took my eye off the ball and wreaked it. Never stop being vigilant. I need that tatooed on

[PotteringAlong]

I've just read this whole thread and I think you're wonderful