Waking up to Codeine addiction

Woke up today and realised that I am an over the counter drug addict.  After a bladder op (10/02/08) I was given codeine phosphate 30 mg & told to take one or two 3 to 4 times a day.  The strength of the pills blew me away but did ease the postoperative pain and allow me to work.  Over the past 10 years I have become accustomed to taking Paramol around 3 - 5 times a day.  I usually take one with a cup of tea or coffee rather like you’d take a lump or 2 of sugar.  Yes I have a problem but it was only this morning, when the prescribed codeine wore off and had adversely affected my sleep the previous night, that I realised I just can't go on this way.  

Like hitting a wall I am stunned.  Lied to myself for years believing my problem wasn't serious.  Yet the unnecessary buying of over the counter paracetamol and codeine is a huge problem as this site demonstrates.  Amazed at all the posts I’ve read detailing other folk’s misery and physical discomfort.  I have aches and pains now, my legs & lower back hurt, I can’t concentrate, my eyes are streaming and I feel hollow but not hungry.  I feel especially wretched to miss a day at a job I love but this morning just couldn’t move and the bladder discomfort was back big time.  The over the counter codeine I usually take makes my bladder pain increase so I can only assume my ill health is strongly associated with my paracetamol and codeine use.  

Logically I think the best thing is to gradually reduce the codeine but this site suggests “cold turkey”.  Ultimately it is time for me to stop taking codeine in any form, physically I feel dreadful but know there is no turning back.  Any thoughts from someone who “been there” and ” overcome it?  

[avisg]

You have realized you have a problem and that is the first step to getting better .You can do it .It is about a week of discomfort .Then comes the hardest part staying clean. Look into some recovery care/aa/na or a therapist .It is going to be harder for you because you can get the pills OTC ... Hang in there ..
avis