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.

Well done you!!

You don't have to tell your friends and family but if you feel yourself wobbling then do reach out to your GP, it's tough to manage on your own but you've done very well.

A friend of mine 'came out' about her codeine dependency a few years ago, I would never have suspected anything. She worked hard and came off them but I know it's not an easy thing to do so good on you.

A person close to me developed a dependence on codeine, it was difficult for them to come off it. They didn't share there struggle with relatives untill after they almost felt they had it under control. So we were all supprised by the news, as no one knew it was a problem they were battling but also so pleased with how well they'd done.You are doing really well.

Hopes and prayers for a steady recovery.

I'm not wobbly yet but I will def come here if I do wobble.

I feel tired really. Tired in my body. Tired of juggling pharmacies. Tired of worrying about my kidneys.

Tired of it all. But determined.

I came off pregabalin once. And mirtazapine. I can do this.

Keep it up you're doing so well xx

Congratulations @crumpetswithjam. It’s such an easy addiction to fall into and a very difficult one to pull away from. You’re doing so well

Absolute superstar. Keep going, you most definitely have got this.

This is your personal battle and victory so don't give it a second thought that 'nobody even knows'.

Xx

Well done you’ve done brilliantly.

38.4mg today.

Slept terribly but still determined.

I'm reading this thread all over again to keep me strong

Keep going OP. You are doing brilliantly and should feel so proud of yourself.

Checking in to cheer you on today @crumpetswithjam. One day at a time. That’s how you win the fight.

Morning Crumpets- you’re doing so well, every minute makes a difference, it must be really hard but will be worth it xx

I really admire you. Well done on every step so far and good luck with your progress. Your approach sounds really sensible. I think slow titratiuon is the most painless way to come off any drug without side effects. I hope you are giving yourself some small healthy treats for each milestone and also looking into alternative approaches to pain management if that will be an issue. It doesn;t work for everyone but I find self-hypnosis/meditation and creative visualistaion are surprisingly good at reducing pain.

Hello, I'm here. I feel a bit nauseous today, and very tired, but having a sofa day with the 4yo.

You're doing amazing. Well done! Sofa day sounds like a good plan.

We popped to the super,artsy to get a few bits, walked past the pharmacy and I did my usual thing of glancing over to see who was on shift and whether I could get away with asking for Nurofen Plus or Solpadeine Max again. Then I just walked past. Distracted myself and the four year old by singing 'the wheels on the trolley' to the tune of Wheels on the Bus. In the moment it didn't feel like a big deal, but it was.

Super artsy? That's a weird way for my iPad to describe sainsburys

Congratulations, op, you're doing so well! Keep going, you've got this!

Jeez that's amazing!! I hope you feel proud of yourself for doing this? It's so easy to get hooked on these 'medicines' and you won't be alone in secretly managing your addiction. I think you're incredible and I hope you find someone in real life to tell this to and get some support. Very best of luck in going forward. Forget about any damage you may have caused - the important thing is you're not doing that anymore. Just think about how every minute of every day your body is healing and getting cleaner. And will continue to do so. Onwards and upwards! Oh and you made me laugh with the renaming of Sainsbury's 😂

This is me :(
I take 300mg a day via codine, solphadine max and ibuprofen plus :(
nice to read your success I have tried many times and want to try again but I’m scared as I end up feeling so unwell and suicidal. Will try again soon and well done xx

That's brilliant OP. You are doing such an amazingly positive thing for yourself. Stay strong 💪🏻

Well done op!

Speaking of being wobbly, do be mindful that you might get a restless leg(s) as you reduce further. It is only temporary but something to be aware of as a possibility.

This is amazing, well done to you. Keep going and stay well, ask for support if you find you need it

Why not go to narcotics anonymous meetings?

Well done!!

Well done @crumpetswithjam, it's so hard to walk past but you did it!! I know the feeling from walking past an off license or the booze aisle. You're amazing.

On the lighter note - may I suggest crumpetswithmarmite.... Now that's a proper crumpet topping.