Im addicted to Paracetamol+Codeine+Doxylamine, how can i stop?

[amapelilokali]

I am pretty sure that im addicted to pain relief tablets. i started taking them for migraines, then i couldn't get to sleep without them, and i started to like how it made me feel, with the warming, relaxing and heaviness of my limbs, along with almost a tipsy feeling. so the number went up and has just continued to go up to get those feelings and more importantly to sleep. i am now up to 6 a day and i know that might not seem like much but i have been needing to up the dose more frequently. like my dose of 4 a day went up to 5 in a week and then to to 6 in a few days. i have been taking 6 for just 2 days now and i already feel like i need to take 8.... how can i stop this before it takes a stronger hold on me with out going insane?

[amapelilokali]

i was right! i have a reason to do this and not relapse because i have just found out that i am pregnant! so, i must be able to do this. but on another note i am so tired its not funny as i haven't been able to sleep yet.

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

Congratulations on the one day clean!  Take one day at a time....withdrawals isn't easy and you'll need all your physical and emotional strength over the next 48 hours.  Don't worry about anything else right now except for getting and staying clean.  Once that is done you will hopefully have a support system set up in your area and you can work on the 12 steps :-)

I'm on Day 9 now...trust me...you can do it...you really can!!!

[amapelilokali]

thank you everyone for your support. i am now one day clean, and have got a strong suspicion that its not just my life im ruining by these things now. i just have to wait to find out. i hope its positive. :)

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

Someone I know who is clean and sober now told me that when he went through rehab that they did a meeting and showed how the brain tricks us.  The pain tablets work on the pleasure portion of our brain (basically same area sex and chocolate work on lol).  Apparently at a certain point the brain will start trying to tell you that you are in more pain so that you will feed it more of that pleasure drug.  I'm only 8 days clean but I've heard from several in here that soon my pain level will go down.  I'm looking forward to it.

Just quit....quit now before it gets worse.  It starts out that way...oh I'll just take an extra...then it is oh I'll take 2 but later I'll skip one (oh yeah right uh huh lol).  Next thing you know a month scrip is only lasting 2 or 3 weeks (if you are lucky).

The drug is taking hold of you....take your life back.  Come here as often as you like and need to.  Lots of wonderful people here for support, no judgments, great advice.  Look into NA meetings in your area also.  Coming from an addictive family I know that getting off anything addictive doesn't work without a program.

You can do this...I have faith in you and believe you have the strength to do it!!!

[onthefence]

even though doxylamine can be purchased w/out prescription it has risks when taking too much or long term, rhabdomyolysis, is something that can happen when too much is taken, there are safer more effective treatments for insomnia, talk to your doctor.
as most of us know here Paracetamol is toxic to liver in high doses,so my hope would be that learning more about how these seemingly safe over the counter drugs can really cause long term harm can help you to gain the desire to make a change.....

[Goodpersoninside]

It's very to say just don't do it but it is the only way. It's hard but maybe let your husband know and be honest and he will understand and help you. Your not to far along so just stop. Like Vicki said that's how we do it. Just make up your mind and stop. It will be much easier no than later! Coming from a 13 year attic trust me now is the time. Keep reading posts here this place awesome with people just like you who really care. Keep posting we are all praying for your strength and success.  

[amapelilokali]

the problem is, i cant stop. my husband has no idea what is happening to me, my mother is suffering as well so i cant talk to her, and as much as my hubby loves me, he still will never understand. i have tried to stop gradually and cold turkey but nothing has worked. i am also starting to get sharp pains in my underarms after i dose up... not on the surface but deep and thats making me worry more....

[vicki595]

Hi there and Welcome!

You just need to stop. Don't put it in your mouth. I know it's hard but that's how we do it. Most of us have or have gotten a lot of addiction support and aftercare and it's absolutely necessary!

Are you still able to purchase these over the counter?  Tell someone close about this, as well. The trick is to put up as many barriers to the pills as possible. It will be hard for a few days and then you'll miss it for awhile but you WILL adjust.

How can we help?

[jethro733]

The only thing for it is to stop really.  There's no magic formula except biting the bullet.  Thankfully you are on a low dose so it won't be too intense in relative terms.