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

Have a look at this. Dr Jo is an experienced physiotherapist who has several videos about herniated discs:

One thing that jumps at our at me is you keep saying you’re not strong enough to do it alone.

but frankly most people can’t stop taking addictive substances alone. Otherwise why do AA and NA and other support groups exist ? Because it IS so hard.

i do think you should talk to your GP, and several people have reassured you SS won’t be involved (so in a way feels like you are using that as excuse to yourself to put off talking to your GP).

but stop putting yourself down about not being strong enough!!

Contact everyone OP until you find someone and something that is helpful! Don't feel you have to choose between this and that, go looking everywhere for support.

I realise what you're saying now when you say that the GP won't prescribe enough to enable you to taper slowly. That's why it's really important that you're completely honest about how much you're taking. Because they will need to address how you slowly taper if they won't prescribe enough to cover it and your OH won't let you buy any more online.

I wouldn't worry about SS, they won't be interested in someone addicted to their pain meds who doesn't neglect their children, they have way too much on their hands already where children are being treated badly.

Get as much help and support as you can OP, it's horrifically negligent IMO that you weren't clearly told how addictive codeine is, you deserve all the help you can get.

I never actually advised anyone to detox alone if that comment was aimed at me. I advised to use support available. It was purely an account of what i did.

@pleasedontjudgemeidontneedit I wanted to say that this could so easily have been me around 10 years ago. You have done the most difficult part of dealing with this by telling your husband and being determined to get help. The next step of talking to a professional will be fine. You can do this!

@RegimentalSturgeon it felt like giving birth all over again when I was (very briefly) on a similar dose!

@Maria1982 I see what you're saying but now I've contacted a local service then I don't need to involve my gp, at least I hope I don't ? I don't want to involve any other professionals if I don't have to. If I can do this myself with the help of another service then I'd much rather do that

I am reading each and every comment btw don't think I'm ignoring anyone as I'm not. I was a total mess when I posted this, this thread has helped me so much today

Good luck with it all. One day you’ll look back on this and feel proud you got out the other side.

Good luck with it all and please don't feel ashamed. You are doing the right thing looking for professional help. Addiction is far more complex and stronger than willpower so don't feel shit about that. xxx

well, you had very serious issue and perhaps only strong painkiller gave you your life back. Explain it

I’m so sorry you’re struggling with this OP. Please know that it is a much more common issue than you might think, and your GP will be thinking anything bad of you at all and will just want to help you. It is what they are there for. They will have a lot of experience in this, so what feels to you like a massive hurdle will be a normal thing for them. You are doing absolutely the right thing in talking to someone professional. They will not do anything that you are not comfortable with. Please try to be kind to yourself and take it step at a time. It will be ok.

kateluvscats · Today 15:18
To me Codeine is the drug of the devil, my husband became addicted and 20 years later the battle continues. He's on Buprenorphine now which is life changing. I wish you well.

@kateluvscats will he be on buprenorphine for a long period, or is it just used to deal with the relatively short lived physical withdrawals from opiates?

I'm really sorry you are going through this. There is no way your GP would involve social services unless you are failing as a mother which only you know.You actually sound like a brilliant mother or you wouldn't be so concerned. I would have no hesitation in contacting my GP. Drug withdrawal is a serious issue and you need the medical professionals to supervise and monitor your reactions. If you didn't like the tone of the GP you spoke with there is no reason you can't ask to consult with one you know will be more sympathetic to your situation. That's not to say the more curt one wouldn't be sympathetic, just a different tone.

Good luck, OP, and well done for starting the journey.

There are bound to be days when things go badly. Remember today, and remember that you just need to do the same thing again. And it won't be as scary next time.

Exactly so.
It's as if just because someone abuses Codeine that they aren't like ''Other addicts'', and are ''somehow better''.

They absolutely are not.

Addiction is addiction.

Taking the coedine thru pregnancy? Was baby addicted?

You need specialist help you likely only get thru GP. You aren’t the first, won’t be last.

Sort w GP now, before a “friend” makes the call to SS…

I remember your other thread op, and I'm sorry this is still a struggle foe you. Mental health post partum can be so fragile, I was shocked at how it hit me with my son last year. You're right in saying that the addiction won't be hellong either, and I don't have any advice except that feeling you have at being in the same place despite that thread a year ago, will feel ten times worse if you have to post another next hear. Make this the time that you get help, are honest, and begin to wean off the meds with professional tapering. It won't be east even with tapering off, there will be will power involved, there will be negative side effects but nothing like the long term effects if you continue this. I wish you all the best, you can do it x

Well done OP. You've done a great thing already now.

Helping*

It really varies as to the individual. Some people use buprenorphine to step down from methadone {which is probably THE most addictive drug as far as severe protracted withdrawals go} and then taper off quite fast from buprenorphine,

Others stay on buprenorphine indefinitely, depending on how they feel - especially if they have had many many years of physical addiction in their pasts.

Buprenorphine gives zero buzz, no euphoric effect in people with addictions -

It can cause ''precipitated withdrawal'' in people on higher dose opioids/opiates as it is a 'partial antagonist' but taken correctly as someone transfers, it won't cause precipitated withdrawal.

It ideally needs to be titrated by someone who knows how to manage the changeover- some GP services have drug specialist workers in them- usually the larger cities.

Do it, spill it all. There is no easy way. Just go in and talk and accept the help. You will not be the first to admit you are addicted to a highly addictive drug that has been correctly prescribed to you and they will know how to help you. Best of luck.

Good luck OP, be kind to yourself, you have been through a huge amount in a short time. You are only human, I think you’re actually doing really well! Definitely continue to try to get help, if it comes from more than one place that can be even better. You have nothing to feel ashamed of 💐

Hi OP, I work for CGL, they will ask for your consent before they are allowed to share anything with your GP, so you can refuse that. However I would advise you don’t refuse as it is important for the GP to be aware of your treatment, they will also need to have a medical summary from them before they can prescribe you anything. They really are a great service and you won’t be judged at all, just take the first step and go for an initial assessment, they will help you :)

@oakleaffy
Thank you for your helpful answer.

You have taken the first step to getting help, that's amazing! Well done OP I know how scary this is but in the long run, it will be so worth it! I really hope your DH and wider family will rally round you and support. Please don't feel ashamed, addiction is a sneaky bastard and can get hold of any one of us. You are a very brave woman, you can do this 💐