co-codamol

[JohnSutherland]

I take about 28 of these a day. Please help

[cerebrus]

Hi John. Well done for finding this site. I guess the first point is that you're addicted to codeine. There are a lot of people addicted to this, often in secret and often carrying out a seemingly normal life. There are a lot of good reasons to stop, but the most important one seems to be that you've come to the realisation that enough is enough and you want to get your life back.

Its taken me a number of tried over the last 12 months to stop - and I made a few mistakes -  but I think I'm on the road to recovery now. (I'm a 4 year old family man who felt such an *** for getting myself into such a position).

There is lots of information in these forums about what to expect from quiting codeine so spen some time reading. But the next big step is to tell the people close to you and go to your doctor for help (this scared the pants off me to do this).

On the dose you're on the doctor could give you a taper plan or you may just want to bite the bullet and stop. But, tell people before, esp. you doctor, and read about what to expect (1-2 weeks of a very bad flu and very runny bottom).

Put any questions up you need answering and bloody good luck.

[cerebrus]

Correction, I'm a 49 year old family man. :-)

[JohnSutherland]

I am desparately grateful for all your kind words.

I am of course very embarrased about this but its only ME that can fix it.

I WILL have a chat with the doc and see if he can help. God knows I need help.

John

[Tab57]

John,

Please continue to move forward as you are. You are absolutlely correct when you asay that only you can fix this. You can get some help with this process. A good support group such as NA is a great resource to help you. This site is another source of help.

An addditional source of help is if you can confide in a trusted friend or family member and level witb them about you situation. Having a person close to you that can help you through the beginning of the recovery process is huge. I hope that you decide to do this.

Good deal about seeing the doctor as you need professional guidance about developing a taper pan. Such a thing i8s best left to the pros.

Please continue to post as there are a lot of great peole here to help you.

Tom

[cassmax]

hi john, you have done the best thing first and addmitted the problem, there is no shame in this as iam also addicted to pain killers and iam now on a tapper plan.  you should see the GP and tell them the truth about how many you take. this is a dangerous amount to be taking as they also have a high quantaty of paracetamol of which is not good for you, along with the constapation you will be suffering.  cutting down slow is the way forward and it will take a long time if you dont want withdrawel afects, is it 30/500 tablets you use?

[cerebrus]

Hi John, how are things going, have you thought of the next steps yet?

It took me three goes to stop before I told my wife and went to see my GP. Both have been great and completely non-judgemental. Not having to pretend everything was ok when I was feeling withdrawal symptoms was great. There were a few afternoons when I took to my bed without having to tell lies about something bad I'd eaten at lunch.

Good luck and let us know how things are going.

[JohnSutherland]

Guys

Stopped taking coke today. I realise this is why I took the painkillers. I needed them to bring me down. I know this wont be easy but will try. Wife says she will help.

[cerebrus]

Hi John, Congratulations on your decision and for telling someone about your addiction. Have you been able to see a doctor about his as you're coming off a significant dose of drugs? They will be able to get you something to lessen symptoms and also put you in touch with some local counciling?

Although you take to codeine to calm you down from the coke,  your body will have a physical dependency on the codeine from which you'll get strong withdrawal symptoms when you quit so ask you GP for some help.

But mainly, keep posting, let us know how things are and good luck.

[JohnSutherland]

not a good day. coked earlier and now relying on downers. sorry

[janet19]

I see you! There are people here, it is getting later and its a weekday. Just keep being honest with your wife and let her know you did not do well today.

It *****, but remember you have a problem and you are an addict. Try to remember that each time you pick up those pills. Your life is worth more than pills and your wife will definitely agree.

Just suck it up and keep trying, trying, trying and before you know it, you can do it!

[cerebrus]

Hey John, it happens. If our addiction just stopped because we felt like stopping then I don't think this site would be here. I know how disappointed you feel, I certainly did every time I went back. But you can't extrapolate the going back this time with not being able to quit, ever. You've made an important decision, now you need to find out how to achieve it, and you've certainly learnt of one situation that does not help.

Next step,  work out what the trigger was this time that caused you to relapse, try again and kick your mates out of the house if they turn up with coke - ask them at the door before you let them in.

Let us know how things progress and good luck.

[JohnSutherland]

down to 8 or 10 a day. will see how I get on. stopped coke entirely and changed my lifestyle. Thanks to all for support. JS

[JohnSutherland]

taking 2 week vacation...  trying to stay away from this killer... thank you alll

[cerebrus]

Way to go mate. Bloody good for you. Have a fab time, treat your self to lots and lots non-pharmaceutical fun and remind yourself what a great bloke you really are.