Addicted to Codeine Cough Syrup - HELP !

[Lotus_Girl]

Hi Guys, I have decided to join this forum because I need help.
I have been taking the Codeine Cough Syrup for about 3 years, and lately I have been abusing it. I did quit for a couple of weeks which made me very proud of, but once I drank alcohol I automatically craved the syrup and I am back to the rotine again.
Alcohol + Codeine is very dangerous and may lead to coma or death.
I see that we all have something in common which is we dont want to die, and interesting enough out of all the drugs this addiction in specific should warn the brain and that is what causes our paranoia.
I used to take codeine to write, it used to inspire me greatly but it no longer has that effect, I rather feel worried, depressed, scared, embarassed, stressed out, hopeless, panic attacks, scared to die -  I basically hate the high that codeine brings and everytime I take it I promise not to take again.
Well I have learnt that relapse is part of quitting, so I want to start fresh again, as from today and be sober again.
I am at a stage that I am scared of relapsing again, that my brain starts deceiving me into thinking that I will enjoy or to go out drinking and have the drive to get it.
Do you guys have any advice or method that helped in your full recovery?
Can you share your experience?
Thankfully I do not suffer from withdrawals which means that even though it maybe be a physical addiction it affects me more psychologically.
Thanks guys

[vicki595]

Have you stopped today?  You need support to help you prevent relapse. Who is there to support you? You might consider a support group and we can help you with that.

Stay away from alcohol. Period. That's a trigger for you. You may find that alcohol is a problem for you, as well.  Have you ever considered AA?  The fellowship is useful for relapse prevention.

Let us know how you are today-

[Lotus_Girl]

Hi :) Well I had relapsed again for about 4 days, and now I haven't done in the past two days but I want to quit again.

I do not have any support group and do not open up with anyone as I find pretty difficult to do so as I also feel like no one will understand me.

Well I am happy that you mentioned alcohol, because what caused me to relapse was alcohol, as soon as I started drinking triggered the thoughts and just fully relapsed on everything.

I just wanna make it clear that I no longer enjoy getting high on it and the entire period I go through so much guilt and fear of dying in my sleep or something.

Thank you so much for your message, it is the weekend and I know what to do - stay away from alcohol.

Yes I do need a support group :)

Thank you

[vicki595]

Use this forum for support until you can find something close to home. Consider seeing a therapist. There are substance abuse counsellors. It sounds like a one to one situation would be more therapeutic for you.

Stay away from alcohol just for today. Do it again tomorrow! It's the one day at a time philosophy that you've heard of. Try to distract yourself so your mind is busy.  

We have a lot of suggestions.   Stay in touch. You really can do this because that stuff is just depressing you. Forget about it! Then you'll feel better.

[motye51]

Codeine is codeine....no matter how you take it...either via cough syrup or by pill...imo... It sounds to me like the withdrawal you're going through is mental perhaps, not as much physical which is good in a way.
For me time is what helped with the physical but aftercare is what helped with the mental.  I choose to actively search a recovery rather than just be abstinent and the same way I was before mentally.  I hope that makes sense.  The cravings and demented thinking are normal for someone coming off of drugs. Surrounding yourself with positive, recovered people will help immensely with the mental mind screw that we go through.  Eating well, excercising, these things help the mind as well....but I will reiterate....working a program is what helped me the most.
Good luck on your journey and whatever you decide.

[Lotus_Girl]

Thanks for your input, I have found that my withdrawal s mostly mental yes, and for some reason I forget thta I dont enjoy the high and all of a sudden I really feel like taking it.

Eating well and exercising - yes were working wonders and bringing a sense of well being too. What do you mean by a program ? Which type of program did you follow?