I need help, this is the first time I've ever written this out.
I am addicted to codeine. My secret, the one I've kept for nearly ten years. I've had a repeat prescription of co-codamol 224 which I get every 3 weeks and then I buy the otc codeine if and when I run out.
On Wednesday I went to my doctors and for the first time he asked me about my prescription and why was I taking it (initially for my arm a long long time ago) he said that I should go on tramadol instead and I insisted that I had to stay on co-codamol. He didn't push it even tho inside I wanted him to push it
.. When is it going to end? I've even tried cutting it down by purchasing those weekly pill tubs and putting them in there so I can see how many I have left. Without them I am anxious and stressed and I can't fuction in my life. But they are the evil in my life and I don't know how to go about stopping it.
What is easiest? Going cold Turkey? Cutting them down? I really need advice.
I know people will say go back to the doctors but I really don't want too, I'm too ashamed I just want to sort this out on my own. Thank you for anyone who reads this
I'm sorry. But you can't just sort it out on your own, you will need to talk to a doctor. It's for your own safety.
Please go back to one.
There is no need to feel ashamed. Addiction can get the best of us
I can't go back to my doctors as I work for the NHS and I can't have it on my record that I have an addiction it just isn't possible. It's not even a thought to tell him, seriously if I could I would have done it by now, I need to find out what are the best ways to do it on my own, thanks
I know this might sound a scary idea but I had no real support from my doctor and so I went to the local drugs and alcohol team and they have been brilliant - one of the questions they ask is "Will you allow us to talk to your doctor?", I don't think they are allowed to pass on any details, confidential. They have really helped me a lot with both support and relevant medication - Lofexidine is my friend, it took all the withdrawal away. They can also sort out all the other substitutes for you - worth having a chat on the phone.
Services are different for each area but you can look up your local services here:
http://m.talktofrank.com/support-near-you
Go and see your doctor don't try cutting down on your own. Stay away from tramadol and other opiates it will make everything ten times worse.like you I was ashamed of my problems but belive me you have made the first step now so ho see your doctor. Hope u get well soon
What happens if you cut down and it gets to be too much? Withdrawal can cause really bad feelings
What happens if you accidentally overdose etc? The doctor wouldn't have known and if someone chased up what happened, they could go after the doctor for not monitoring the painkillers properly leading to death. (Even if the doctor was unaware)
Honestly, to get off of it. You need the doctor to not be able to write you more scripts when you run out every time.
Honestly, I don't mean to be rude but I think these doctors will notice. Pain medication is supposed to be temporary. A doctor can refer you to a psychologist/psychiatrist if you want to talk anonymously about it. They can't say anything to anyone, unless you are at serious risk for self harm or suicide.
Not sure where you are, but where I am (Australia) it's free.
Hopefully you can get through this.
I understand but my doctor does know, hes been prescribing me 224 pills every 3 weeks and doesn't care. Thanks in advance but if something happened to me that's down to me noone else. I'm not going to the doctors and I won't think about the idea I just want to hear from people who have done different ideas
Are you sure he knows? He could just think you're in extreme pain. So he keeps prescribing it.
If you don't tell a doctor you're struggling with a medication, it will be difficult to get help properly. You shouldn't be ashamed of painkiller addiction.
I'm on trammadol and I take 300 mgs a day, plus panadol osteo 3 times a day (665mgs per tablet- x2 tabs). Trammadol has actually starting not working as well for me and I felt like I had an addiction to it, and went to a doctor. I tried lowering it, didn't help. Tried pain patches, put me to sleep.
I was finally prescribed panadol osteo and it's helping, I hope to lower the trammadol down so I'm not taking so much.
But if I didn't talk to the doctor, I would be stuck feeling in pain (with withdrawal symptoms) and like I had no-one to talk to. I'm making steps towards getting off of it. It may take a bit though.
That's what they are there for, to help. They can keep it private if you want (patient confidentiality) and refer you to the right services. Please don't give up on the idea of seeing a doctor. They are the only people that can give you accurate medical advice. (Based on your history, medication etc). They can monitor your progress as well and offer ideas.
Are you actually in pain at all? From the arm? Or is it more of a addiction thing?
Hi Hopefirst
You and I are in exactly the same position - I WAS addicted to codeine and tramadol but I have been clean for 7 days.
I would of never thought I would say that! i too work for the NHS and totally get your dilema.
I tried my local drug and alcohol centre - they said they would taper me off and if that didn't work send me to rehad BUT it would go on my NHS records and may come up when you try for a mortgage etc
i didnt want it on my record. So I started looking in to private rehab - if you have the money do this - for a really luxury place where you will get all the therapy you need it was about 5k and they could do it in 14 days (I was going to take annual leave I already had it booked for that reason)
Then I also found out if you see a PRIVATE psychitrist they can help you too and not out it on your records.
Cutting down yourself if you have the will power is a really good option. Can someone help you? Lock them away and give you a certain amout a day? If you cut down it shouldnt be too painful at all. But you will miss the high so you need NA meetings or therapy on top. I highly recommend NA - you will meet a ton of people who want to help you - from builders to doctors to accountants. I will stop you feeling ashamed.
I have also told my GP I thought I may be dependant and would he please stop prescribing me opiates and give me something else for my pain. I went back today and said I was feeling awful (I had to go about something else). I said I thought it could be the change in pain medication. He agreed. He said if I hadnt already come so far he would of helped me. so dont worry so much about GP's - always talk about being dependant not addicted - there is a big difference todoctors.
Then you have to work out why you needed them. Me, I have a lot of issues, mostly around the death of my mum. I have been referred for CBT on the NHS and in the meantime I am paying £40 pound a week for some therapy - this is an important part!! Also tell someone you trust - you need support.
Lastly I went through 48 hours of hell - I got rid of all my tablets. Then I was switched to subutex (I am not advising this, it was a care plan written for me only - seek help youeself if you choose this method) - only needed 4mg. Have now cut down to 3mg and intend to be off it all in a couple of weeks - even though apperently the last bits the worse to come off.
I know tons of people who have come off it from cutting down and getting therapy/going to meetings - do it you woill feel so much better.
If you need advice or support ask anytime.
Well said and well done. GP's are helpful - pick the right one, the one you normally see and say you are concerned. Like Jess said they are there to help.
HI Hope , i was addicted to both codiene and tramadol- do not start taking Tramadol- it is a nightmare, literally to get off - codiene is hard enough- you will need to take time off if your going to quit yourself - you WILL NOT be able to function well enough to work if you do it cold turkey- its rough- if you decide you want to do it this way and want any advice i can let you know how it was for me- but remember who ever gives you advice- withdrawls are never the same for different people- we all react diferently it also depends on how long you were taking codiene and how much you were taking- wish you the best of luck whatever way you decide to quit-
Hi there,are you in the Uk?
Bless you, i know that Codine is highly addictive and difficult to stop, but please whatever you do, do NOT stop! gradually reduce the dosgae if you can, and only if you can.
I hope this can help?
http://www.codeinefree.org.uk/
If not it is best to go and see you GP who can refer you to a help group?
I hope the 224 is not tablets?
I hope this helps? :-)
Hi, you have been addicted for a long time so it won't be easy. It can be done,
i took dyhydrocodeine when I didn't really need to. I decided to stop I did it by
tapering down each day only taking when I really felt I needed to. I got down to one
then didn't take anymore the first five days were the worst like having flu being restless not sleeping well etc. it's not easy but everyday it does get easier it can be
done. I think you have made the decision to stop that is very positive and take each
day at a time. Don't take Tramadol from what I've read it is much harder to stop.
i wish you well keep us posted and if I can help answer any questions you have I
will. Take care Ann
224 Tablets every 3/52?!! your Doctor needs reporting for misconduct!
I really hope you find some help.
What is your dosage? If you would like my email address please let me know (x NHS staff) :-)
Oly I clicked on your link and I can't actually believe it but I rang one of the places local to me today and have an appointment on Friday just to talk
The woman on the phone said that I may need to go on a substitute either subutex methadone. Can I ask the drug that you are taking can you still drive? Thanks so much for your reply
Sue please can you tell me how you are feeling on subutex? I actually took the step and rang a drug clinic today and have an appointment on Friday. They said they will only tell my doctors if they end up prescribing me something. I'm so scared but also I can't wait for Friday. But I am not sure I can live without codeine? It's just so ridiculous how I've ended up like this but that Is the power of this addiction isn't it? Thanks very much for your reply
Sorry i should say they told me they may end up prescribing me subutex or methadone?
Hi gavin, yes I get prescribed 224 tablets every 3 weeks. I then buy nurofen, the cheap co-codamol and solphadine depending on where I am. Yes I would like your email address is there a dm system on here?
Way to go, nice work! ... and glad to be of service. Yes you can drive whilst on Lofexidine, so long as you are not drowsy - it's one of the side effects, particularly if your dose is a bit heavy for you. I'm driving happily on it in my second week - once I went down from 4 tablets 3xday to 3 tablets I stopped falling asleep all the time and my blood pressure is far better.
They will always say you might need to go on a substitute - depends if you classify yourself as addicted or just physically dependent. I know i'm addicted to Nicotene - haven't smoked in 8 months but I still use every Nicotene product going. I know I'm not addicted to Morphine/MST as I hate the stuff! I'm saying this as they don't get many people coming in who are just physically dependent so it's worth thinking about in advance.