Codeine withdrawal symptoms

Unfortunately the sleeplessness can stick around for a while as can the diarrhoea - but better to have diarrhoea than the horrendous constipation that comes with codiene use. Without going into too much detail, I’ve always got around that by not using codiene till I’ve been out of bed for a couple of hours, that way the codiene hasn’t been in my system round the clock meaning I could go in the morning. I don’t mean to be crude, but this might help someone who hasn’t managed to get off it yet and is having similar problems. 

How were you first introduced to codiene Jonathan? I first took it for genuine pain but like you mentioned, I loved the warm fuzzy feeling it gave me and I had no idea that I could become addicted to a drug that the doctor gave out. To me, ‘drugs’ were what people injectored on street corners, and these pills were ‘medicine’. How wrong I was. Still, it’s no good dwelling and regretting. All we can do is move forward. 

You’ve done incredibly well to get to day 5 Jonathan! Is this the first time you’ve attempted to kick the addiction? Have you spoken to anyone about it? Have you taken any supplements or anything to help you through? Sorry for all the questions, I just like to know details haha. 

I’m really pleased for you, I can’t stress enough what an achievement this is! 

Keep well Jonathan, I look forward to hearing back from you ☺️

Again sorry read the forum creator ReeRee mabey I’m not having a great day 🤷🏻???🤦🏻???

Hi Jonathan, great to see a reply from you so soon 😊 and don’t worry, you’re going through a huge thing at the moment so you probably feel a little bit all over the place! It’s great that your partner knows what’s going on but her reaction disappoints me a little bit. Don’t get me wrong, if she hasn’t been through this herself then there’s absolutely no way she can truly understand what’s it like but I’d have thought that she’d have an idea after seeing you so poorly for 4 days. It’s so important that we have a good support network around us. My partner knows all about my situation and I’m honestly so lucky, he’s my absolute rock and I just could not get through this without him. He hasn’t ever been addicted to anything so, like your partner, he can’t truly understand it but he really does his best to see if from my view and help and support in anyway he can - even when he found out that I’d relapsed 2 months prior and had lied to him about It. He was more upset that I’d not felt the could talk to him about it, but that’s because of my  own issues, I’ve never really felt I could talk to people. I had a really bad childhood so it all stems from that. However that’s a different story all together! 

I’m from the UK also, I live in East Lancs, what about you? 

You mentioned that you’d keep going back to the doctors with fake injuries in order to get your fix - have you spoken to your doctor about your addiction? If not, it might be an idea to come clean with them (pun intended) so that you can’t get anymore. This is a HUGE step, I don’t know if you’ve seen the comments above but Rich has just done this with his doctor which is absolutely fantastic! It’s a big step because you’re completely cutting off a source of tablets but it’s also a very important part of your recovery. My doctor knows all about it because I went to them to ask for help so of course it all goes on my records which is fine by me. I just wish that they would stop selling them over the counter like they have in Australia. Mind you, I think that has driven a lot of people towards heroin. It seems that they’ll cut the supply of codiene but haven’t offered nearly enough help for addicts so they’ve gone for whatever they can get which happens to be heroin or crystal meth! 

Going back to your WDs, we are all different and no CT is the same for everyone. While you were using for 12 months, that’s not really a very long time compared to others. I have been battling addiction for about 6 years now and there are others on here that have been battling for 15 years or more! You’ve really done very well to put a stop to this at quite an early stage - I wish I had your self discipline! So you’re not on day 5 and your legs are feeling so fingers crossed for a good nights sleep tonight! 😁 you could try potassium tablets, it’s completely natural therefore not addictive, potassium is supposed to help with restless limbs, which can be one of the worst symptoms because it prevents you from sleeping. Sometimes you just feel that if only you could sleep properly you could put up with everything else! Have you been working while you’ve been going through this? 

Well I’ve just noticed that I’ve written quite an essay so I’ll wrap it up now before you get bored (If you haven’t already haha) 

Take care J, look forward to hearing back from you x 

Good Morning J, how are you feeling today? Did you manage to get any sleep? It’s strange, you can be ok-ish through the day then your body seems to know that it’s bed time and thinks “I know, I’m gonna turn the sweat glands on and get the restless legs going!” From previous experience I have found that those particular symptoms seem to linger which is one of the reasons for my relapses. I am told that it does go away eventually but as everyone is different there’s just no way to know how long it’ll be till they do go 😞 stick at it though, you’ve done absolutely amazing to get where you are now! 

Ahh, Manchester! I’m about 30 mins drive from there and actually used to see a lad from there (who was addicted to codiene), it’s not you is it? Haha, his name begin with N though so it can’t be you. Yes my partner is truly amazing, I’m so lucky to have him. We met on a night out, a mutual friend introduced us and we haven’t looked back since. As cheesy as it sounds we are the loves of each other’s lives! And believe me when I say I was never into soopiness like that before haha. It is a shame that your GF doesn’t really understand but also a good thing in a way because that means she’s never had to suffer in the way that we have and I would never wish this on anyone! 

I can’t believe you’ve managed to work through it! Are you the hulk or something? What do you do for work? 

Well done for booking the appointment with the doctor as well! You really are tackling this head on aren’t you! What do you plan to tell them? 

I’m really astounded by your strength J, what you’re going through is terrible, a truly horrendous ordeal but you’re just plowing through and refusing to be beaten! Also your positivity may inspire others going through the same thing and give them strength. I take my hat off to you! It sounds like you’re well over the worst of the symptoms now, it’s just a case of seeing off the last of them and getting more and more sleep each night till all this is just a bad memory. I can’t wait to look back at this time and thank god that I got through it. How wonderful that will be! 

Take care J, look forward to hearing back from you ??

Hi Jonathan thank you for sharing your story I'm again on day two I can't seem to get past day four I keep going backwards instead of forward. Is the whole sicky feeling. The need to use the bathroom and yeah the lack of sleep like you I say just two will make all this go away. I will follow you and can't wait for your input tomorrow because I know tomorrow will be day seven for you that's amazing keep up the good work. I feel I need to hand my wages over to someone else cause while I have cash on me the temptation is bigger x good luck and we'll done on day six

I’m sorry to read that you had a terrible time, how strange that it hit you so hard on day 6 though! I wonder if you’ve had a 24 hour bug or a touch of food poisoning? Still, you didn’t let it beat you and that must have taken immense willpower so well done to you! I don’t think I could have resisted that. I should have mentioned before that long soaks in the bath help so much with the leg aches. When I was withdrawing from tramadol I must have taken 10 baths a day, that was the only way that I could get some relief and a little nap, other than that I didn’t sleep for 4 days straight! Also, to anyone going through this, and I should have mentioned this before but I completely forgot, the drug clonodine helps massively as well. It’s usually used to treat other illnesses and it’s not addictive but the last time I quit cold turkey I took 3 of them 4 times a day and it really helped me. The only thing is it lowers your blood pressure so you can feel a little dizzy if you stand up too quickly etc. The benefits certainly outweigh the negatives. J, you mentioned sominex, I’ve never heard of that, what is it please? Also I’m really glad that your partner is starting to understand what you’re going through. I’ve said before that support from those around you is paramount to ongoing recovery. I’m so impressed that you didn’t give In, you were going through the worst time of your life and you stayed strong! You’re an inspiration! Caroline, thank you for sharing your story as well. Don’t beat yourself up, they say that it takes on average 6 or 7 attempts to finally beat this thing, so just thing of it all as part of your recovery. Do you have anyone close to you that knows what you’re going through? If not, do you think there’s anyone you can talk to about it? Of course, we’re all here for you on this forum and we truly understand what you’re going through but say, if your partner (if you have one) is aware then that might help you to resist temptation. It certainly does for me. When I was living alone then I could go to the chemist whenever I wanted and no one had any idea but my partner knows all about it and that alone stops me from going, I don’t want to betray him. I’m also terrified of killing my self accidentally with an overdose or causing myself a serious illness, I couldn’t do that to him. I’ve already had a very close shave when I overdosed on tramadol, I had a full seizure at work, luckily I was sat at my desk with people around me. I could easily have been driving, or walking somewhere and banged my head. 

Remember we’re all here for each other to help each other through the hard times. Take care all, I look forward to reading your messages. 

Lots of love, ReeRee xx 

Last week  stupidly bought some tablets. I didn’t take any but for some reason, just knowing they were there helped me. Does anyone know what I mean by that? Anyway my boyfriend found them and I felt like such an a-hole! I tried to explain to him why I’d bought them but as he’s never been an addict he just can’t understand. I threw them away anyway (I can’t gelp feeling what I waste that was) and we’re good but I’m finding it hard to imagine a life without my crutch. And it will have to be forever, i simply cannot be trusted with pain killers. My boyfriend is amazing though, he doesn’t judge me and he tries to help me anyway he can. I’m so lucky to have him. 

Rich and J, how are you both doing? You’ve both come SO FAR and I’m so proud of you both! 

Caroline, and how are you my love? As said above, you mustn’t give yourseld a hard time. As we all know, this is the single hardest thing that any of us has done or will do in our lives and it takes great, huge strength to succeed and stay a success. Have you thought about tapering? The WDs are less intense however you will need some real self discipline because it’s so easy to go mad if you’ve got a weeks worth of tablets. I should know, this is my fourth (hopefully final!) attempt at tapering. I considered cold turkey but it’s too much for me. If you do want to stay with cold turkey then I would highly recommend the prescription drug clonodine. It eases the WDs but can make you a little light headed. 

I hope everyone is ok, hope to hear from you. 

Take care, ReeRee xx 

I completely get what your saying, it seems I’m replacing my need for codeine with alcohol! Not crazy but not good! Keep working at it reeree.

You will get there! X

Hi Rich & J, thank you for your replies. You think that there isn’t anything you can say that will make it better for me, but just seeing how well you’re both doing really helps so much! I’m so proud of you both, you’ve honestly come so far! Rich, yes that’s one of the risks of giving up an addiction I think, sometimes we end up swapping one thing for another. When I went cold turkey last time, I went out for a few drinks with my partner, it was about day 5 and I found that the more I drank the better I felt. I had so much energy (that’ll be the double vodka and red bulls I was necking) so I will need to be careful that I don’t turn to alcohol knowing that it makes me feel better in the short term. Luckily I’m not much of a drinker anyway and I never, ever drink in the house so fingers crossed I won’t be tempted down that road. I’ve been watching a lot of you tube blogs as well and also reading horror stories about people whose stomachs have blown from taking too many nurofen plus over long periods of times. Nurofen plus was my drug of choice when I couldn’t get hold of the codiene 30mgs. A pack of N+ (32 tablets) costs around £7 and I was doing a packet and half a day so you can imagine how much money I’ve spent on it over the years! I could have had several nice holidays abroad! Also when I went to the doctor for help this last time I was getting awful stomach pains which indicated an ulcer. I had a blood test to check my kidneys etc and luckily they’re ok but it showed I’m aneamic which supported the suspicion of a stomach ulcer which was bleeding! And you know, if I didn’t have the support of my partner I most likely would have just carried On as I was, no doubt it would have killed me. J, you are so strong you know, I don’t think I’d be able to resist if there were so many pills handing around. You both really are an inspiration. If we all lived closer I’d have suggested meeting us for a coffee or something. I’ve never really met anyone  in person whose going through this. Apart from one guy I was seeing for a short while, he was addicted as was I at the tone but he didn’t know that I was as well. 

Rich, you mentioned to me before that you had spoken to your friend about this and were thinking of speaking to your sister, did you do that? Are you still getting support from your friend? And what about you J? Is your partner still helping you through? 

Thank you both so much for listening to me and sharing your stories. You’re both a tower of strength to me and I am eternally grateful xx 

Hi Everyone, how is everyone doing? I can’t believe the progress you’ve all made, you’ve done so incredibly well! Tapering didn’t work so well for me, I just don’t have the self discipline needed to not gobble up a whole pack of codiene tablets so I’ve decided to make the jump. Today so day one, go me! I’m feeling it already, tummy problems, runny nose, goosebumps etc but I still have a lot of clonodine left over from last time so I’ve just taken 3 of those (last time my doc said I had to take 3 tables four times a day) and to be fair they do help, the only problem is they don’t help with the lack of energy, if anything they do make it a bit worse but I’ll take that over suffering all the WDs. As mentioned before, my boyfriend found out I had relapsed and while he has been supportive, I still lied to him for months so I absolutely cannot relapse again. We have a strong relationship but of course everyone has a breaking point don’t they. It’s weird because even know I’m feeling a bit crappy, I went outside earlier and I could smell the fresh air, I could feel the crispness of the morning. This is something I have not experienced for a long time. I’m also feeling very emotional but this time it just feels different. I’m trying to keep the mental and physical side of WDs separate from each other. Whereas previously whenever I’ve tried to give up all I’ve ever though about it how much better I’d feel with just a little bit of codiene, how much I missed my old friend, but this time I’m determined to try to live my life as normally as I can and NOT think about how much I want codiene, because I really don’t. I’ve finally seen codiene for the traitor she really is. She lures you in with the promise of good times and boy, does she deliver. For a while anyway, till the demon drug takes over our lives, our health, our finances and relationships. I’m extremely lucky that I’ve not caused myself serious health issues, especially after the seizure at the height of my tramadol Addiction and my shredded tummy after years of nurofen plus abuse. Whereas before I was worried about a life without codiene, I can’t wait to embrace it. I so can’t wait till I can say I’m at day 30, day 70, 2 years. How wonderful that will be. J, I would love to meet up for a coffee sometime. I have never actually spoken openly to a fellow addict face to face. I’ve considered NA meetings but they are geared more towards street drug addictions. Does your partner know when she will need to stop the codiene? I have no doubt that you will help her through. Is she sticking to the recommended daily dose? She might not have issues as much as you did. 

Peace and love to all, I hope everyone is ok xxx 

Hi ReeRee thank you for sharing your story. Like you I came clean to my partner and adult children that I had a problem and I started the detox and the pain hot cold sweats the tears the not been able to sleep and don't mention the stomach. I made it to give weeks the went and both the agaín I continued to do this until like that I was caught to see my adult child crying her eyes out and the look of disgust on my son and partners face should have been enough to keep me off them but I went back ó them hiding all traces of them hoping I won't get caught. I'm about to take three day holiday with my partner and daughter and I know I won't get them in my case for fear of them finding them so I'm saying this is my chance to kick the habbit I remember the last time it was at least day four before the pains really started so I'll just make it home so then it will be the test to see if I buy some but I am hoping and praying I stay off these horrible fecking things. Its got to the stage they are 10.50 cent a day and when I can pick up two. All the chemist's know me and some have refused me anymore tablets unless I get letter from gp. When I first came clean I went straight to the doctor she prescribed very light sleeping tablets and I attend na in which i can honestly say I haven't attended one and maybe I need too as this is way to big for me to deal with on my own. I never ever want to see my adult children cry and say they gear they will find me on the ground dead you say you would like to meet up wherebyou staying don't mind me asking i live in dublin. Hopefully we will both be saying day seven together and then day 100. I've lost a member of my family to drugs I can not put my family through this again.. I never have any energy I go to work then home and that's me. I can drive and I say I should go for a drive leave the money at home as that is half the battle. I wish you the very best of luck. We can do this. X x x

Hi reeree thank you for your reply I'm heading away first thing Tuesday I'll be back Friday morning and I'm hoping and praying this will kick start my detox. It was day four last time so I'm expecting the same this time. I'm off work for the week. I was open and honest last October when I told all my family they too gave as much support as they could and told me to stay at home until I was better so I've been buying them first thing have the pack of 24 gone by lunch time. It's when I get a second packet into me that makes me sick and my children remembered how sick I was the last time so as soon so taking only one packet stops the sickness and just makes me feel good. I'm afraid of the job coping on as you can imagine we have too much to loose of we keep up this lifestyle. Not only the financial cost I feel I'm like a zombie walking around and only doing what I need to do and nothing nice brown in there. I just don't think I'm strong enough I do know in order for this to work I can't have access to cash. I gave my eldest the bank card the last time and she basically took over the house for those three weeks back in October I need to do this again and not rush in taking it back. X x wish you all the best thank you for listening to me. I hope you sleep better soon and I welcome any suggestions you have that gets you through this x

All the best guys x

Hi Caroline and Rich, rich I’m sorry to hear you’re back on them. You did so well but this just proves how difficult it is to stay away. You say you haven’t got access to strong ones, which ones are you using? Are you going to quit them tomorrow? I’m hoping to be able to work tomorrow, I’m about to have my tea then I’m going to have some otc sleeping tablets and pray that I get some sleep! I would highly recommend clonodine if anyone can get that from their gp. Even though I’m feeling crappy, I know I would feel so much worse without them. I’m taking multi vitamins and also potassium tablets which are supposed to help with rls. We’ll just have to wait and see. Tomorrow will be day 3, according to everything I’ve read I should be at a turning point then, but that doesn’t tally in with Caroline’s experience, you said the real pain began on day 4. May I ask what it is that you’ve been taking Caroline? I’ve been using nurofen plus, generally 32 tablets a day but sometimes more. My stomach was starting to suffer with it, that’s one of the main reasons for coming off it. 

Peace and love to all, may we defeat this awful disease xxx

Hi reeree I too was taking anything up to 48 nurofen plus. It was the coldness that came first my skin was sore to touch you would be so cold that I would spend more time in and out of showers just letting the scalding water drip down my body. Sleeping was horrible or should I say lack of it and then when I did sleep I would wake with bad pains in my legs and arms. Bad enough you would wonder if I was taking a heart attack. I also developed an ulcer which makes me violently sick and doctors say if I stop using the nurofen that this will ease the sickness. As I mentioned I'm away from tomorrow till Friday so day one will be tomorrow for me I want to stop this nasty drug. I suffer with bad back pain hench why I started these tablets. I can honestly say I started this filthy habit about five years ago and it made my day go a lot easier. I know I can't keep hiding behind this tablet and I want my children to look at me and believe me when I say I off them. Hope day three goes well for you tap yourself on the shoulder and say well done. I always heard take it day by day I literally have to take it hour by hour. We can do this x x

Hi guys. I’ve been following this discussion for some time now and I have to say you have all been an inspiration and a major source of strength to me. I’ve been addicted to codeine for about 13 years now and although Ive always been able to admit it to myself, I’ve never admitted it to anybody else. I don’t have a partner or any family other than my beautiful kids so I’ve had to learn to become pretty strong and independent. People seem to think that because I’m strong I can cope with anything and don’t really need help, but they don’t realise that while I may seem strong on the outside I’m a mess inside. Life can be hard and no one grows up thinking “I might become an addict when I grow older”. I don’t tell anyone not because I’m ashamed but because I know what most people will say-“just stop taking them”. Oh I hadn’t thought of that-idiot! But no one here is weak. You’re the ones that can admit you have a problem and are trying to deal with it and to me, that’s real strength. I live in Australia and in February codeine went on prescription only so I knew I needed to do something. I tapered down from 30 a day to 3 or 4 a day and it wasn’t easy. I had days where I just needed to have that warm fuzzy feeling that nothing else gave me and I would take more. Then a week ago I went to get my script and found out my Dr was away and I couldn’t get a script. It’s not easy to get a script from another dr and too be honest I just couldn’t find the strength anymore to try and figure out a way to get some. So now I’m on day 5 of withdrawal. The baths definitely help and I’m on tablets for the rls and all the magnesium,iron, potassium,etc. I have an appointment to get a script tomorrow but now that I’ve made it this far I’m hoping I’ll have the will to cancel it in the morning. Please don’t beat yourself up if you relapse or if you’re not ready yet because just by being here and giving other people advice and hope, you’re already stronger than you realise ??

Hi Kellie (I love that name) thank you for sharing your story and I on the edge of my seat praying you will cancel this apt. And if you get it how long will it last and how often can you get this script. I live in dublin in Ireland and they ask you loads of questions like that they look for letter from go. I came clean last October after taking up to 48 tablets a day for about five six years like that I'm a single parent although my children are young adults the look on their faces make me want to stop yesterday but every time I walk by a chemist I'm in there answering all these questions. I must be the only woman that has a bad period every day. I really want to stop these not only the financial side but I can't stop. I'm away as mentioned in a earlier mail from Tuesday till Friday so I've already got my pack of 24 which will be gone in an hour. I know there are chemist's where I am going but I can't take the chance of been caught. I want to gain control of my life and not have them control me. Day by day hour by hour. Keep yourself busy. How are you feeling when was the last time you took these can I ask x x together we can do this

Try not to look at it as you can’t stop taking them. Addiction is an illness and like any illness you can’t just make yourself better when you want to. You need to look at strengthening your mind and body first so that they can fight this illness. For me I know I lack happiness and self confidence in my life and those little white tablets just give me that boost that I need. Everyone has different reasons but there is always a reason even if you don’t realise it. 

The last time I took any was last Wednesday. I have horses which keeps me busy but today was the first day I just couldn’t make it up there. The runs seemed to have stopped although I don’t have much of an appetite anyway. The aches and pains are still there as are the hot and cold spells and rls but for me the worst part is lack of sleep. I’m so tired but my body hurts too much to get comfortable and even if I do manage to find some comfort I just can’t sleep. But in saying all that it’s all been worth it just to know that for the first time in years I’ve managed to go five whole days without them. 

Just remember Caroline that any step you take whether it’s big or small is an achievement. And just knowing that you want to stop is huge. Be proud of that as many people aren’t even at that stage yet. Thankyou and yes your right- together we can do this ♥️

Hi ReeRee, Thankyou for your wonderful words of support. I too am taking a cocktail of otc meds as well as some prescription ones. Today was the first day that I gave in to feeling tired and crappy but I need to listen to what my body needs and it needed a day of complete rest. Thanks to you guys I am going to cancel my appointment in the morning as you’re right. If I get a script I’ll think if I just take one I’ll feel better and then I’ll stop, as I’ve done in the past. 

I am ecstatic that I am on day 5 but I think everybody here is incredible as we’re all going through the same process, we’re just at different stages. Day 3 was probably the hardest for me as by then I was yearning for some codeine so you’re doing amazing and even though it may not feel like it, you will be on day 5 very soon. 

Yeh the whole label thing makes me laugh. I feel like saying to people half the time- “if I’d only just read the label, maybe I wouldn’t be here now” 🙄. If life was only that easy we’d have labels on everything. 

I still have mixed feelings about the whole prescription thing though as I know of many people who aren’t addicted but now can’t get anything for pain other than ibuprofen (which doesn’t do much for my pain) and some who have turned to harder, more illegal drugs. It’s like we’ll weve handed out all these drugs for years and now we’re just going to take them away and your on your own. Many Drs around here have no sympathy or understanding for those going through withdrawal now. But at the same time I know that if they didn’t make it prescription only, I’d still be taking them. 

Try to stay strong and be proud of every step you take. Im thinking of you all ??

Hi Kellie, your reply makes me feels so much better and you really are an inspiration to me. I’ve just managed to eat a small amount, I’m drinking a little bit more and am just trying to relax in front of the tv. My partner has just nipped out for a few hours and I’m feeling very needy. I don’t know what I’m going to do tomorrow when I’m on my own all day. Normally I love having time to myself but I’m so incredibly clingy at the moment. I’m so glad you’re going to cancel your appointment. You just know what will happen, it’ll be ‘just this once’ again and again till you’re back in the grips of addiction. I had cravings myself earlier, I thought to myself ‘I could just get 1 packet and make it last me 2 days then I’ll stop’ but I won’t. I’ll do the packet in one day then it’ll go on and on. I have to do this, the nurofen plus was killing my stomach and I could only continue taking those amounts for so long before it kills me. When my partner found out this last time he said he would have never forgiven me if something bad had happened to me, and he wouldn’t even know why. That was a real wake up. I’m just worried because I read on one site that it takes 4-6 weeks for your brain to start producing serotonin again, another site said 6 months! I am on antidepressants so hopefully they will help my brain get back to normal. 

You’ve really done so well Kellie to get to this point. Keep strong and stay focused, we can do this! 

I’ve had to teach myself so many different ways to get through life but in the end so long as nothing I believe in hurts anyone else then that’s ok. There are going to be many things that just won’t help you but some will. 

Yes you will feel needy but remember, in some form or another we all are, otherwise we wouldn’t be here going through  this. Many people give up trying to change their thought patterns because it’s hard and it takes time but everything we believe and feel is learned behaviour and learning takes time. Like you can’t just decide to swap what hand you write with and expect to write perfectly the first time, you can’t expect yourself to just change the way you feel. But in time you can learn with practice to write with your other hand. 

If what your partner says has given you some strength and determination then use it. But don’t let it turn to guilt or shame because then you’re just putting pressure on yourself. I’ve screamed and cried into a pillow so hard that I haven’t had the strength left to go and get some tablets. Just don’t feel alone because you’re not. The fact that we can’t see and touch each other doesn’t mean we’re not connected. You’re doing amazing ReeRee and we all inspire each other, that’s why we’re all here. I think you’re an amazing group of people just to be able to share your experiences and not to judge ♥️

Ian, you mentioned that you’ve always managed a few months clean, how long did it take for the rls to clear up? What sort of reasons do you have for relapse? 

Well I cancelled my appointment today so still no codeine. Yes ReeRee over half way through day 6 and feel about as good as yesterday but forced myself to go to the horses as the sun was out and thought the fresh air and peace and quiet would do me good, which it did. But now I’m back home and I’m tired and sore. I too am having a really messy emotional day today ReeRee so you’re not alone there. I wish I had the words or could do something to make you feel better. All I can do is tell myself that it will pass and that if I did go and get some tablets I’d only feel miserable and alone because I did. At least this way all the tears and negative feelings are for a good reason. Just remember what you said- you’re going through hell- but you don’t have to stay there. Day 4 is fantastic and every day is one step closer to your goal. Do you have some family ReeRee that maybe you could spend some time with, or a close friend? You don’t have to tell them what’s happening, you could just say you’re having a crappy day. Please know I’m thinking of you. 

Ian, the fact that you’ve been able to give up for months at a time is incredible. Relapsing isn’t failure, it’s only failure when give up trying and caring anymore. I’ve given up more times than I count too, but only for a few days so it really doesn’t count as properly giving up. I’m the same when it comes to the rls and sleep, although I don’t tend to sleep a lot anyway. But no sleep at all due to the rls does me in every time. This time I did get some medication from the Dr for the rls. I have tried everything that I could find on the internet and nothing really helped but I’ve been taking the Sifrol for 2 days now and while I still get that funny tingling feeling, I haven’t had the spasms where I’ve had to keep getting up and walking or taking a bath just to get maybe an hours relief if I’m lucky. So I’ve managed to get a few hours sleep the last couple of nights. Maybe you could ask your Dr for something for the rls and see if it helps. I didn’t tell my Dr about the withdrawal, just said that I needed something for the rls as I couldn’t function with no sleep. Please let us know how you’re going and I’m wishing you all the best ♥️

Wow, that’s great! I’m so pleased for you that you’ve managed to find the strength to go and do all that today. I know how hard it must have been to push yourself to do all that. Yes you should feel proud of yourself because what you achieved today was a massive step and I too hope the meds work for you. Being exhausted from lack of sleep due to the rls makes it even harder than it already is to cope through it all. 

I hope you’ve managed to eat something and it helps bit. I’ve managed to eat some tea finally so I’m hoping I’ll feel a bit stronger tomorrow. 

I was also wondering who else here has had rls before they started taking codeine? I did but it only happened maybe once a year and only for a couple of nights, nothing as bad as this. 

You really are doing so well ReeRee and yes we can do it-together! ♥️

ReeRee And Kellie well done really the first part is done. These days nights especially will feel long and crap. But you guys are doing amazing you really are. ReeRee what a strong woman resisting all that temptation. Kellie congrats on cancelling that appointment what a massive step. And Ian mate don’t beat your self up it’s a hard thing to do and well done for going so long each time. I can’t stress how crap these first days are what use are going through. They are like hell I was at that point not to long ago. Alls I can say to you guys is it is worth all the pain you guys are going through. These nights and days will pass and each day that does is another step closer to freedom. ReeRee my rsl lasted about 14 days I know it seems long but you are at the hardest part of the process. I know it’s been said but bath,bath and bath again. Things do start felling better But it takes time. To get my sleep pattern back properly it took about 3-4 weeks (full 8 hours and sometimes more😉. These 2 things was the worst for me and would of been the reason for relapsing. Its hard to say stick with it and just ride these horrible first stages out this is a really tough thing to break. But again you guys are doing amazing and I can promise you hand on heart things do get better day by day. I wish you guys all the luck and strength in the world use can do this stay strong.

Ian, so you’re starting today then? That’s great news! Do you have any support? 

Caroline, I know you’re away and so can’t reply. You will now be about 24 hours in by now, I hope you’re feeling ok! 

Peace and love everyone xxx 

Wow day 5 ReeRee, well done. You really are so strong to be going through those cravings and still resist getting those tablets. If it were still available over the counter here I’m not sure I would have been able to resist today. I hope you’re able to eat something soon. I think taking the rest of the week off is a really good idea as at least then there’s no pressure to have to do anything at all if you don’t feel up to it. And no I don’t have a partner or any family so you guys are really my only support but that’s ok because you guys help me more than you can imagine. I don’t want to speak to my friends about it either because as good as they are they still wouldn’t know or fully understand what I’m going through whereas you guys are going through it with me so I don’t feel so alone anymore. How’s the emotional side of things today ReeRee? Is it any better than yesterday? I hope it is as I know it really sucks feeling like that. 

Thankyou Jonathon, but it’s because of you and the others that gave me the strength to cancel it. I’ve been following your progress and I think you’re amazing to get to where you are and you really inspire me and make me believe that it’s possible for me to get to day 30 myself. Can I ask if you still get the urge or the craving to have some? I’m really hoping that feeling will go away in time. 

Ian, you take as much time as you need. I’ve been following this discussion for sometime and only felt up to talking myself a few days ago, so it doesn’t matter we’re still all here for you. I too suffer migraines and that’s where I’m going to have problems as I need pain relief for a couple of different issues and codeine is the only painkiller I can really take that helps. I’ve been to the pain clinic and unfortunately every other pain medication I’m either allergic to, or it does nothing at all. Apparently my body doesn’t respond to meds the way most people’s do. 

Caroline, I hope everything is going well on your trip and that you’re feeling ok. 

Thankyou again everybody because if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have gotten this far ♥️

Hi Kellie, wow, you’re at the end of day 7 and you’ve been busy all day, that’s incredible! How are you feeling physically? Oh my cravings were SO bad but ultimately the only person whose going to be worse off is me. I simply can’t go through another cold turkey, i don’t have it in me to do all this again so I have to stay strong. I’m so looking forward to going away for my partners birthday in November and not having to do the chemist tour beforehand to make sure I’ve got enough, and not having to sneak around taking them. I’m looking forward to all the extra money I’ll have! I must have been spending between £250 and £300 a month, that’s a good few thousand that I’ve wasted over the years. Onwards and upwards though. I’ve just managed to get an hours sleep on the sofa, I’m going to try and get some chores done. I’m so glad that you’ve been able to take strength from this forum. I do believe that this forum has really helped me as well, just knowing that there are people who fully understand is a comfort. People we might decide to confide in won’t ever really know what we’re going through unless they’ve been through it themselves. My emotions are much better today thank you, I’m not a quivering wreck but sad adverts and programmes send me over the edge ha. 

Caroline, I really hope you’re ok, I guess you can’t get a chance to pop into this forum but we’re all here for you when you do. 

J, I can’t tell you how much you’ve helped me. Like Kelli said, your comments make me believe I can do this too. I just can’t believe you managed to work through most of it! 

Take care all, speak soon xx 

It's such a shame that there was a dedicated forum out there with support (there was even a chemist giving advice), but it folded. I'd love to find out how to get it set up again. Unfortunately it is a grey area to have or give advice when we're unqualified which I do understand... It also makes me realise how awful you all must be feeling. I've never taken more than 8 N+ or equivalent in a day, usually no more than 6 or even 4 on a regular daily basis. I still realise it is very bad for you regardless. I still get withdrawal symptoms though for a week or so, and the cravings too. I'd imagine high usage would be a lot worse going full CT. I reckon the insomnia and rls will kick in tomorrow night, gonna look for lots of early nights! Good luck all and keep it up!