N+ for dummies

[ginap60]

So, I have unfortunately got myself into a predicament, made worse only by the fact that this is round #2 for me. Have been taking 40(ish) N+ every day for what must be almost 4 years. About a year ago I saw a doctor and managed to wean down on codeine tabs which I really didn't stick out for long once I had come off them - maybe a month? I now have to do this again, but probably on my own as i can't imagine going back!
I went to another doctor a while ago (one I didn't know) and got not a lot of help there unfortunately. So I am now just trying to taper off the actual N+ tablets myself - which I have half heartedly been attempting for months!
My stomach is wrecked and I basically suck.
I can't really get time off work so I will have to do it this way and hope I can reallly stick to it.
My partner knew last time but there is no way I can tell him this time.
Ummm...any encouraging words appreciated.
Has anyone succesfuly stopped doing it this way?

[nursegirl6572]

With all due respect, you should perhaps take your own advice.  We've recommended all of the same to YOU and you've made an excuse as to why you couldn't do any of them.

I think you have a ways to go in your own recovery before you can start advising others.  

[Eveleivibe]

Its not just about now. You need to have a plan in place for after care. You don't want to quit to re-start again. Whether you taper or go cold turkey n do this successfully will be brilliant.
What are you going to do to prevent future relapse? NA? Counselling? Help others on here? Not having a go as i haven't quit yet either im with drug n alcohol waiting to be allocated to a keyworker.
Not saying you should go down that route but you did say you were addicted before n have relapsed roght? So there needs to be thought into aftercare now because you don't want to do all this work (go through w/ d etc) for it to be wasted.

Take care,
Evey x

[Eveleivibe]

Have you thought of going to your local drugs n alcohol service? That's what I'm doing anyway they're quite helpful.

[ginap60]

Thanks. I guess the reason I wanted to post on here is because without doing this (because this time I don't have the support from a doctor or my partner) - its so easy to just pretend what you're doing is not happening. I think if I can continue to converse with people about it, then I am actively thinking about this stupid thing I am doing to myself every day, no more head in the sand. I think I will go to 10 a day next week, then to 5 and then CT. Its really nice to hear that you have been able to do this! Its what I need to hear for sure. I try to just think about it one day at a time but I'm a bit scared about the depression I'm going to face once I've stopped properly! Did you experience this yourself? And how long for? I really wish there were no codeine products sold over the counter! Thanks so much for your words anyway.

[harmsnogood]

Hi,Im from the uk and was addicted to nurofen plus,at my worst i was buying 2 packs of 32 a day for quite a few years..In the uk you could visit any number of chemists and buy 100s if u wanted.With 12mg of codeine its pretty strong stuff..Once i got down to 32 a day i actually made the jump ct..I would say 3 to 7 days of varying withdrawals..Its not fun but very doable.I kept hydrated which is so important,energy supplements..Try and do a little excercise even a small walk out..Plenty of baths for the ache,potassium helps if u get restless legs..Just accept sleep when u can get it,dont make your bed somewhere that u fight every night..But let me say after about 5 days each day gets better and better and its the best decision u can make..Good luck
Harms