can i just ask if anyone has had an addiction to painkillers etc and how did they come off them??

Answer 1

The best way is to do it slowly and with a Doctor's help. It may take a long time to do so don't expect rapid results. I was given increasingly smaller doses and then lengthened the time between them. It's easy to become addicted to drugs (especially if they contain a narcotic) after long term treatment so don't be embarrassed about talking to the Doctor. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

it is as easy to get addicted to painkillers as anything else. you get scared the pain will come back if you stop taking them. the best way to come of them would be with the help of your doctor. if that is not an option then try cutting them down slowly so if you say take 10 a day (which is an overdose anyway ) try taking eight for about 3 days then six for three days and so on cutting them down about two every three to four days. to make sure you dont forget how many you have taken put out the amount for the day in a small box or an egg cup somewhere a small person cannot access them and good luck with your efforts.

Answer 3

I have been on co-codamol 30/500 for near enough 9 years. I have endometriosis and only managed to cut down when pregnant the last time. The doc said if I tried to stop completely, my body wouldn't be able to handle the withdrawal and I'd risk a miscarriage.
I am ashamed to say that I just cannot come off them. If I try, I get bad effects, my bowel is affected by the codeine and I get horrific pain. I've had to get the doc out four times and he gives me a shot of anti spasmodic/morphine and that usually does the trick.
I'm addicted to them now. I'm a bloody loser.

Answer 4

Rapid Opiate Detox (ROD)

There have been many recent clinical studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of rapid, anesthesia-assisted detoxification techniques in helping individuals to successfully reverse their opiate dependence and return to healthy, productive lives.

The use of opiate receptor antagonists in detoxification was first described in the 1970’s.
These medications, such as naloxone and naltrexone, competitively bind with opiate receptors in the brain. They block the ability of opiates to have any effect on the brain, and block the opiate craving as well.

These accelerated methods use high doses of naltrexone to shorten the duration of acute withdrawal to a period of hours, in contrast to several days, and while under anesthesia the patient is not subject to discomfort. When the patient awakens from anesthesia, detoxification is complete. The brain and body are completely cleared of opiates, yet there is no awareness of experiencing the severe withdrawal syndrome, and craving is blocked. Oral naltrexone maintenance can be initiated immediately and continued to reduce the risk of relapse.

More info:
http://www.hrods.com/pages/anestheisa.assisted.rapid.detox.procedure.html

Answer 5

That's a tough one. Some meds are easier to kick than others. If you want to try to go it alone, I would try to wean myself off. However, that's not often possible. Professional help is your best shot. You're doing a ton of damage to yourself by popping pain pills all the time. Therapy is a good start too. Usually when you numb yourself with drugs, etc it's a sign to an underlying problem

Answer 6

I guess you are probably talking about opiate based drugs like co-codamol, co-dydramol or dihydrocodiene?

These are I am afraid prescribed with thoughtless abandon by GPs.

There aren't really any substitute drugs to get you off these, the best way is very slow reduction, though it takes months it is likely to work. Assuming these are all prescribed drugs, go see your GP for help, after all his prescribing habits may well be the cause of your problem.

Answer 7

depending on what kind of painkillers yu are on you may need to get medical advice or at least go to a treatment center and ask. It could be dangerous depending on the situation.

Answer 8

About 10 years ago yes I did. I was gradually taken off them when I admitted I had a problem and took advice from my doctor. It was not easy and it was a long slow journey but it was well worth it.

Answer 9

it is not advisable to try and come off these on your own,you need to consult with your Dr who can arrange a programme for you,it is hard like any other addiction can cause side effects if not done in the right way.

Answer 10

hi there sorry to hear that,iam too addicted to codine ive tried for years to come off them and i get stomach cramps headaches etc,ive cut them down a bit now hope you find a useful answer.and if you do could you please share it because there is a lot of people out there with the same problem,good luck for the future and if you need someone to talk to email me