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.

Thanks for your reply Gunpowder. The reason I’m worried about seeing Gp is I don’t know if they’d do a SS referral and that’s not something I could cope with!

I hear you. I would have thought that would be unlikely unless your children are at risk of harm. It’s not an illegal drug and presumably your children are well cared for? I think this would be on the same level as seeking help for anxiety or depression - so comes under the realms of patient confidentiality unless they are worried about their safety or your safety. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will post soon. I would have thought actively seeking help for an addiction would mean you would less likely to be on any radars. Children’s services are so stretched I wouldn’t have thought they would have time to investigate people responsibly trying to taper.

Otherwise do you have any N.A meetings near you? Lots of people who attend are struggling with prescription drugs and I’m sure would have more knowledge or advice. And it might be a good support system to have people to talk to about it. If NA isn’t for you here’s a list of alternative charities and helplines. You can call and ask anonymously! Good luck hairspray you can do it!

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/recreational-drugs-alcohol-and-addiction/drug-and-alcohol-addiction-useful-contacts/