Codeine Addiction

ailywailydaily

Hi, wasn't sure where to post this - I am addicted to Codeine and need some advice. Does anyone have any experience in this area and how did they overcome their problem with codeine? In order to overcome it, can you go cold turkey or is it best to wean yourself off it gradually? Any tips greatly appreciated.

Victor

Sure, cut down, but you should talk to you GP - Sooner rather than later. There may be something that you can use to wean yourself off.

I'm not sure about Codeine, but many drugs are rather harsh on your liver.

ebixa82

Fair play, admitting you have an addiction is half the battle. Codeine itself is harmless (bar maybe some constipation at high doses), however paracetamol is very damaging to your liver.

How much do you take per day?

If cold turkey is too hard then try to cut down slowly, giving yourself a steady time frame. Ideally go to your GP and try to work out a plan with them, at least that way you have somebody to liase with and guide you.

All the best. You'll get through it. These meds were too freely available OTC anyways!

ailywailydaily

thank you! I spoke to a pharmacist the other day who put the fear of god into me about codeine - it is far from harmless apparently - it is banned in many countries as its part of the opiate family. Currently taking up to 20 a day. Its hard because I have suffered horrendous headaches for years, before I started taking solpadiene, my headaches wake me up in the middle of the night and get worse throughout the day. Started taking solpadeine and found great relief but now, I am dependent on them and the headaches are so much worse than before.

Pharmacist told me that codeine is not excreted so the levels build up in your body which is really bad for your liver. And apparently codeine addiction is the most common addiction in Ireland. Am mortified that its got to this stage and I'm now so scared and worried about what I've become and how dependent I am on this stupid tablet.

I am getting married in a few months and would love nothing more than to get through a day without having to rely on taking pain relief to get me through a day - currently, everything revolves around this dam issue and I am so worried about the damage I could be doing to myself.

ailywailydaily

oh and also now have issues with eh, insides...taking Zoton to prevent heartburn (fear my tummy lining might be damaged) and immodium as other bodily functions are unpredictable. I don't want to be judged, I am so ashamed of how things have come about and how I might be portrayed - but I can't do this alone, nor can I talk about it just yet.

ebixa82

ailywailydaily wrote: »

oh and also now have issues with eh, insides...taking Zoton to prevent heartburn (fear my tummy lining might be damaged) and immodium as other bodily functions are unpredictable. I don't want to be judged, I am so ashamed of how things have come about and how I might be portrayed - but I can't do this alone, nor can I talk about it just yet.

Very unprofessional for the pharmacist to frighten you like that. It shouldn't really cause heartburn (that's more nurofen plus)

No need to rush things now, accepting you have a problem is the hardest part. Take it easy. Codeine will mess with your bowels a bit but nothing permanent.

The headaches were probably "rebound"...i.e. your body got so used to having codeine, when it doesn't get a dose a headache comes on.

The amount of young women (20-35) who are addicted is crazy. Most start off taking it for period pains and it progresses from there.

But most dont realise or admit it. But you have done. The hardest part is over. Go to your GP or an addiction councillor and talk to them. You will sort it out, don't worry, be strong, you're not the worst and you won't be the last!

ailywailydaily

thank you ebixa82

Will make some calls/visits as soon as I get the nerve!!! I think that the prolongged use can result in damage to the lining of your stomach which is why she mentioned it. Kinda makes sense cause suffer really badly with indigestion which I never used to do. Will keep you posted!

ebixa82

ailywailydaily wrote: »

thank you ebixa82

Will make some calls/visits as soon as I get the nerve!!! I think that the prolongged use can result in damage to the lining of your stomach which is why she mentioned it. Kinda makes sense cause suffer really badly with indigestion which I never used to do. Will keep you posted!

No need to wait til you get the nerve. These people are professional and see this every day...it's their job. The sooner you get help the sooner you can sort things out.

All the best Aily..

metamorphosis

Hi OP

Id say for this, you'd be best off getting advice from proper medical professional. maybe your GP.

All the best.