Staying off codeine problem

Treatment and medication
1

Hi there,

I have been struggling with codeine addiction for 7 years. I dont take a lot but i take 2-4 every day. It has began ruining my stomach as i do drink a lot of alcohol too.

My problem is that i can always stop taking it for a few weeks but always end up "needing" it again after 4-6 weeks!!

I suffer from extreme anxiety and stress and its the only thing that calms me down. I would never take a plain pain killer like paracetamol. So when i have pain its the first thing i buy! Then of course i finish the packet.

I just cant get out of this habit. I have been to a behavioural therapist who told me to "take jelly beans instead". Very patronising and unhelpful. My doctors dont seem to think 2 painkillers a day is a problem. So i feel like this habit is being condoned.

i know a lot of you guys have a serious addiction and i know mines isnt bad but i still feel so dissappointed in myself and desperately want to stop.

Thanks for any advice.

2

Hi, you need to try and identify what makes you want to start again, then

when you know what triggers this try to do something else.

also what strength are you taking you can't buy codeine over the counter

its prescription only medication, are you buying things with codeine in

if you are that would be a very small amount of codeine each day.

maybe you should see your GP and they can give you other pain releif

hope this helps. Ann

3

Hi ann thanks for your reply

I take paracetamol and codeine. The codiene is 15mg so its 30mg per 2 tablets. It is a low dose, but i have taken it almost every day for seven years im only 29. Its really affecting my stomach and i have ulcerations. I just want to stop taking it but i keep going back when i feel stressed.

4

Hi, yes I know how you feel, I took dyhydrocodeine for a couple of years up to eight a day, but stopped at new year. Withdrawal wasn't nice especially the first week. Try and see a GP there are lots of other meds that arent

addictive codeine really shouldn't be taken for more than a few days.

i would make a GP appointment and say everything you've said on here.

good luck Ann