Codeine detox

[Melbourneguy]

Hi everyone

Firstly, I'm very sorry if this is the wrong place to start this thread. I'm terrible at internet-related things.

Secondly, this is the first time I have ever 'opened up' about what I've been going through for the past 2 years so I'm not entirely sure of what I should say.

I have quite a terrible codeine (Nurofen Plus) addiction, which sees me taking roughly an entire pack of 24 in just 24 hours. Today is my first day off them entirely (nearly 20 hours and counting) though I'd reduced my use over the past 2 weeks (which has resulted in me suffering from flu-like symptoms for about a week).

By looking through other codeine threads, I noticed that symptoms seem to be quite relative with them lasting from a week to a few months. I was wondering if anyone could estimate how bad mine would get, considering my use of 24 NP's a day?

I have flu like symptoms, cold shakes and sweats, dizziness and a dull headache. I'm quite anxious about how bad the symptoms will get as I work full time and I really don't want my detox to interfere with my job. I work in a hospital, so any flu-like symptoms are taken very seriously as they become a public health risk when around people with lowered immune systems. That means when I appear to be sick, I have to be sent home. I don't want to shift my addiction onto something else by taking another drug to combat the symptoms, so is there any way of controlling them naturally?

I drank quite heavily before I started using Codeine, so now I am over-joyed by the prospect of being chemical free for the first time in 5 years. My abuse of codeine started when I finished university and went to work in a major hospital, where I had free access to medications like valium and Panadene Forte - though I avoided valium as I knew how hard it is for people to get off it. My supply of meds stopped when I changed jobs and I turned to Nurofen Plus. I've become terrified that I'm on the verge of giving myself an ulcer, or kidney failure. I dare not even imagine how much money I've blown on my stupid addiction as well.

So sorry for the very introspective post, but I really needed to get all of that off my chest. This addiction has ruled my life for 2 years and I'm sick of it dictating my actions. I'm sick of pharmacy visits and being constipated!

If anyone has any advice, then I would love to hear it. I don't know anyone in real life that has been through anything like this. I'll be so happy when I'm finally free, I already feel a lot prouder of myself just for making it this far.

Thank you.

[Impurrfect]

(((Melbourneguy)))

Welcome to SR!!

I'm a recovering crack addict, so don't have personal experience with the codeine withdrawal. I did abuse the opiates, but didn't have withdrawal.

I do know there are several threads, here, of people who are withdrawing from opiates..several from codeine.

This is what I know of opiate withdrawal, which I have learned from the great people here.

It is like going through a bad case of the flu...symptoms usually last 5-7 days, and can include muscle aches/pains, diarrhea, sweats. Things that help to treat the symptoms include imodium for the diarrhea, drinking gatorade/powerade (because it has electrolytes and can keep you from getting dehydrated), ibuprofen for the aches and pains, and lots and lots of hot baths/showers for the aches and pains. Most do not feel like eating, which is another reason the gatorade/powerade is good.

Some start with the symptoms right away, others they don't start in for 2-3 days.

I don't know if anyone is online, right now, that is going through the same thing, but I know there are several people who are going through this and they will be along soon.

I'm glad you're here, and ready to live a life without being a slave to the drug. It's not easy, in fact it's pretty hard, but it IS worth doing.

Hugs and prayers!

Amy

[woops]

Hello Melbourne,
I had exactly the same addiction as yourself for 7 years and was using double the amount you were using! Frightening thought!!
But I know you are keen to know about the detox..........
It is as you describe - flu like symptoms - for N+ the worst is between days 3 - 5 and then things take a humungous turn for the better. I would say that the symptoms come on strongest at about 36 hours and stay that way for a few days - so you are yet to reach the peak of discomfort as yet, I would say. But stick with it - it's only a few days and so worth getting off.
As for work? Well - I would not have been able to work while detoxing for those days 3 - 5. Days 1 & 2 are OK but then ouch! You may have to take a few days off unless you can hold out until the w/e? But only you can decide.
I wish you well - give me a shout if I can tell you any more. I am in the UK where N+ is a scourge................. huge hidden addiction.
Woops
PS - hot baths are complete bliss for the bone and muscle aches............ other than that stay hydrated - lots of suragary drinks.............

[lostbutterfly]

N+ is my scourge as well! 3 years and counting. 3-5 days for physical discomfort, but it's a bit of a shock dealing with life again without the protection of the codeine bubble wrap!

I go to AA to deal with my drinking and and am trying to use the same tools for the pills, but they are TOUGH to kick!

[Stagebear]

Originally Posted by Melbourneguy

Firstly, I'm very sorry if this is the wrong place to start this thread. I'm terrible at internet-related things.

No need, you're in the right place.

Originally Posted by Melbourneguy

Secondly, this is the first time I have ever 'opened up' about what I've been going through for the past 2 years so I'm not entirely sure of what I should say.

Congratulations, great first step and I think you've summed it up well.

Originally Posted by Melbourneguy

I have flu like symptoms, cold shakes and sweats, dizziness and a dull headache. I'm quite anxious about how bad the symptoms will get as I work full time and I really don't want my detox to interfere with my job.

And what if you actually had the flu? Would you take the time off? This is a serious illness, too.

Originally Posted by Melbourneguy

I don't want to shift my addiction onto something else by taking another drug to combat the symptoms, so is there any way of controlling them naturally?

The first sentence there is great, good attitude. As to the second, you can sometimes lessen the symptoms, making them more bearable, but it's unlikely you can mitigate them to the point of being unnoticeable. You've seen that already

Originally Posted by Melbourneguy

So sorry for the very introspective post, but I really needed to get all of that off my chest. This addiction has ruled my life for 2 years and I'm sick of it dictating my actions. I'm sick of pharmacy visits and being constipated!

Well, mate, I think you've stated it pretty well. And, around here, that's not even close to being an introspective post. You done good!

Originally Posted by Melbourneguy

I don't know anyone in real life that has been through anything like this.

You do now. I'm Bear, a opiate addict and pretty damned real.

Stick around. You'll get what you need here.

Glad to welcome you, I remain your humble servant,

[woops]

Hey Melbourne
How's things?
Symptoms ramping up I expect?
It seems to be commonly written that the symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours - but I found that mine went well on past 96 hours and then started to subside. But once they start to subside it does happen quite quickly. My worst lingering symptom was insomnia and fatigue - its hard for a few days - but it does get better.
I suspect you are at the worst of it all just now - so hang in there? In a coupla days you will be so much better - dont for goodness sake give in and take ann more N+ or it will just go on and on and on................ take it from someone who did it for so many years.
Please post and let us know how you are doing? You can draw great strength from all the folks in here - we have all been where you are just now.............
woops

[EscapedOC]

Good Luck. You came to the right place. Alot of great advice is available here..or suggestions.

Hot Baths and stretching helps. Water...and people to talk to.

[Melbourneguy]

Thank you to everyone for all the messages of support - I'm incredibly humbled. If I had known there were groups like this around before, I would have kicked my habit a long time ago.

And Woops, how many times would you have to visit a pharmacy every day if you were taking double the amount I was? That's a a lot codeine!

So my withdrawal symptoms have got worse. I had the most restless legs last night, I couldn't keep them still at all. The leg cramps were terrible as well. Those two things were probably what annoyed me the most as they were very painful.

I barely slept, but I don't feel very tired. Just a bit whacked. The stomach cramps have just started, along with the diarrhea and vomiting. I don't think I've ever vomited as much in my life to be entirely honest. I'm considering getting some buscopan to help deal with the cramps, which goes against my original ethos of just letting my body detox, but the cramps are becoming very painful.

Ironically, yesterday everyone working for the Health Department here received a warning email about a virus that's going around which has flu like symptoms for the first few days, and then becomes gastro for a few days after. It's provided the perfect cover for my detox as my boss actually suggested that perhaps I had it. It's bought me a few days off work to get this out of my system - perfect timing.

I really can't thank you all enough for your encouragement. I can't wait to have coeine out of my system, and to have my body back to normal.

[Melbourneguy]

I feel absolutely terrible!

I ended up vomiting and pooping so much that my partner got worried, and made me go to the doctor. I had an injection there that was supposed to stop the gastro symptoms, but I've still been vomiting and having diarrhea.

I'm really not looking forward to tomorrow as it's the dreaded day 3. My eyes are barely working, I can't stand and I can't lay still. I didn't know it was going to be this bad.

[HelenaBama]

Whoa, you live in a place where you can buy your DOC OTC, yet you are still doing a detox? That takes some major cojones, my friend.

Truthfully, had supply/cost/legaliity not been such a consideration, I really don't know if I would be where I am today, over 6 mos. clean from a horrible pain killer addiction. Just being truthful.

[woops]

Hi Melbourne
Yep - suspect you aint got no virus!!!
It's the dreaded detox symptoms to a t! You are now at the peak of the symptoms - and at your most vulnerable - hang on - very very soon it will start to get very much better - take it hour at a time just now - as tho you really had a bad flu - take lots and lots of hot baths - especially if your partner will run them for you! And you are going to hate me for this suggestion - but exercise really does work. Can you manage to get dressed and walk round the block? Even the shortest walk kicks the endorphin button and helps.
As for my intake - and the chemist shops? I had a well worn trail - about 10 different shops I could go to - its really very easy when you're an addict cos you gotta get your fix?
Hang on and keep posting?
Oh - those restless legs - can you get some magnesium citrate (Holland & Barret over here) and take a good amount - the magnesioum helps with the muscle twitch - but the drawback is that they are laxative!! Eat bananas - loads of magnesium. I found the leg problem disappeared pretty fast though - hope it does for you too.
woops
PS - you work in the medical field - do you have direct access to a clinical psychologist at the hospital? You need a stratagem for staying clean once you are thro all this...............

[Stagebear]

Originally Posted by HelenaBama

Whoa, you live in a place where you can buy your DOC OTC, yet you are still doing a detox? That takes some major cojones, my friend.

Many of us were also addicted to alcohol, an OTC drug just about everywhere. The pain is the pain, regardless of the source.
Interesting point, though, about the stamina needed to not cave and rush to the pharmacy/chemist for more.

So, guy...check in and let us know how day three is/was. It matters that you do that, for you and for us.

[lostbutterfly]

I can get it otc too, but it still messes up your life and especially your health, because of the ibuprofen you take with it.

t is still expensive and time consuming, once you factor in your petrol - you have to go to different pharmacists all the time, lying every time and as your addiction gets worse, you have to spread your net wider, otherwise they stop serving you.

For me though, they just stopped working. They just weren't enough anymore.

[krisgrace]

The worst part is almost over.....keep on going...you can do it!! You will feel much better once its all over, PROMISE!!
Let us know how today is going. And you def. need to talk to someone, as whoops said if your not attending any meetings...