Codeine addiction please help

[namaste13]

Hello people.  I have joined this forum because from what I've read it looks like some kind and supportive people are here.  I have been taking codeine on and off, but mostly on, for the last 5 years.  I have just emailed a guy about doing me a tapering program because I just can't do this cold turkey thing - I have tried but the withdrawal symptoms are just too horrific.  Any support or advice very gratefully received.  Marie

[namaste13]

Hi Dane I was going to try to get a doctors appointment today but am sort of between doctors as have moved house recently.  I did email the guy Dave, who was mentioned in a link here about getting a tapering plan and then have written down the detox from here that I read yesterday.  I need to do it because I am starting to get stomache ache and I'm pretty sure it is from taking so many Nurofen Plus.  I am dreading the withdrawal symptoms but I am going to follow all the advice on here and buy the vitamins etc. that are recommended.  

[Dane74]

you will have ample friends here!!  BUt you also need face/face help as well.  Glad to hear that you have done some ground work into finding out what aftercare works best for you, for sure hit up a meeting and possibly get a sponsor.  I am a firm believer of tapering with that being said it cant be done alone, in the meantime start cutting back your dose until you come up with a plan.  Have you thought about going to your doctor for help?  DO know that our secrets keep us sick, and the truth sets us free, please just think about that.  

[ariley13]

Hi there and welcome! You have got some great advice. I just wanted to add my support. Whatever you decide as far as whether to taper, or go cold turkey, please stay close and keep posting. This is a great community and you will find lots of amazing advice, support, and encouragement. Be sure to let us know any symptoms you are having once you begin your taper or quit. We can suggest different remedies that may help to ease your suffering. Please do check out the NA meetings. You will find lots of great people and support there. Best of luck to you! You can do this!! Please take care and keep your head up.

[ricart70]

It's pretty easy to go to na meetings and you determine your level of involvement .They don't pressure you to do anything...unless you ask to be pressured ;)         Just keep posting and you will get great support here too. It's usually a little slow on Sunday night though / ;)

[namaste13]

Thank you so much for contact already!  I have just been on the NA website and see there are meetings practically every day where I live so I think I will bite the bullet and go, however daunting it seems....

[namaste13]

I don't have anyone to help with tapering because no one knows about my addiction.... Apart from hopefully new friends on here.  I think I can be strong enough in myself to do it.  Thank you for contacting me.  Kind regards.

[ricart70]

Welcome friend !  You can do this and get your life back. It just takes time and you have to put in the time and give your brain the time it needs to readjust after discontinuing the opiates. As Dane said,it would be a real plus if you have someone on board to hand out your pills as per your taper schedule. Keep posting here and you will get lots of support and advice .Best wishes friend

[Dane74]

Hi Marie, welcome, you have found a great place to be!!  Let me start by saying yippie for wanting off the codeine and reclaiming your life back.  A taper is great if you have help, do you have someone to hold on to the meds and give you what you need?  Have you thought about aftercare?  Remember getting off the codeine doesn't mean your done, there is still allot of work to do.  Let us know what your plan is and we can all help and offer advice.