Dihydrocodeine addiction.
Posted , 41 users are following.
One last thing I need to say and then I'm outta here. I'm reading a lot on here about dihydrocodeine addiction...it's as bad as heroin addiction. Drug addicts...etc etc. Well, here is the truth, absolute. If you take dihydrocodeine at a high therapeutic dose for say 3-4 weeks daily, then you are physically dependent on them. And you will continue to be physically dependent on them until you stop taking them. BUT YOU ARE NOT ADDICTED! Addiction is a chronic condition, framed in an obsessive compulsion to repeat the bahaviour, in this case drug taking, no matter what detrimental effects the behaviour may be having on your life. Addiction means you lie, steal, rob to take ever higher doses of a substance, progressing through the stages of harm with administration (ie. from snorting or smoking heroin to injecting it). Ultimately you spend ALL of your time looking for money or drugs to the exclusivity of everything else. Addiction is defined by a chronic, unstable lifestyle that is out of control. If you are going searching for more and more scripts, or money to buy DHC AND TAKING EVER GREATER DOSAGES then you are addicted to them. Otherwise, you are physically dependent. Nothing more and nothing less. Please, no more of these comments about how being on a DHC script is as bad as being a heroin addict. I was a heroin addict for 20 years and believe me, it is FAR worse than being dependent on a DHC script.
6 likes, 146 replies
darkflower
Posted
I was alcoholic for over 20yrs and as a result i now have chronic pancreatitis, one of the most painful conditions there is (ask around it's true).
When in hospital i am put on a morphine PCA, with 5/10mg per shot.
At home i take 10 Dihyhydrocodine at 30mg and 8 tramadol at 50mg every single day whether the pain is really bad or not, because i have had to take that dose for at least 3 yrs due to the pain levels i was experiencing when i take less or god forbid run out i go through a worse cold turkey than when i went to rehab for my alcohol problem.
Unfortunately this is what happens after long term use of any substance, i have a running battle with my doctor about the amount of pain meds i use.As i often now have to increase just to cope with moderate pain.
It's a classic catch 22 situation, Your stereo typed and stigmatized, disbelieved by the very doctors whom first prescribed you the medication, and in my case do to my history accused of substitution from alcohol to prescription drugs. When really you need these medications to function on a day to day basis.
natasha_18570 darkflower
Posted
Sorry makes me upset reading all these stories as l no how hard it is.prayers and thoughts are with everyone who is battling this evil habit where ever it's heroin or dff118s methodone is what's done me in 14 years crap
shaz15 natasha_18570
Posted
hi i miss new this site but i'm the same addicteto DHC i've been taking about 10,30mg a day i've managed to cut down to 4 tablets a day with the help off my doctor.it's one off the hardest things i've ever had to go throu the withdrawals etc but i'm seeing light at end off this HOPE,I recommend half a tablet cut down then u don't seem to notice it so much as when u cut a whole tab,i've been really bothered with leg cramps,breathless feeling horrible smell in nose and bit agitated at times.
Guest
Posted
quip
Posted
I am at the end of the end of myself. I dont have any fight left in me and believe me I have always been a fighter. I have been seriously ill I was not expected to survive, on life support for a month. But I did survive and I cant accept it was just for this. I think that is the only reason I am still here. Because somewhere in me is the flicker of truth that just maybe it doesnt have to be this way. But I am utterly without hope at this moment, if I knew the level that would end all this for me I would just do it but my tolerance is so high that I just end up making myself really ill and then having to manage without for a bit which is worse than dying to me. I cant get out. I really cant and I have never been stupid or an idiot but my life has become totally unmanageable, it is outside of my control, at least it feels like that. I have a daughter I dont see her very much but she is the only light in my life and I cant even stop for her...why?!!!! I love her utterly and completely, I have this terrible fear that she will end up like me and when I do see her I advise her as best I can a 7 yr old. But I know ultimately I couldnt ever stop her, my parents couldnt stop me, what if she chooses this? She is totally without guile, an innocent, a shinning light just as I was at her age. How did this ever get so bad and how,please someone just tell me how to stop. And dont say stop putting it in your mouth because that wont cut it. I cant stop. I hate what I have become but I cant stop taking it, or abusing it. I never understood that term because I felt for so long like the drug abused me. But I do understand it now. Someone, anyone please tell me how I stop this? I am going to a church based recovery support group. Its the only thing I actually go out for anymore. Im amazed I go at all but each week my feet keep finding their own way there and I end up there. Every week. Looking and smelling like death itself. I like it there. I am not judged there, or humiliated, or hurt. They actually smile when I walk in, they give me a meal and coffee and a warm clean safe place to run to. One of them actually hugged me once. Me. This is only 2 hours a week. How do I manage the rest? I am absolutely desperate. I dont know where else to run and Im just so tired. I cant mange going out mixing with people. I never used to be like this. Believe me. I would be the person at school voted least likely to end up here. I barely sleep, rarely eat, am in utter poverty and yet still I find something to sell, beg, borrow to keep up with my need for this drug. The only things I do are maintain my prescriptions and sometimes I go out because of her. My daughter. I can find the push to do things for her, like trawling town for sandals and a white sheet for roman day. I dont know how I do this but something in me pushes really hard when its her. I take her out when I see her, try to make sure she eats a hot meal and gets her homework done and goes to french after school each week even though my cheques keep bouncing, I do find the cash to pay for that. Her dad provides everything else its the very least I should do for her. Like I said, I dont know how I do that because when I dont see her I stagnate in my living room on the sofa, its where I live, sleep, drink tea. But even this is getting out of control as I used to beable to make sure the place was clean and the washing up was done before I collected her but Im ashamed to say that I couldnt find a clean cup for her juice last time she came and that is pretty apalling mothering. But I do love her and I thought that would be enough to
gary56171 quip
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kellie37632 quip
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Hi are you any further forward ... I know these are old posts and I'm nowhere near like you I have my children I manage my day to day tasks but I'm heavily addicted and have to take them every morning to function ... Are you any better now a year on?? Xx
Guest
Posted
[quote:2714914af8=\"quip\"]:cry: How? How did you get off it? I am addicted. I have lost everything I love due to this and it is an addiction. I pray I dont wake up. I hate the way I live and what I have to do to stop the agony of withdrawing. I am serious when I say I have lost everything. I am totally ashamed of my life. I didnt know the bad smell was because of the codiene though-thanks for that tip.
I am at the end of the end of myself. I dont have any fight left in me and believe me I have always been a fighter. I have been seriously ill I was not expected to survive, on life support for a month. But I did survive and I cant accept it was just for this. I think that is the only reason I am still here. Because somewhere in me is the flicker of truth that just maybe it doesnt have to be this way. But I am utterly without hope at this moment, if I knew the level that would end all this for me I would just do it but my tolerance is so high that I just end up making myself really ill and then having to manage without for a bit which is worse than dying to me. I cant get out. I really cant and I have never been stupid or an idiot but my life has become totally unmanageable, it is outside of my control, at least it feels like that. I have a daughter I dont see her very much but she is the only light in my life and I cant even stop for her...why?!!!! I love her utterly and completely, I have this terrible fear that she will end up like me and when I do see her I advise her as best I can a 7 yr old. But I know ultimately I couldnt ever stop her, my parents couldnt stop me, what if she chooses this? She is totally without guile, an innocent, a shinning light just as I was at her age. How did this ever get so bad and how,please someone just tell me how to stop. And dont say stop putting it in your mouth because that wont cut it. I cant stop. I hate what I have become but I cant stop taking it, or abusing it. I never understood that term because I felt for so long like the drug abused me. But I do understand it now. Someone, anyone please tell me how I stop this? I am going to a church based recovery support group. Its the only thing I actually go out for anymore. Im amazed I go at all but each week my feet keep finding their own way there and I end up there. Every week. Looking and smelling like death itself. I like it there. I am not judged there, or humiliated, or hurt. They actually smile when I walk in, they give me a meal and coffee and a warm clean safe place to run to. One of them actually hugged me once. Me. This is only 2 hours a week. How do I manage the rest? I am absolutely desperate. I dont know where else to run and Im just so tired. I cant mange going out mixing with people. I never used to be like this. Believe me. I would be the person at school voted least likely to end up here. I barely sleep, rarely eat, am in utter poverty and yet still I find something to sell, beg, borrow to keep up with my need for this drug. The only things I do are maintain my prescriptions and sometimes I go out because of her. My daughter. I can find the push to do things for her, like trawling town for sandals and a white sheet for roman day. I dont know how I do this but something in me pushes really hard when its her. I take her out when I see her, try to make sure she eats a hot meal and gets her homework done and goes to french after school each week even though my cheques keep bouncing, I do find the cash to pay for that. Her dad provides everything else its the very least I should do for her. Like I said, I dont know how I do that because when I dont see her I stagnate in my living room on the sofa, its where I live, sleep, drink tea. But even this is getting out of control as I used to beable to make sure the place was clean and the washing up was done before I collected her but Im asham
kellie37632 Guest
Posted
evefirst
Posted
I m a rehabilitation worker, and my job is to help people overcome their dependency, or addiction. Call it what you like, the effects are the same, its just jargon.
And it is a myth that all 'addicts' are criminals.
I have a great deal of empathy for people why feel that there is no way out from this dependency.
However, you could enter a programme of substitute prescribing.
Now, i have heard so many people ask:' Why should i swap one drug for another?'
the reason for this is that you will be monitored and checked regularly when you are on a substitute prescription. You will have the opportunity for counselling and practical assistance, like relapse prevention and motivation to change, as well as looking at self esteem and confidence issues.
When you feel ready, the substitute prescription will be very gradually reduces, de-toxing you without any physical withdrawals.
Just contact your local addiction services, who should be able to help and support. If you don't know where they are, ask your doctor.
And it is hard work, and a very big decision, because you will have to give up using dihydrocodeine, it can be very scary.
But there's a way out, a difficult way, but a way
all the very very best
and if anyone would like to ask anything (re. drug/alcohol dependency), feel free
iqbal11836 evefirst
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gary56171 evefirst
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nelly86 evefirst
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nelly86 gary56171
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angie86937 gary56171
Posted
Hi Gary, I'm not off these bas**** but after stopping once for two whole weeks strangely enough on the 13 th day the sneezing was uncontrollable . Good job it happened in the evening and not when I was out . It would have been embarrassing lol. Unfortunately for me I'd done two whole weeks and was pretty much done and then like an idiot I wondered if because I'd been off them for a bit if I would get a nicer buzz. What a fool I am. Good luck Gary X
nelly86 angie86937
Posted
angie86937 nelly86
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Yes Hun I'm not too bad , I have days when I try to reduce my amount I take. Most days though I usually have like 10. Not brilliant really as I wish I didn't need them full stop. Yes it's a mess that I' don't seem to be able to get out of. Hope you're ok x
john69167 evefirst
Posted
Hi everfirst may I say that although I can tell you mean well I fear that you are recommending a course of action that may not help the people on this Dihydrocodeine. I am a ex addict who was on Methadone and Heroin and finally Subutex for many years. I am also a Recovery Worker and Qualified Counsellor. The thing is going down the route of Drug and Alcohol services for this problem is rather like hitting a pin with a sledgehammer. Actually it is worse than that because any client attending such agencies will either be put on Methadone (it should not even be prescribed in my view any more) or Bupenorphine. The latter is not the wonder drug it is claimed to be and often results in really long term addiction (Im talking years here). It is also no picnic coming off it. Trust me people with Dihydrocodeine habits will do far better to reduce their dose as much as they can. I would suggest getting down to at most one three times a day before jumping. If unable to do thisd themselves get their GP to do it and prescribe them Gabapentin or Pregabalin to ease the process. When they do stop the DF's the Pregabalin can be moderately increased and possibly suplemented with Clonidine to lower BP at night. That is an easy way of coming off Dihydrocodeine which at the end opf the day is a far lesser evil than Methadone or Bupenorphine and Subutex. Agencies are mostly comissioned to prescribe Methadone or Bupenorhine and Subutex only. I know from working in one that they do not have the flexibility to deal with an addiction that is at the lower end of the opiate scale compared to Methadone and Heroin. Pregabalin increases the individual's Self-Efficacy (their belief that they can do it) by banishing the awful depression and anxiety that are what trap people in addiction). It is Self-efficacy which is as you will know is the biggest indicators of successful outcomes in drug treatment. As I said I recognise your genuine good intentions and positive message.It is not my intention to detract from that. My reply is simply to raise a note of caution against people on here going to an agency and ending up on a much worse addiction. I hope this helps some of the people on here. It worked for me! Best Wishes John
nelly86 angie86937
Posted
I'm sorry been on here every night and I've just noticed your reply. I would be quite happy with myself if i was on 10 a day. I've been depressed lately and eating 30 - 40 a day thts not including tramadol i take with it. I hate myself for getting in this mess. I dont want to die. I cant die my child needs me. I've not lost much YET so its time to take control of my life it STOPS NOW no more self pitty i dont like this miserable bitch that I've become. Im waiting to see a drugs councilor think this my best bet to get of these disgusting pills but im going to start cutting down on them till i see the rite people n then take it from there. We can do this. Our lifes are more important.
angie86937 nelly86
Posted
Yes love you will get there because you have the fight in you . I think people don't achieve because sometimes there isn't the fight inside them. Good luck and you go girl !!!. X
lesley83226 john69167
Posted
Hi John I have just been giving shock of my life my partner tell he he is addicted to these painkillers his gp putting him on methadone and supposedly still trying to get measure right?? So he still taking these tablet but the most worrying thing for me is he couldn't get them so bought Heroin I can't get my head round this information , he is under so much stress with father wasting away from lung cancer now this , am not sure how I can help feel his explanations aren't making sense , m glad to see your take on it and will go to his gp with this what am reading about methadone is scary
john69167 lesley83226
Posted
Hi Lesley I hear what you are saying and appreciate the difficulty of your situation. I can only reiterate my caution regarding the transfer to Methadone. It is in my experience the hardest opiate to come off and easily as addictive if not more so, than heroin. This country is full of long term Methadone addicts (and boy do I mean long term!). I am talking tens of years and much more. Your partner would be better going private if his GP is insisting on Methadone. A straight Dihydrocodeine reduction would be best in my view and then a detox facilitated with |Pregabalin or Gabapentin. I don't know where you are but private Treatment is available in London and should be elsewhere. To be honest it does sound as if your partner has got a taste for opioates and that may be related to his situation with his father or it may not.Yes Methadone is really scary and creates in my view more serious problems. Good luck and if I can help I will. John
kellie37632 evefirst
Posted
Hi 😊
You mentioned a substitute can you elaborate please I'm a mother of two and I manage to get through my days because I'm on these painkillers . I have endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain and mennorhaggia ....I am in a lot of pain everyday , however I do abuse my scripts and take a lot more than I should ....I can't imagine not taking them , I need them to get through a day .
I feel like superwoman on them but without them I can't get washed or dressed or off the sofa ....I just want to be again and not need these little white pills to feel human
Any advice would be appreciated x
lesley83226 john69167
Posted
Thanks for getting back to me John , am really confused over the anger and trying to help but he doesn't have doc until Tuesday W phish I will go to will your info so thanks very much ... But they are trying him on methadone think 30mg a day but it not helping so he still using drugs as well 120 dfs if that makes sense 15 of them so I don't see point of bloody methadone if not cutting down pain killers am I missing something so trying to keep level head as I know he in a state and trying to stop
john69167 lesley83226
Posted
Hi Lesley no problem. No I don't see the point of taking Methadone and DFs. All that will do is increase his habit big time. It sounds as if your partner is getting in deep to his addiction. That would explain his anger if he. is in denial about his problem. It kind of sounds like he just wants to blot everything out at moment. It is difficult to be honest with caring loved ones when that is the case. He does not need in my humble opinion to take 30ml of Methadone which should be holding him if he was taking 15 DFs a day. However your post mentions 120 Dfs. Is that an error as that would be just crazy?
lesley83226 john69167
Posted
Hey john no that is what he said they are very strong I wrote everything down , think I need to ride out this until I go with him to see doctor , he had actually went to docs on his own but I knew something wrong been quite a while finally got it out of him on Friday night . But it all doesn't make sense to me think he listens more to ppl who are on higher doses etc he says 30mg not holding at all but doesn't get that at very least the other stuff should be getting lower its heartbreaking seeing the state he is in , am not sure is he meaning he takes 4 at a time could that be it making it 120 , I am constantly asking him stuff and don't want to overwhelm him but is getting more frighten every day , when he not getting dfs he taking heroin snorting it , as so glad I found this forum , oh we are in Glasgow,tomorrow when he at work going to phone a few places I know for help before see doc again, your info has really helped me keep it together
lesley83226 john69167
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suz67512 nelly86
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Suzx
mike23430 john69167
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natasha_18570 evefirst
Posted
Hi no one watching me left to do a 14 year detox on my own mum of 5 moved 851 miles scared on dff118s hearing all these stories about these tablets been on for 27 days l have cut down to 3 a day hard as meth still has a hold of my body it's no bloody week if u been on it for 14 years it gets in the brain your body has to learn all other again thus is so hard feel so alone no one helping me l am hoping it ends soon as got my life to get on with school runs so on please can someone tell me there is light cox at moment l feel in the dark it's crap
chris37414 natasha_18570
Posted
Hi there - hope you're ok - I came off these again 13 days ago - I cut myself slowly down from 10 a day to 1 a day over a week and then came off..
I am now 13 days without and feel great again... all the side effects have gone - i started feeling a lot better on day 10
prior to that it was the usual - lots of stomach problems, nasty anxiety and shakes
hope all goes well - stay in touch if you need it
shaz15 chris37414
Posted
hi chris good for you to manage to i'm stuck on 3 a day i've had none the last 2 days and withdrawals are awful got GP tomorrow hopefully get something for cramps etc my plan is to go down to 2 then 1 dhc but this running out these tablets feels like my arms been cut off