Codeine addiction

[Lippyheaven]

Today is the day I have had my last co codamol/ nurofen plus. Sick of traipsing round chemists, I’m already banned from two chemists in my area for buying painkillers. My moods are awful, I’m up and down. I get stomach pains, so it’s time. I have bought paracetamol and Imodium. Furloughed just now, so I can stay in for the next week and get over the worst of it. I’m only on the min wage, I’m spending roughly 150 per month on nurofen plus. I hate it.

Please speak to your GP to find out what local services can support you through this- you really aren't alone in this as many people are addicted to codeine but you are significantly more likely to successfully beat this with the right support.

You will also need a blood test to check your liver is ok from regularly overdosing on paracetamol which is combined with the codeine in co-codamol - paracetamol is an extremely toxic drug in overdose.

Excessive ibuprofen (in the nurofen plus) can also have seriously dangerous effects on the kidneys and also there is a risk of stomach bleeds so you will need bloods to also check your kidney function and full blood count.

Your GP is there to help and would want you to reach out.

I’m on iron tablets but my doctor thinks it’s because of heavy periods, but I now different as it’s because of the nurofen plus. I think that’s why I have been having stomach pains because of ibuprofen. If there is damage, I’m thinking it will heel after my body gets back to normal without this drug.
I don’t really want to speak to the doctor as I have two young children, no one knows. The kids must be fed up with having to drive everywhere trying to find chemists every second day. This is the time to do this when I’m at home. It will be awful for a week, then it should get better.

I really feel for you, it must be very hard to do this without telling anyone close to you about it.

Yes stopping the ibuprofen is definitely vital to prevent further damage but you may possibly have some damage in your gastrointestinal tract and you really really need to get this checked out- they are likely to need to do further investigations/management such as put a camera down to check what's going on. The iron tablets are just a sticking plaster if there is a bleed and it needs addressing ASAP. Just stopping the ibuprofen won't undo any damage that is already done.

For the sake of your children and your long term health please seek medical attention and tell them what has been going on. Doctors will not judge you, they will help you.

Thanks for your message. I was under the impression that my stomach would just heal when stopped. That’s definitely a worry. Yes I will see the doctor and speak to her. Thank you

Op my heart goes out to you as I have been where you are. I was on my own two with two young children. As much as I tried and god knows I tried I could not stop on my own. Willpower will not help with addiction. If your worried about social services why don't you just go to your Gp and tell him you have been off then now with a while but your worried about damage you may have done in the past. Google support services, there is lots of help out there. Narcotics anonymous has lots of online meetings now. Please get help, you can do this

Thanks for your lovely comments. I haven’t had any tablets for 7 days now. It’s been so hard. The process has been horrible to tell you the truth. Iv had the runs since day 2, it isn’t as bad now. I had some old amytriptiline in the cupboard so they helped me sleep, I can’t do without my sleep. I’m starting to feel human now. I have no cravings whatsoever to run to the chemist.
I done an online consultation with my doctor, the one I like. I said I have taken a lot of tablets in the past for my back and scared I have done damage. So he’s booked my into for a blood test then take it from there. I think he might book me in for the camera. He was very nice. But just now I don’t have any cravings for codeine plus I’m trying to diet to which is difficult as I’m craving sugar.

Hey OP, well done, cold turkeys are never pleasant are they!

For now, I would give your body a rest for a week or so without dieting. Attempting to control too many cravings at once can be overwhelming. Be very gentle with yourself for a while, you've been through an ordeal.

Thank you. Thanks for the advice. My body must be craving sugar which is natural. Heading for the bag of Maltesers lol x

I completely empathise with the kids and trips - it's draining and relentless.

As well as getting checked out at the docs have you considered going to a 12 step program like NA? These groups are there to help and support people with addiction issues with likeminded people. There are meetings on zoom and you can just tune in and listen. It's a bit strange at first but works rather than trying to cold turkey without support.

How are you doing OP? I’m an addict. Can’t believe I’ve only just realised there’s a chat section for addicts! I’ve found my place. I hope you’re still doing well.

Hi just an update, it’s been 2 weeks now and I’m starting to feel myself again. It certainly hasn’t been easy. The worst with was the not sleeping. Then I had these horrible strange feeling all over my body, like restless in arms and legs. I’m still craving a little bit but being strong as I don’t want to go through this again. I’m enjoying not having to go round chemists buying nurofen. Had blood tests on Monday, then an appointment with doctor next week. So a lot more positive.
Cissyandflora
I hope your ok, I never thought in a million years I would be an addict. Before I would look down at the drug addicts getting their methadone at the chemist, but not now as I it could happen to any one of us. There must be thousands of people addicted to prescription drugs.

I forgot I changed my name lol 😂