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

@RainbowZebraWarrior and no way i would know where to start buying them else where

You poor thing, well done on taking the first steps to getting control over this. No advice, just be strong and good luck.

Has your herniated disc been investigated and addressed or resolved? If not, you must insist that it is when you get the call from the GP - otherwise you'll just be chasing your tail and the likelihood of coming off codeine would be remote.

Like I said, if you're getting roughly what I'm getting, they would be gone in less than a week.

If you're able to continue to source 600mg a day from pharmacists, then something is very wrong with the robust checks in place they have.

You'd have to be visiting half a dozen pharmacies a day for weeks each month to get that amount, or your GP practice is prescribing astonishing amounts to you in the first place.

What actually do they prescribe you each month?

Again, my point being nobody is supposed to be able to source this sort of dosage of codeine (easily, and constantly)

It's absolutely normal to feel nervous about talking to the GP, this is the first step on the road to recovery.

Please be honest with the GP about what you have been taking and ask for some help. There are support groups out there that the GP can put you in touch with to help you manage your thoughts, feelings and provide tools to help you navigate life away from the addiction.

No judgement at all from me, it can happen to anyone of us.

Well done for acknowledging the problem
well done for vocalising it
well done for seeking help

in itself that takes bravery and commitment
It is the beginning.

Sometimes there have to be a few beginnings before the resolution sticks....so just because you've tried before and even if this is just a step on the way you are on your way to helping yourself out of addiction.

There are other drugs that can be used to help come off the codeine......

I hope your GP is really helpful and understands your desperation

Keep looking for help and support...take it all as much as you can..it's for you. The more support and help you reach out for the more you can receive and that will spread the load. You are not alone, you deserve help, you are worth it and it is not all your fault....you are here......but.....you don't have to be in this place always.

changegrowlive.org
Find information and local support services for alcohol and drug use. Also offers support for mental wellbeing, and issues like housing and work.

We Are With You
wearewithyou.org.uk
Supports people with drug, alcohol or mental health problems, and their friends and family.

Narcotics Anonymous
0300 999 1212
ukna.org
Support for anyone who wants to stop using drugs.

My FIL was addicted to codeine (I think it was that) and was in hospital for maybe a couple of weeks to help with the withdrawal. That was maybe 10 years ago so I can't remember the details. Please just be honest with the GP. They will have heard worse. Personally I would write it down and pass a note over as I'm rubbish at downplaying everything when actually speaking, then kick myself after I've left.

@RainbowZebraWarrior 8 a day so 224 tablets a month

Good luck op! I have loved ones in the same position and I'd love to know how you get on. It's a bastard to get out of but if you want to you'll do it.

Withdrawal is hell but it does end. I recommend if at all possible getting your partner to take a week (ideally two) off work when you do it so he does all the childcare/cooking etc so your pain isn't made any worse, and help you withdraw safely.

You can do it.

I bottled it. It wasn't my usual gp so I said I would call back tomorrow. This gp wasn't very nice to be honest very dismissive and matter of fact. I couldn't take the risk

I might just have to try and do it myself see if dh will take some time off work as pp suggested

Just an mri and continued prescribing of codeine oh and physio which was shit

Honestly, that's absolutely dreadful and hugely irresponsible of them to have not been monitoring that more closely. That's a massive amount to be on long term repeat. Especially for non malignant pain.

Here are the NICE guidelines, should you need them. It covers everything about length of treatment, addiction, tapering etc.

bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/codeine-phosphate/#indications-and-dose

It doesn't have to be your GP if you have the will to talk You can self refer to local addiction services or talk to FRANK on 0300 123 6600
or text 82111. FRANK can tell you what is available locally

good luck OP

Hope you get the help you need. Addiction can happen to anyone, especially when you are in daily physical pain (and mental too).

On the herniated disc - I have one, get referred to a decent physio. If you can afford it go private. I have had 5 sessions with one (about £300) and the change is remarkable.

Where are you buying the other tablets from? Do the pharmacists not question why you need so many if you have been buying this many for over a year?

@RainbowZebraWarrior Oh that's nothing, I've also got a massive box of tramadol that was prescribed for the days for codeine doesn't hit the spot. I don't take them though don't worry I'm not stupid !!

Please find help for yourself and your partner......you may need physical and deficnitely emotional and psychological support,,,and probably alternative pain relief for your back

Do they tell social services though ? That's what's been stopping me. I am more than capable of looking after my children they're very loved but it still scares me as it's an addiction at the end of the day

No,
SS review is only needed from medics or addiction services if there is a belief that the children are in danger or actually being neglected or harmed.

Even if a referral was made you are not putting your children in danger and you don't neglect them. Case closed, but more help may be made available to you.

Please don't be scared

See if your local area has a drug misuse service (google it or sometimes they are on the council website.) Drug misuse is not just illegal drugs or intravenous use. Don’t attempt to do it on your own. You need to be honest about what you are taking in total so they can work out an achievable detox plan.

I cannot express enough how much they will not be surprised/shocked/judgemental. They will have seen so much worse and it’s much more common that you realise.

I think for you to get anywhere with this (and for your marriages sake too) your dh probably needs to learn more about the realities of how the codeine has affected you mentally and physically and something about withdrawal beyond :just taper off and stop'.. particularly given your MH is fragile.

I doubt if the GP is your only route in to help. If you don't feel confident approaching them, how about reaching out to another service ef those mentioned by pps to begin with? If you then need a GP referral to access eg NHS support, perhaps talking it through with one of these groups/charities first will leeave you better briefed and clearer on what you are asking for, which could get you what you need more efficiently.

The very best of luck to you, what a crappy situation you are in, please don't beat yourself up.

Fwiw my mother beat not one but two addictions in her lifetime. She was really honest, really brave , and I truly love and admire her.

Social Services will not take your children away because you're taking too much codeine. You can absolutely stop worrying about that. You need to see a doctor and be honest with them.

In the meantime, at the very least get in touch with Narcotics Anonymous.

This is how addicts avoid confronting their issues, OP. You will find an excuse to back off or change your mind about asking for help.

You need to not fall into this trap, and you need your support network (DH and anyone else?) to hold you accountable.

You can’t keep making excuses and running away from the truth. It won’t get you anywhere. You need people around you telling you that, and holding you accountable.

Change must come from within, but you should be kept under a bit of pressure to get help.