am i an addict?

[chameleon_girl865]

I have been taking 100-160 mg codeine phosphate 2-3 times per day that i extract using the cold water method for approximately 2-3 months.  I have degenerative disc disease in my lumbar vertebrae 4 and arthritis in my sacroiliac joints.  Sometimes I find that the dose wears off and I get the pain back worse than what it was (all over body pains and lower back pains too).  I have tried weaning off but I find the pain intolerable to deal with and so I end up taking a dose of codeine.  I would like to stop this but don't know how.  It seems like the cold turkey method doesn't help... am I addicted and what other treatment options are out there that might help?

[awakan]

Have you tried going to N.A. and support groups outside of your home sometimes getting out and being in the mix can be really helpful. I am still sick from methadone withdrawals the worst is over but still no sleep creepy skin bad stomach and seriously anti social..From years of isolating myself with my habit and back pain,and I can say that if it was not for getting together with folks who are experiencing the same problems it would be tough for me too..I hope you are well enough to try this it may save you from your addiction..Other than that what can I say it is painful to be in pain..Profound eh but worse to feel hopeless on top of it i hope you can reach a point where you are well enough to try this..a-wakan

[fishmeal]

It

[lil_addict]

Chameleon,
Welcome to the forum.  There are alot of very helpful supportive and very kind people on this forum.  If I hadn't found this forum when I did a few months back I might not be here today.  I don't know if you are an addict or not but I would say in my opinion that if you can't quit cold turkey you prolly are at least dependant on the drug.  I'm not familiar on what withdrawals morphine gives because I've only taken it a couple of times but there are alot of people on here that can answer your questions concerning this particular drug.  It might not be for a few hours because it is late at nite but be patient and you will definitely get what you are lookin' for.  Sorry I'm not much help but I just wanted to welcome you to the forum and say that I'm here for you if you need to talk.  :)  Take care and you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Lil.  :)

Awaken,
You sound just like me.  I'm so sorry you are comin' down with the methadone withdrawals though.  I heard they last alot longer than the oxy's that I take.  But I get the upset tummy, the crawly skin (which is the worst one for me) and the no sleep part.  I definitely feel for you and I'm here for you also if you need someone to talk to.  I'll be here for a while before I go to bed.  I'm goin' to be quiting for the last time (I hope) in a week or so, so I need all the help I can get soon.  Have a wonderful restful and peaceful nite.  You also fish :)  Take care, hugz, Lil.  :)

[green eyed lady]

I am not saying this to be rude but you asked if you were addicted to the codeine, well IMO if you are cold water extracting than I would say YES. I also have chronic pain and I too abuse the meds so I know how difficult it can be to stop especially when you have chronic pain besides.

I am wondering if you could taper? This seems to help me. What I am thinking you could do is instead of extracting start taking them orally and then start weaning yourself from there. I know with extracting you are receiving a dose all at once so that is what your body is used to...the high concentration. At least if you were to start taking them orally your body would still be getting the dose but not at such a fast rate and then you could start to taper.

I am sure they're many others who could offer their opinions and maybe even set you up with a good tapering regimen that would at least lessen the w/ds. I wish you the best because I understand how hard this process is. Good luck.

[chameleon_girl865]

thanks for all the advice... i really do appreciate it.  i am going to try to taper off... and in the meantime make an appt with my doctor about what has been going on with regards to my back and all the pain i'm in.  i probably should try anti-inflammatory meds rather than all the codiene i have been on lately... hopefully i am on the right track now.

[broknbck]

u asked if you're addicted? stop taking them for a day or 2.if you experience alot more than just pain, like shakky, freezing cold, sick to your stomache, headache,panicky feeling; then you are probally addicted.Physically addicted. there is also mentally addicted.If they are still working for pain there's a good chance you're not. If you're not-GREAT make sure you don't.
I would try the steroids first, before anti-inflammatories. If that doesn't work the anti-inflammatories usually don't either and they are really bad for you. Can't take them for a long period of time.Hope this helps!