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

Also, life will always give you stress and strain, things outside of your control and falling back onto your old crutch can't be done anymore if you want to be well. You've done so well and this doesnt wipe that all away so dont catastrophise if possible, just consign it to the "wish I hadn't done that" cupboard in your brain and close the door. Don't let this spiral into another reason to take more otc xx

Hi @pleasedontjudgemeidontneedit I've been an avid reader ever since your first post.
I am in the same boat as you too. Prescription codeine and the otc nurofen plus.
You have been so amazing and an inspiration to me!
I really hope to cut it out too but I am so hopelessly addicted at the minute, I am also taking Lexapro for depression, which have been great.
Have you looked into anything like that for your depression?

@pleasedontjudgemeidontneedit

How much physical pain are you in?

How is your mobility?

pleasedontjudgemeidontneedit

I am sorry to hear this op but unfortunately that is the nature of addiction which is why total abstinence is recommended - be it from alcohol, opiates or gambling.
I know you are in pain, but if you are to give up codeine then you would need to take a non-opiate pain killer.
Im sorry you’re going through this.

I know someone with a codeine addiction that started from a prescription for back pain. They have been to the GP and put on a replacement which they pick up every day. It's going to be reduced. They've also been to an addiction support charity and are waiting for counselling. There's a long road ahead. Surely this is what you need to do.

@pleasedontjudgemeidontneedit How's it going OP?

Hi op. Thinking of you and wondering how you're doing?

Hi all sorry for not responding sooner.

Well, since start of jan I've been back on the nurofen plus. I'm down to 8 a day prescribed codeine and they're keeping me on that to control my pain, as nerve blockers haven't worked annoyingly.

Today I've ran out of nurofen plus and not buying anymore as it's ruined my stomach and given me gastritis. So it's a drop of 150mg but it's got to be done as I'm in a lot of pain

I'm so sorry I'm getting over gastritis from ibuprofen horrid side effect. GP was very good gave me omeprazole, acidex and anti nausea pills. Have lost weight on this bland diet.

I've signed up with a new physio first session on Friday. So wish me luck.

@justasking111 great stuff good luck !
How much nurofen was you taking ?

Two to four a day. But I went on a diet which tipped me over the edge. Was taking indigestion remedies then along came Christmas and New year so rich foods, chocolate, wine some Days. Thought I was dying. 🙈

@justasking111 Sounds awful ! Mine isn't too bad to be honest compared to some peoples stories I've read online, but my morning coffee is definitely a trigger and even taking my antidepressants sets it off, it seems to go away in the daytime and then come back at night, did you find this ?