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

The GP was dismissive about opiate addiction? Wow. That's shocking.

I'm always amazed that Tramadol gets handed out fairly regularly. My neighbour is given it (also herniated disc) and my friends Mum is also given it for the days 'codeine doesn't work'

For all I've had the other side of the coin when it comes to accessing appropriate pain relief, I'm pleased my surgery err on the side of caution. I have nothing at my disposal other than being bedbound and crying if my codeine doesn't work, but perhaps that's no bad thing.

Imperfect10 · Today 13:55
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.

Change Grow Live - believe in people
We are a health and social care charity. We help people achieve their goals.
https://www.changegrowlive.org/

OP
You can self-refer to changegrowlive (often abbreviated to cgl). They can help you and can also arrange other services and counselling (such as We Are With You). They can help with the detox and have doctors specialising in addiction. It's all confidential. Good luck.

OP, just tell your GP that you're using codeine for chronic pain and it doesn't seem to be helping as well now. Tell how much you are using, how often, etc. Ask to have back pain further investigated. Ask for an orthopaedic referral. Get referred to a physio. Don't panic. I live with chronic pain close to 15 years now, I've been off daily meds for over 3 years after about 10 years use. I have an older toddler and an 8 month old baby. I understand. There are alternatives to meds, physical therapy that i mentioned, proper strengthening is crucial, and I also get trigger point injections, use a TENS, heating pad, yoga, meditation, foam roll, massage therapy, whatever it takes. It's been tough, but manageable now. You need to get a good medical team which can be tough, but once you find the right fit you can make progress.

You will get through this, I have a family member who has been in recovery from addiction, for over 2 years now, and his life has changed completely. He was addicted to various drugs, including heroin for over 25 years. He also was not 'a druggie on the street' or a 'scumbag' but it was only when he realised that he was basically no different than any other addict, but luckier in his circumstances and the support available from family, that he could think about going to meetings with AA and Narcotics Anonymous, which have really made a difference. Meeting and hearing the stories of others, and telling his own, has been cathartic. We have realised that most of the anxiety and mental health problems have been caused by the drugs he was taking.
Please don't dismiss other humans as druggies, smackheads and scumbags, they are just you and me in a bad situation.

I’m sorry but I don’t think it’s helpful to say this is partly your GPs fault. If you have a disc problem and say you are in pain and you have not had surgery then of course they will prescribe you what you say you need.

This is in your gift to change OP no one else. You need to recognise you need the support of others and the expertise of others but they cannot change this for you and they are not to blame. You must be motivated to do this for yourself, your family and children.

Most addicts are as you say ‘normal’ people. You need to also recognise this. You are not less of an addict or a better addict because you have a roof over your head and have access to your fix. You are not a bad person because of this addiction and neither are others. I think your addiction is probably due to all those other factors you mention regarding your mental health and not just pain. You are ill. You can be treated and supported to get better but you must take ownership. You’ve made the right first steps.

If you can pay in anyway for the holistic mental health support you need- I would strongly recommend you think about this. You will not beat this addiction in the long term without addressing your underlying mental health issues and relapse is a very difficult cross to bear. Many other posters have signposted charities you can speak to right now. No excuses.

Good luck OP! You really can do this. Go and do it now- there will never be a perfect time.

Thank you for this. If I self refer to this will it be kept separate from my gp practice or does it get put onto my nhs medical records? I've had a look and their is a service not far from me

I work for CGL. We have seen this time and time again. Please self refer into your local service if you can. Codeine addiction is very real and very prevalent. In fact in my service we have moved those addicted from the generic opiate caseload onto a newly formed team who solely deal with those addicted to painkillers. Your local service will be able to help you. We can work out reduction plans. Swap you to buprenorphine and taper that down, detox you in a setting, provide a comfort pack to get you over the worst of your withdrawal symptoms. We can also offer advice, support and people who care and understand. You are not alone. Please refer yourself in x

This.

Also , saying “ Im
not a scumbag or a druggie “
There is no hierarchy of addiction.
You are an addict ,just as much as a heroin user.

You take more than prescribed, for the effect and buzz .
Codeine over the counter is mixed with other much more dangerous to the body drugs-

Please be honest with the GP.

I'm really sorry if I've come across as judgemental to others in bad situations, I don't mean too. The crux of it is I don't want my kids under social services. And I guess me thinking that I come across as a drug user (even though I guess I am) makes that more likely.
No the doctors aren't all to blame for all this. But I was very naive when i was first prescribed codeine for the pain and it was put on a repeat because it helped with the pain, i didn't know much about opiates or how easily you could become addicted to them. I think I've only ever had two reviews in those 6 years. And funnily enough they were both at my 6 week post partum checks no other time

If I self refer to this will it be kept separate from my gp practice or does it get put onto my nhs medical records? I've had a look and their is a service not far from me.

I can’t speak for the other services but Narcotics Anonymous certainly won’t put it on any records. The meetings are anonymous and what is said in the meetings stays in the meetings.
Please give NA a go, op. It is excellent and has helped lots of people.

Do I have to go in a setting to detox ? I really wouldn't want that. Also do you contact peoples usual gps?

Please call the GP back tomorrow. Yes they will report to SS, they have to by law, but SS will most likely just call you and ask what support you have, and if there is any help you need from them. Don’t worry, they won’t just swoop in and take your kids into care.

OP that is so dangerous ! You need supervision from a health care professional and in all honesty I don't think many could do it in there own your taking so much the withdrawals need to be managed and maybe prescribed something else for that ! Please speak to your GP dread too think what you are doing to your organs taking all that codeine I'm shocked tbh it hasn't done noticeable damage by now

I think I'm going to speak to change grow live

Fantastic- they’re a brilliant service.

I wasn’t meaning to comment on the appropriateness of your prescription before, only to say, that whatever has or hasn’t happened, rightly or wrongly- you are in the driving seat and you have control. You can think about the rest later.

Good luck. Your family will be so proud of you.

Maybe the rules have changed regarding Social
services, but I knew of two addict mothers ( Heroin) and they very definitely weren’t known to social
services.
However that was a long time ago.
20 yrs.

pleasedontjudgemeidontneedit · Today 15:05
I think I'm going to speak to change grow live

OP excellent idea. You'll be in good hands.

Well done for taking the first step. You have done the first step. SS wont come for you. Get onto that GP

Don’t be ashamed. I was addicted to alcohol and it was not fun. Now I will tell most people (reasonably) confidently (most of the time 😅) that I had a drinking problem because otherwise the stigma will remain. People like you who are in the position now will continue to be ashamed. I want to be part of the solution. I’m not someone people would peg in anyway as an alcoholic or addict or whatever. Which makes it easier to hide and carry on really because people don’t take you seriously often when you ask for help - they look at the book cover and think oh she has her stuff together she’s fine.

really wouldn’t worry about social services - they have kids in dire circumstances who are barely on their radar. You, as a nice mum with a supportive husband and well cared for kids, being addicted to pain killers really isn’t going to be a big swoop in and take the children situation! There are kids up and down the country who are literally neglected and beaten etc they have to deal with.

Also like others have said it’s actually very common. It’s a huge problem in the states. You are far from being alone in it - it’s just no body talks about it!

Hi OP, you're very brave making this step. Please be completely honest with GP about the amount you're using, otherwise they won't be able to start your taper at the correct dose, and you won't have enough. You can then stop topping up from chemists. Can I suggest binning the tramadol?

Really though, I think your local addiction services would be better equipped to deal with this, they'll have more experise than GP. A slow, steady taper and you'll hardly feel it. I did the same with methadone, and only had a little discomfort when it came to ceasing entirely. Daily yoga helped with achey legs etc.

You'll need some support with your mental health, as you've been using codeine to self-medicate.

It's OK on the other side of addiction, I promise

To me Codeine is the drug of the devil, my husband became addicted and 20 years later the battle continues. Medical staff hand them out like smarties. We spent thousands and thousands on private rehab, local addiction centres won't help as it's not a street drug like Heroin. He's on Buprenorphine now which is life changing. I wish you well, I hope you detox before you lose your job and quality of life, which happened to my husband. Codeine addiction destroyed us and I have never shared this story with anyone else. Stay strong, it will be an incredibly hard journey but it will be worth it.

Just another poster here encouraging you to take action.

Sorry your Gp let you down.

Don’t let it stop you. Ss don’t take kids away as their first action. If they see you are addressing your issues and taking care of the kids they won’t remove them. However if you don’t take action then that’s more likely to be seen as you not taking action to protect your kids.

Contact cgl today. Schedule another Gp call tomorrow.

Please, please do not feel ashamed. I’ve been in your exact position. Except I was taking A LOT more than you. I was also forced to the GP against my will, but my god I am glad I did. I was taking cocodamol which is much worse as the paracetamol in it is so dangerous. PM me. I’ve been going through tapering off for years. I feel you. Don’t be worried about any interventions from SS etc; that won’t happen. There’s so much support and help. You’ve made the first step and that one, is by far the hardest. 💕

Can you pm me first please I'm on the app and it's shit !! How much was you taking? I know I take a lot and it doesn't even touch me

The GP will help you taper off, be honest with them. I’ve never taken over the prescribed dose but my GP prescribed me a very high dose of fentanyl before a major surgery and after the surgery I tapered off and it took 9 months, but doing it slowly is do-able. You CAN do this