I'm doing so well, and I can't tell anyone

[crumpetswithjam]

I'm deeply ashamed by how out of hand my codeine addiction has become. I was taking up to 300mg a day, just to function. The last two weeks something snapped in me and said 'no more', and I have managed to get down from my daily dose of 2x30/500 (cocodamol) and 4x12.8/200 (nurofen plus) four times a day to 2x12.8/500 and 2x12.8x200 so I've dropped by over half already!

Tomorrow I take out another 12.8/200 and the next day another until I'm just left with 2 Solpadeine Max 4x a day. Then I'll reduce again.

Nobody I know has a clue I'm going through this, not even my DH. Physically it's not too bad, I'm dropping quite fast but not cold turkey. I am more tired than usual and a bit cold, normally I run hot.

I'm so so determined to succeed this time so would love to hear from anyone who did similar, or who is going through the same.

No personal experience, but didn’t want to read and leave without saying how amazing you’re doing and how proud of yourself you should be! Congratulations!!!!

Thank you. I am so determined this time. Never got this far before.

That is amazing. It’s really great you have decided to quit and you are making great progress. You should be really proud of yourself for recognising you have a problem and are taking steps to come off it but please, if you struggle, do speak to the GP or even a pharmacist, many have private consultation rooms now. You do sound very determined though so I’m sure you will be fine.

I’ve just taken the decision to reduce and then stop one of my meds, a controlled drug, it’s a scary prospect tbh so it’s nice to see what’s possible from your post. You sound so strong.

My late grandmother had a codeine addiction that only became apparent when she collapsed at home and knocked herself out on the bath. It turns out that one of the side effects was that the tablets had caused an ulcer in her stomach which burst, leading to aneamia, which caused the collapse. It was so hard for her even after all that to get back to some sort of normality. So massive well done to you! Keep going, I wish you the best of luck and health 😀

Well done, you're doing so well. Keep talking here if you need to, we'll be your cheerleaders x

Well done OP, this is wonderful news. Keep going! We can all stay on this thread to support you.
You're doing a wonderful thing for yourself and your family.
When you're actually clean, would you consider telling your DH what happened and how you came through it, so he can support you to stay clean?
Brilliant effort anyway. Tomorrow is another day closer to your goal x

I work in pain so I applaud your determination. Codeine is a vile drug so huge congratulations to you because I know how hard it is to even make the decision to decide enough is enough. The sooner you can get off the neurofen plus the better as the neurofen can erode the stomach lining leading to an ulcer. Also quite harsh on the kidneys.
very very best of luck on your journey

Well done. Keep going. Have you considered getting outside support?

Just another voice with no experience but wanting to say well done!

Well done
You should be so proud of yourself.

Well done!! Recovered alcoholic here, you're doing amazingly. Keep going. We'll cheer you on. Keep updating.

Well done. That's such an amazing thing that you are doing. Keep coming back here and we will give you the high fives you can't get in real life

Big well done to you! You deserve freedom and so much more.

also maybe speak to a doctor - just to make sure you’re coming off safely?

Well done and keep it up! Wishing you all the best.

Sounds like you are doing so well.
Please be really proud of yourself. It so hard to beat addiction in any form.

Well done! That's amazing 👏

Well done.

Well done! Check back into this thread when it feels like you can't do it.

Well done ! Keep going Keep strong . It must be very difficult when you can't actually tell anyone IRL. It's a really good idea for you to post how you're getting on on here so you can at least get some support by text . Sending fist bumps x

Brilliant! I'm a recovering alcoholic and very aware codeine would be a slippery slope for me. It's rather moreish.

Well done and keep strong!! Amazing willpower and keep focused - you can do this!!

Amazing, well done. There is nothing to be ashamed of though. I think outside help would be beneficial in the long run. But you’re doing so well, keep going.

That's great !!! Well done and keep going ! Have you thought of joining any support groups ?

I found a thread I'd posted that was a year old, under a different username. I was shocked that I'd been doing it so long. That jolted me. I'm terrified of the damage I've caused my body.

Well done! You are doing really well. Amazing.

try not to worry too much about any damage just yet. Maybe when you are feeling stronger you can talk to your gp and maybe have some tests to set your mind at ease?