How do I tell the gp the mess I'm in

[pleasedontjudgemeidontneedit]

I'm hugely dependent on codeine, it is prescribed but I take way over what I'm meant to 500-600mg daily which means I run out early every time. This means I can't taper done properly because I run out then have to buy otc and then it starts again. My husband has forced me to call the gp and tell them, I'm just waiting for them to call. I'm terrified though. Terrified they're going to call ss on me. I'm a normal person, I'm not a druggie on the streets, I'm not a scumbag, I'm a young mother of 3 kids who are my whole life.
I have my own home, job, husband etc but I am addicted to codeine through being prescribed them years ago for back pain which was never investigated. I now know that back issue is a herniated disc and it causes sciatica. I can't stop taking them as I get horrible withdrawal symptoms and I can't function. Please help me I don't know what I'm meant to do

There isn't yet a pain free way to detox.

Maybe others with more years of experience know this..and as regards ''severe'' - it's no worse than people taking vast amounts of morphine or heroin or methadone- all these people have to be honest with themselves, and they know it's going to be 'uncomfortable' reducing, even if well managed.

Many do horrendous withdrawals on their own because they have no choice.

Private treatment is no cushier than not- people just detox in better decorated conditions.

''Oh let me quit...but not today''

🫣

Said every addict at some time.

When have I said I don't want to quit ? I'm already reducing, yesterday I had 60mg less than every other day.
This is not the place for "tough love" I am post partum with post natal depression, anxiety and ocd. I am also addicted to an opiate. I am trying my best to do what's best for me while not being forced into something that isn't right for me and that is setting me up to fail, or potentially overdose on paracetamol and ibuprofen.
I am standing up for myself because I know what I'm entitled too. I don't care about nhs funding etc that isn't a reasonable excuse to withhold effective treatment in management of opioid overuse.

Every addict has 'reasons' - but often ''newer' addicts think they are a special case- and expect platitudes and kid glove treatment.

But no one is more special than the next person- they all have families, mental health issues and often SA.

It's not ''tough love''- it's facts.

But often in the beginning one doesn't want to hear the truth.

A special case ?
There are people on this thread who've been on prescribed codeine and had subotex treatment. One even with the same organisation. So why can't I?

@LostittoBostik Is being very realistic and truthful.

Even a top dollar private clinic won't prescribe buprenorphine without a taper first if they think it's necessary {which it almost always is}

Maybe codeine is different, but every transfer I have seen since Subbies have been brought in has had people need to taper first .

Hopefully the clinic will explain the reasons {Biochemically} why.

It's not that they are being mean or unkind, or want to see you suffer.

@oakleaffy If they were telling me to get down by a couple of hundred mg before starting the bupe, then that would make more sense. But they're not, they're telling me to drop down realistically to about 200mg a day, which seems insane to then start a powerful substitute for. And it would be 200mg a day because that's going to be the daily max allowed with the other ingredients mixed in without overdosing. This is why I think I'm being mislead. I think I'll get to that point and they will be like, oh well you're only taking 200mg now so you don't need it.
Plus my keyworker has said contradicting things to me which also makes me think I'm being mislead.

If I have to taper I will, but doesn't it make more sense to taper off the otc stuff first ? That is one element they cannot control, I can just go and buy more of the stuff, where as with the tablets from the gp I can't get more of them, once they're gone they're gone. So if they get me off otc first I'll be much more likely to succeed

@oakleaffy You're being incredibly unkind here, the OP is doing her best to access treatment.

I thought this might happen, getting the prescription cut without help. When is your appointment OP ?

Just being realistic!
It’s not going to be easy- anyone who thinks it is is in cloud cuckoo land.

Anyone can say the “
Babe you have done the hardest part already!”

But soft words butter no parsnips and lead to false expectations.

There's being truthful but also being mean. You were mean, and also quoting someone else who's showing a little compassion ! No need really is there. Maybe don't comment anymore if you can't help yourself ?

Anyway, I've had the appointment and it went well. I already spoke to the pharmacist this morning who was great and we agreed a plan regarding the taper. She said dropping down from 20-15 was too much too fast and said we should reset it, so I'm now to take 19 a day and start from there. I'm also cutting out the otc by quite a lot, only going to take 4 a day of those and cut 1 out each Friday the same day as I cut out a codeine tablet.
This plan has been told to the prescriber who said if I find myself struggling to call her and she will refigure if needed, but I do think I'll be okay.
They have finally said that they won't prescribe subotex while I'm taking medication that a doctor originally prescribed, so it is what I thought and the whole 36 hour thing isn't needed, again as we already know. It's a, the gp prescribed this so it's upto them to get you off it kind of thing.
I've said well hopefully I won't need it now anyway as I'm cutting out the otc.

So I will see how I get on ! One day at a time

Well done OP, you've done so well!

It's a, the gp prescribed this so it's upto them to get you off it kind of thing.

That’s bonkers. It’s all codeine whether you buy it illegally, buy it over the counter or get it prescribed from the doctor.
I may have missed someone mention this, but can the doctor prescribe subotex or Buprenorphine?
Well done OP, it’s great you’re tackling this. Physical withdrawal symptons don’t last too long, but if you are suffering from mental cravings after you’ve got over the physical aspect do try a Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting. They help no end with motivation to stay stopped.

@Andante57 @WhatInFreshHell Thank you both ! The gp can't prescribe buprenorphine I'm pretty sure it's only the pain clinic or drug workers (prescribers) that can do that !

I am going to give this my best shot. Dh has been keeping the tablets for me so that hasn't been a problem, my issues is the otc and having free reign over them but from today I'm drastically cutting them so wish me luck everyone !

And yes it is bonkers, she kept going on about contracts and policies etc 🤷‍♀️

She has done the hardest part already. She needs support here and others accounts who have been through the same. If none of that is relevant to you, watch another thread instead.
For me, transferring over to buprenorphine was the easiest part.

Also, I don’t understand why the sudden change of tune. You’ve been really helpful and supportive up until now.

How are you feeling today OP?

@pleasedontjudgemeidontneedit
How are you and what's been going on?

With all due respect you need to put your big girl pants on and get on with it, this situation is of your own doing! Your post are contradictory....one minute your topping up with OTC the next you're cutting tablets! Taper and just get on with it!

did your babies have to go through withdrawal? That must have been tough to watch 😔

No they were fine

I'm ignoring any twatty comments, they're uncalled for and not helpful, I've been brave and I know I have. This isn't all my own doing as some lovely poster decided to say, some of it was down to medical negligence and I am considering taking my key workers advice and raising a complaint.

I've been doing the taper and it's going okay, what I'm finding hard is cutting out the extra otc, but I know it's not a race and it's going to take time, there will be days where I've done better than others.

You will get there with support

OP, I just want to wish you the very best of luck in trying to navigate the system to get the help you need, and the strength to go through with it all. I think there is a lot of medical ignorance around addiction and a lot of judgement from medical professionals (those not specialising in addiction). My lovely dad was addicted to alcohol and cigarettes and the judgement was palpable. Addiction is not weakness of will power or a moral failing. Could you fight off an attack by a professional fighter twice your body weight and strength? No. That is how I see addiction. You need compassionate support and a plan that works for this to be possible. I have so much admiration for you in pushing on with this in the face of a confusing system and contradictory advice. Keep going. x