Codeine detox during pregnancy.

[Veronika89]

Hey everyone, I'm 26 weeks pregnant and I have a "small" codeine addiction. I've had issues with codeine in the past, this is very mild in comparison. For a few weeks now I've been taking codeine daily and of course the over time the dose has increased. I'm up to 10-14 pills in a day. I'm so ashamed of myself. I was wondering if it's ok to cold turkey detox? I know it will be a mild detox competitive to my last major one (20+ pills a day, was not pregnant at the time) thanks everyone.

[jifmoc]

Veronika, welcome and congrats on your pregnancy. I'm gonna give it to you straight though: that is not a "small" addiction. Actually, there in no such thing.  Get honest w/ yourself, and get honest w/ your doctor. Do not change ANYTHING until you see your doctor. The baby feels whatever you do, so that means detox, which could lead to dire consequences.

Make an appt w/ your obgyn and be 100% honest. Take your ego out of it, it's for your baby. You can't shock doctors, they've heard it all.

Good luck and keep posting for support.

[Veronika89]

Oh I'm not trying to down play it by any means! I know this is an addiction, I know it's wrong. I've struggled with codeine issues for well over 6 years, on and off, relapses. I've had one major detox (my first) and lots of "little" ones (meaning not as severe as the first one). I know what to expect, I know what a few weeks of this level of use will feel like, it's not going to be severe, it's gonna be a little bit uncomfortable, no energy and a headache for a couple of days. I've tried tapering in the past, many times, it just doesn't work for me, I obviously have a will power issue. That's clear.

[dominosarah]

Are you getting these pills from a doctor?  You need to talk with your OB about this.  Stopping cold turkey can be harmful to that baby.  Do what is right here.  I would also recommend getting into some sort of recovery care.  You need to deal with why you continue to use.