Cold turkey codeine

[flowersjay]

Hi, I am new to this & just wanted somewhere I could ask for help! I am addicted to codeine & have been for about 2 & half years, I have had enough & do not want this to take over my life any longer! I have tried cutting down but I always end up back where I started so I have decided to go cold turkey & this time I am determined to do it! I took my last does of 3 8/500 co-codomol and 3 nurofen plus this morning & I do not want to touch any codeine again! No one knows about my addiction & I do not want to tell anyone as I am so ashamed!!! Does anyone have any advice for going cold turkey & how I can make this any easier? Thanyou!

I just wanted to take the time to say that while I have no experience of addiction, I applaud you for making this change. Take each day as it comes, set small goals and remember that every day you are codeine-free, is a milestone.

Thank you! That really does mean a lot!! I am thinking of telling my OH but he has no idea & I am scared of his reaction. But I really think I would benefit from some support!

I really think you should tell your DH and your GP. I don't have any personal experience of addiction but it sounds like you may need help here. I wish you all the best with your brave and strong decision.

How are you getting on OP? I think coming clean to your other half and talking with your GP will mean that you have some support. A good thing when you are trying to make a big life style change

I weaned myself off slowly. Used a pill cutter to be able to wean the dose slowly.

Op will send you a pm

You need to have a frank conversation with your gp. The sheer amount of paracetamol you're taking is the biggest issue right now.

Well done for making the decision to stop. How are you getting on? I tried and failed to quit cold turkey a while ago. I'm now tapering down but find it so hard to stick to lower doses. I know I have to do it though.

I've thought about what my 'triggers' are to try and help me break the cycle. One thing for me is boredom and feeling low. So I try and work on that by going for a walk and taking in nature, or doing other things to keep my mind occupied.

I've been using codeine for 9 years and the dosage has become more and a more as the years have gone by. It started with a simple innocent dose for pain and I liked the feeling of calm and the "buzz" It gave me. After that first dose I needed more so started buying the boxes or soluble solpadeine max , it started with 4 or 6 in a glass but now I'm up to 11-12 a night plus if I have a prescription of zapain off the doctor a box of 100 lasts 2-3 weeks along with the soluble tablets. I also go back to bed if I'm not in work when my partner is at work and take 6-8 tablets just to feel that buzz and then the usual higher dose that evening . My breathing is slowly getting shallow I have no energy my stomach hurts and I struggle to go to toilet sometimes also I constantly sweat doing the slightest activity. What do I do??? Where do I go from here???

@Bluesky31 I name changed to start my own thread but saw this and wanted to reply. I hope you read it.

You need to go to the doctor and have a blood test done. I am going to do the same next week. My GP has a walk in service on weekday mornings so I plan to go on Wednesday which is as soon as I can.

I was going to start a thread because I am also a codeine addict. I have anxiety and have been on meds for it in the past but not for about three years.

I am currently quite underweight and terrified this is because I have damaged my liver. I am scared of going to the gp but after just suffering a major panic attack about three hours ago I have realised I cannot go on like this. I am so, so scared and I feel so embarrassed. Please go to your gp too. We can do this together.