• NMI Moderators: M!$TER-ED

Codeine addiction

SUPERTRAMP32

Greenlighter
Joined
Jul 6, 2026
Messages
1
Hello everyone. Just joined here hoping to get some advice for my situation. I hope it isn’t bad etiquette coming straight in with this question.

I have been taking a lot of over the counter Codeine with paracetamol/ibuprofen for about 1 year now. This started after I was prescribed codeine 30mg after an injury.

I am taking around 50 + pills per day. Often 16 at a time. 8 para and 8 ibuprofen - They all contain 12.8 mg of Codeine. I’ve not tried to stop but if I don’t take them I feel dreadful by lunchtime the next day.

What is the best way for me to stop? Can I go cold turkey or is that dangerous?

P.s.. I’m also an alcoholic but have been sober for 8 months. I guess the Codeine has replaced my obsession with alcohol.

I hope this receives you well
 
Hmm If you to stop try tapering if you can first. if that doesn't work for you ask a trusted friend to help you, the other option is obvious seek professional assistance, maybe a physician or nurse practitioner. Plus there is always rehab.

You've got two things going your mind and body enjoy the effects of codeine, plus you've a habit, (don't know about physical addiction to codeine but maybe possible) I believe it doesn't matter what you are dependent upon if the incentive to stop is greater that the desire to use, you can stop using. It is totally up to you. You're probably a lot stronger than you realize, now you have an opportunity show to prove this to yourself.

P. S. we want to know how you are doing because we genuinely care about you. Keep us updated!
You've got this, I know you do.
 
Obviously an addiction is problematic, but I would be seriously concerned about the high intake of paracetamol and ibuprofen. Do you know how much you're taking a day in that respect? I really hope you're doing a cold water extraction on the codeine/para/ibup pills (It's very simple to do and could prevent a lot of harm to your liver/kidneys - https://www.bluelight.org/community/threads/codeine-and-cwe-megathread-the-long-awaited.586953/ )

Codeine is not fun in terms of withdrawal, but a taper, as mentioned by @M!$TER-ED will definitely help. By my calculations, you are consuming approximately 640mg of codeine a day. I'm not going to lie, that's a lot, but I say that with 0 judgement and I absolutely believe you can overcome your addiction with hope, strength and kindness towards yourself.

Here is some more general information about codeine that you may find helpful: https://psychonautwiki.org/wiki/Codeine

Best of luck!
 
Taper. If you feel physically bad when you are not taking them, you have a habit, ie a chemical dependency.

I'd just take one pill less every day. Withdrawal isn't dangerous like from alcohol or benzos, but it is highly unpleasant.


PS that much ibuprofen isn't good for your stomach and that much paracetamol is ABSOLUTELY not good for your liver. I'm much more concerned about that than the codeine.
 
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