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

I meant to say, SS wouldn't be notified. The fear of this happening though, is the main obstacle to women getting into treatment.

Oh god I don't know whether to go to the gp or a local service now !!

I was first prescribed codeine for my chronic pain a decade ago.. I have 200x30mg tablets on my repeat prescription every month. I haven’t had a follow up in years! I’ve managed to taper down to 4 tablets per day, but it is so easy to become addicted / dependent and I have no idea how to stop completely.
OP, I wish you all the best in trying to beat this

It's very likely the GP will refer you into your local service anyway. We got a lot of referrals from health care professionals. In answer to your questions then no you do not need to go into a residential setting to detox, we can work out a safe reduction plan and prescribe buprenorphine as well to help. But in patient detox is an option and one that can be offered. In regards to your GP if you go down the route of buprenorphine or another OST (opiate substitute treatment) then we would need to liaise with your GP to ensure it is safe to prescribe OST and that there are no contraindications with other medication you may be taking.

Why not call your local substance misuse services for a chat first? Just to see what they say.

Some of this will come across as harsh but here goes:

1. The GP will genuinely not give a fig about the fact that you're addicted to codeine. They see far worse every single day and it'll be obvious to them that you're highly functional and a decent parent. Expect them to be dismissive, unless you get an especially caring GP - that's essentially because, while this is a huge deal for you, it's totally run of the mill for them. 2)The comments about hating yourself and feeling like you're letting your children down mean nothing unless you're willing to do whatever it takes to improve the situation. That's why a lot of addicts need to hit rock bottom before they take action - they feel awful about what's happening but not awful enough (yet) to take the really difficult steps to improve the situation. If you are serious about wanting to get better you have to do some things that seem impossible. If you're not ready to do that yet, then it's best to be honest with yourself and keep checking in with yourself to figure out when you are ready. The alternative is to put the control in the hands of someone who loves you. It doesn't seem like your DH would the right person though - he seems somewhat in denial about how bad the situation is. Do you have a family member or friend who could do it?
2. If you aren't ready to deal with dismissive GPs, shame, withdrawal and all that awful stuff, you have to put some safeguards in place for yourself. Go to the GP and ask for a liver function test. Make sure you aren't overdosing on paracetamol or ibuprofen. Warn your husband about the possibility of medical issues so that if something does happen he knows to warn medical professionals. Be practical. To get better you need to be alive.

OP, if you feel you need support through an org like NA then go. Support is good!
That doesn't preclude going to your GP. You need tjat, too. You still need to address your pain issues 💐

You have made a great decision to contact your GP.

They will help you. You'll need physical and mental health support.

It will take time though - quite a lot of time and you will need the support of your family whilst it happens - you need your husband on board with this.

When you have a bad day you can come on here and moan - among the posts will be some help (just ignore the others)

Speak to the GP and make them aware. Discuss the other local service with them, and decide after having that discussion. Your GP will need to be aware anyway. Good luck xx

I think you are really brave.

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.

Using langage like this is part of the reason why there is so much shame and stigma around addiction. Some of those people you're referring to started out on their path in exactly the same situation as you did. Please show some empathy and understanding as others are very kindly doing for you on this thread.

Good luck OP. You've been really brave, and have had some great support on here.
Really hope you get sorted x

Local service NOW, u already bottled this with the gp today. I remember your last thread, you are here again reaching out that to me means u want the help it’s just that first step. Stop thinking into it and go and do it. Any issues that arise can be dealt with but u are the one seeking the help which says a lot. How would u feel if ur DH finally had enough, took the kids and told everyone why? Take the leap now, you are strong enough to do it and you know that. It’s the fear of the unknown, don’t let that win. Get past this step and you will be *making a better life for you and ur kids.

Op you are amazing for spilling the truth to your husband and now here- absolutely tell your GP. You could take a hand written letter in if you can’t say it out loud. Of course they will help you. Tell them everything you’ve written here. Wishing you all the luck in the world. Change begins with the truth and it will be a wonderful change for you. Xx

I've called the cgl line. I'm trembling !! Someone is going to call back - hopefully today and soon

My lovely mum became addicted to codeine when I was a teenager. She managed to cut down slowly and became free of it completely.
It just happened - she was prescribed it and became dependent. None of this makes you or her a bad person.
I hope the GP gives you help. You've done really well to face it.

Just sending you a hug while you are waiting for CGL to call you back. Well done for taking the first steps

@pleasedontjudgemeidontneedit i just wanted to say I’ve been in the same situation as you…. Twice. I didn’t go to the GP or any service to help which was maybe not the best idea. My success was due to my motivation. I just made a plan where for 1 week I would taper down by one tablet at each dose. So for example if I took 4 tablets x 4 times a day I would take 3 tablets x 4 times a day then a week later drop down again. I would imagine this is the same idea as what a service or GP would advise but I don’t know.

Strangely enough I am in less pain now than when I took the meds. I think it just stops working after so long.

I hope you get through this soon and there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. I was also a mum in a job in a professional setting though a selection of my colleagues knew my struggle (I shared with them).

Good luck and don’t be embarrassed to use the support.

Does your GP have an email address so you can write everything down and send in? I would try reception and ask - otherwise look on their NHS website and see if there is a contact form. Then you don't have to verbalise it all.

OP, I can’t begin to imagine how constipated you must be on that dosage.

Stop panicking about SS for starters. For one thing, it's not addiction they get concerned about as much as the impact on the children. You are fully functioning, there is no impact. Secondly its incredibly common. The bad news is, GPs don't have a magic wand, and the options for you will be taper or a methadone type substitute. Personally I'd pick the taper. If you go very very slowly, reducing by as little as a half tablet a day every 3 days, you should avoid side effects and will be free. If your GP doesn't suggest that, you can do it yourself.

Just lol! You have made me laugh 😆

I don't think the gp can prescribe me anymore than they already do, that's the thing they already proscribe me the maximum dosage and I take way more, so I wouldn't have enough to taper

I really wouldn't advise any person with an addiction problem to detox alone - you need support.

I won't be doing it, I don't have the willpower for a start. I need proper help and I'm getting it now. I'm happy I've made the phonecall. I feel positive about it