Giving up codeine and fags

[pheonixyiz]

Hello, I've decided to give up taking codeine for 2023. I've been on it a year. Currently taking around 14 cocodamol 30/500s a day. Today I'm going to take 9 then do that a few days, gradually going down to 8 then 6, 4 then 2 and then stop. Does anyone have any advice for me? I've read the other threads on people giving up. I'm fed up of depending on this and no longer feel the buzz from it.
I'm on day 6 of not smoking too. I didn't smoke alot, maybe 5 a day. The cravings for this is so hard but I keep thinking I'm on day 5 now why go back.
Please no one say its too much at once. I'm determined to do both and be healthier. I don't want to die from paracetamol overdose and the constipation is terrible. I've come off it before when I've ran out and I managed then. Stupidly I went back to it. Should I order more from the gp or not. I have around one weeks worth left at those doses. Any help appreciated. No one in real life knows. Thanks

@mummylms the most I’ve had is 20!! I’ve never consciously taken that many it’s just happened and then I’ve been disgusted in myself and also frightened! It’s like my mind needs the relaxing feeling but I don’t get it anymore as I’m so used to them! I started to notice I was taking a lot more and the fright that something would happen to me was immense so that’s why I need to come off them. For me obviously but for my kids. I can’t bare the thought of something happening to me and leaving them.
if you only take 2 some days have you tried to stay at 2 then go to 1? I imagine any withdrawals would be mild from that. Hopefully we can both stop! Just to add I don’t take cocodamol, just codeine.

How are you getting ok? Have you have any luck cutting down?

@mummylms hey! Well! Not really! I’ve tried, currently trying to stick to 8 but it’s averaging between 10-14! It’s the panic and withdrawals that I can’t cope with. I need to be in work so I can’t go through that. I need to be on the ball! Im hoping if I do it slowly it’ll work! How are you doing?

I keep managing to go 2-3 days with nothing then fall back into taking some then it's a few more that day etc so it's really hard breaking this cycle. I don't think I have many physical side effects on the days I don't have any it's more the mental thoughts I don't know how to overcome and stop myself. Was hoping to try and find some online support as I have nothing locally or anyone to go to or just some ideas to try to deal with resisting them.

@Midlife4 I feel so lonely most days as well it really doesn't help. Maybe we could try and support each other somehow?

@mummylms yes definitely!!! I’m sure it will be easier to do it together! I hope you’re ok! You’re doing much better than I am! Have you tried to go a little longer in between days?

Yea I keep trying but the most Iv managed recently is 3 days nearly 4 but gave in by the evening. I get so frustrated and annoyed with myself as well but I still do it!! Is there any way to private message on here do you know? Then we could keep in touch

@mummylms yes it’s the PM when you click the 3dots. I th in no you’re doing fab!

Hey anyone following this thread still. I managed to give up. It was tough but I managed and am glad! Both fags and codeine. Hope everyone else has managed to give up who is trying or has tried to. I won't lie I miss the feeling, the warm fuzzy happy feeling but I'm glad it doesn't control my life anymore. If anyone is thinking of giving up, try it and try your hardest. It's not good for your body at all. If you think what it does to your bowel by drying it up and making your digestion slower, what else is it doing to our insides. Especially if folk are taking over the "safe" dosage. Happy to support anyone or help anyone wishing to give up. Your stronger than you think.

I didn't see your thread originally but when reading it tonight knowing there was an update I was desperately hoping you'd managed to achieve your goal. Well done! You must be so proud of yourself!

well done @pheonixyiz, what an incredible achievement!

Congrats @pheonixyiz you are amazing. I can't imagine how hard it must have been so well done. Very inspirational to anyone else who may see this thread. Happy days xx