Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Addiction support

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

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

77 replies

crumpetswithjam · 28/09/2022 14:05

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.

OP posts:
Original poster
crumpetswithjam · 29/09/2022 14:23

ChangeUserAgain · 29/09/2022 11:14

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

I feel a bit fluey this afternoon, not fun 🫤

OP posts:
YukoandHiro · 29/09/2022 16:23

Keep going OP! Short term miserableness for long term freedom. You can do it. Go easy on yourself and your body as you adjust x

Original poster
crumpetswithjam · 29/09/2022 16:26

I bought a few Trip drinks in the supermarket earlier so I might have one and see if that helps. I do find they mellow me just a little bit, like I've had the lowest dose of Valium.

OP posts:
Original poster
crumpetswithjam · 30/09/2022 09:48

Struggling today. Nausea has really kicked in. I have some cyclizine that I keep in for migraines so I'll make sure I take that today. Everything aches.

BUT no ibuprofen at all today, just two Solpadeine Max. I have to remind myself to feel proud of that.

OP posts:
theemmadilemma · 30/09/2022 09:53

Well done! You're smashing it more than you know.

FortunesFavour · 30/09/2022 09:56

Woo! Fantastic work crumpets! Well done, you’re doing so well. Keep on keeping on, you can do it, you’ve done so well so far ⭐️X

Original poster
crumpetswithjam · 30/09/2022 10:01

Thank you guys, I have DH home today and I've told him what's going on, so he's supporting me. He doesn't judge, he's in recovery from alcohol. He's just gone on a Starbucks run to get me a chai latte.

OP posts:
Bundlebungle · 30/09/2022 10:03

You're nearly there. Keep going. Think of your health and being well for your child. You are stronger than you know.

bloodyplanes · 30/09/2022 10:07

Well done op! I have withdrawn from codiene twice now so i know how hard it is! I have been clean of it for over a year this time and life is so much better. You are doing really well, keep it up.

Original poster
crumpetswithjam · 30/09/2022 10:13

bloodyplanes · 30/09/2022 10:07

Well done op! I have withdrawn from codiene twice now so i know how hard it is! I have been clean of it for over a year this time and life is so much better. You are doing really well, keep it up.

We've had our 4yo home this week as we are switching their primary school (they start new place on Monday) so in a way it's been a good distraction having her at home with me, but in others it's meant that I haven't been able to lie in bed and feel sorry for myself.

We've watched a lot of Thomas the Tank Engine. 😐

OP posts:
dollyblack · 30/09/2022 11:14

Just checking in on you OP, well done for walking past the pharmacy and for telling your partner, these are massive steps. Sending lots of love and try and watch something more exciting when you're kid goes to bed thats a good distraction! xxx

Original poster
crumpetswithjam · 30/09/2022 13:03

Oof, my digestive system is not happy with me today.

Will keep on at it though, I'm quite stubborn so the harder it gets the more likely I am to dig my heels in. Hopefully a quietish weekend will help a bit.

OP posts:
Original poster
crumpetswithjam · 30/09/2022 16:41

Wobbling a bit this afternoon. Very upset stomach and just want to hide in bed.

OP posts:
GobbolinoTheWitchesCat · 30/09/2022 16:53

crumpetswithjam · 30/09/2022 16:41

Wobbling a bit this afternoon. Very upset stomach and just want to hide in bed.

How you're feeling is temporary, op. It will past and you'll feel so much better than before!

You're doing so well, you've got this! 💪

ParkheadParadise · 30/09/2022 16:54

Keep going @crumpetswithjam
Your doing great.

Original poster
crumpetswithjam · 01/10/2022 10:01

Rough night, rough morning. Conked out at 9pm without taking anything, had a very sweaty and weird sleep and woke up with agonising stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

But I figure as I have had any codeine since 5pm yesterday it's probably out of my system by now, so I might as well just keep plodding on with zero dose.

Have had some cyclizine for the nausea, and a propranolol to even me out a bit, as I also have severe anxiety (one of the reasons I liked codeine so much, initially it calmed me down a bit).

Made myself eat a yoghurt and a little bit of cereal. Keep craving Coca Cola, which is weird because that's how I felt when I had hyperemesis. And no, I'm not pregnant!

DH is taking youngest out for a bit this morning and my older DC wants to sit in my bed and watch Finding Dory with me, so that's what we'll do!

OP posts:
dollyblack · 01/10/2022 12:29

Amazing- sounds like you have got through a really tricky and yucky time.

hope today’s ok- you are doing fab! X

CookPassBabtridge · 01/10/2022 12:49

No experience of this (though I did carry on taking tramadol long after my wisdom tooth had healed... loved the feeling) But just wanted to say you are amazing 🖤 Your determination is infectious. I really hope you get to where you want to be!

Original poster
crumpetswithjam · 02/10/2022 13:34

It's been a rotten 24 hours. I've had to slow down a bit and stick at the 12.8/500 x 2 dose as the symptoms rendered me completely bedridden.

So now I plan to stick at the current dose for a little while, maybe a week or two, and then drop to 8/500 x 2, sticking with that for a few weeks before going to just one 12.8/500, then down to 8/500 and then every other day.

But much more slowly or this just won't work. I can't be incapacitated, I have a disabled child and a 4yo.

OP posts:
GobbolinoTheWitchesCat · 02/10/2022 13:48

You're doing so well, op. Cheering you on 🎺

Peridot1 · 02/10/2022 14:40

Tapering off more slowly sounds very sensible. You are much more likely to relapse if you feel crap all the time. Good luck!

Changednamesorry · 02/10/2022 14:44

Keep at it, and well done for taking the decision. Something notoriously difficult to do but you can succeed! Well done 👍🏻

dollyblack · 03/10/2022 18:54

How are you doing today?

hairsprayinthesink · 07/07/2023 20:58

Hello, sorry to resurrect an old thread, wondering how you’re doing OP? I’m in a similar position and want to wean myself. Either that or go to a GP and see if there’s a chance I could go on some kind of maintenance therapy to get off the codeine. Would love to hear an update OP, rooting for you!

Gunpowder · 08/07/2023 08:41

I think seeing your GP would be a great idea, hairsprayinthesink. Well done you on making the decision to sort it out.