Codeine/DHcHydrocodone/OTC Addiction V. Addiction is Addiction

[Eveleivibe]

Hiya Everyone,

I hope you are all doing well.

I made a similar thread in EADD n felt that with this being the recovery section this would be useful.

This is for anyone currently suffering from / has suffered from addictions to •weaker• opiates such as Codeine, Vicodin or OTC (over the counter) drugs. So often people with these sorts of addictions do not know where to turn. We feel isolated from •normal• society as often people do not understand n we we feel isolated from people addicted to •harder• drugs as often ( not always) we are laughed at for not being able to overcome the addiction/WDs, for choosing opiate replacement therapy n do forth.

This thread is in no way a them vs us but somewhere where people can talk to like-minded people with a sense of belonging n understanding. Talk about withdrawals without feeling judges, talk about opiate replacement therapy, talk about your difficulties.


Everyone is welcome n everyone must feel that they can express themselve how they wish in a non-judgemental, understanding, supportive environment.

Evey xxxx

 

[neversickanymore]

I feel the only difference with a particular opiate a person is addicted to is the level of withdrawal associated with the physical dependence. As you say addiction is addiction and being addicted to a less harmful drug may be a tougher thing to deal with as a person has less of an arsenal of negative things to use in the argument in their head. How destructive a drug is, to a person's life, does not warrant how strong the addiction is rather how strong the particular drug is. Also if a person's drug is available legally over the counter then this makes dealing with an addiction that much more difficult as it is readily available.

This being said I feel that the route of administration can make dealing with an addiction more difficult. The brain ranks dopamine releases by how fast and how much dopamine is released. So people who smoke, plug, or shoot will develop stronger addictions than people who use other routes of administration.

In my opinion an addiction to methadone or bupe caries a stronger physical dependence than to herion, its just its long half life allows for a person to live a more normal life. But then again people are addicted to their DOC and this addiction will be the strongest for that person no matter what the particular DOC.

 

[Eveleivibe]

Good valid points NSA n very true. However, my intention with this thread with to do similar to a thread I made in EADD.

http://www.bluelight.org/vb/threads/703490-Anyone-else-had-a-codeine-addiction

Best to skip some as there's a lot of debating around maintenance. But it is basically for anyone suffering from codeine/dihydroceine adfiction, people going through withdrawals n wanting advice/support from others.

There are people with these addictions n they feel they cannot talk in threads such as for harder opiates as they feel they don't belong. I have witnessed this type of attitude in various places n I wanted a place for them where they feel safe n can open up. If I could help someone who is going through withdrawals or see others helping them through this thread I will feel it worth while.

I have mispelt the title n am unable to change it it was meant to be /DHC/
I have addded Hydrocone to the list as I know you don't just get prescribed codeine in other places as is the case for the UK.

I simply see a scope that needs filling, I won't lie some is based on my own experience but I've witness attitude from this group where they only want to talk to like-minded people. I wont give examples of what was said as it may cause offence to others but would be happy to tell anyone in PM if they so wish.

I don't know if i've got the right idea for this sub- forum as so far no one really has posted.

Sorry I'm not very good at explaining things n this is probably coming out wrong but you please could you look at the link n see if it's a good idea for TDS? If not I don't mind if you feel it best closed.

Evey xxxx

 

[caseface99]

Addiction is addiction is addiction. I'll admit, there was a time when I probably would have compared my heroin habit to someones codeine habit and told them they need to stop being a bitch and try getting off real drugs - Though I have definitely changed. I have since met a lot of people who have struggled with addiction to the "weaker" opiates and many of them had most of the same consequences i had. Along with the growth I have made in general, and the fact that consequences have nothing to do with anything when it comes to addiction, as well as that addiction is in the brain and not the substance - suffice to say my opinion has changed. At this point I would never discount anybody's addiction to anything as being less of a problem than any others. It's all the same, as I said, it's in the brain not the substance.

I agree with NSA however, in that addiction to these substances may not seem like it's quite as bad as it really is, especially to the person addicted - and so many of the people dependent on these pills/substances probably take longer to come to the realization they need help.


Maybe SL though, instead of TDS? seems like it would be slightly more suited there.

 

[Eveleivibe]

Hiya caseface - thank you for your response.

When you mention your earlier attitude that is one of the reasons for creating this thread. Whether we like it or not people have different attitudes n that's even people addicted to 'weaker' opiates. Some of them want help but don't want to be around people on Heroin etc as they don't see themselves in the same way. I seen this over n over again. It's stereotypical I know n it's not my attitude but these people are often alone n in need of help. It's important for them to have support n feel comfortable when they do so.

Some of these people are taking HUGE quantities of paracetamol which could cause liver failure or ibroprofen. Cold water extraction doesn't always work n well you'll know yourself when you are addicted you want as much of the opiate in you as possible so, n I'm speaking more for me in this case, I stopped doing cwe as I didn 't want to lose any codeine n also the process was time-consuming.

It's really about separating/diving people as it may appear. It's about getting as many people as we can, no matter what addiction, helped n supported as possible. And it would be lovely for someone suffering codeine/Vicodin addiction to Google n find a thread where there are a lot of people giving each other support n advice. I'm not saying with, addicted to harder opiates aint welcome (that would be petty n NOT the point of this idea) but if they came sometimes n gave support/advice it may change a few attitudes.

Evey xxxx

 

[ad lib]

No matter which way it's spun, addiction is addiction, just like the title says. People can be addicted to ANYTHING- food, sex, their phones, bluelight, etc. so why should codeine or other OTC opiates be considered any less? How your body metabolizes it is different than another persons. For example Eve, codeine is completely euphoric and amazing for you. Me, on the other hand, if I have codeine I go into anaphylactic shock because I'm highly allergic lol. Never let people allow ugh to feel small because of the nature of your addiction. Addiction is hard enough.

So, what are some things you suggest to overcome this addiction? And also, just out of curiosity, how'd your addiction start? Were you prescribed codeine after an injury, did you just decide to take it, etc.

 

[Eveleivibe]

This is not about me, ab. I made this thread to help others. I'm completely fine. I'm on my suboxone. I see my key worker fortnightly. I'm receiving counselling. I go to a local support group. I'm ok. Thank you for asking n I agree with everything you say. Thank you for your response I really appreciate it. Sorry that you are allegic though. I am really hoping others will post who are need support. I created this for them.

Do you think the title needs changing as so far no one has come for any support?

Evey .

 

[ad lib]

I'm happy to hear you're doing well Evey

I think the title is fine as it is, but if you want it changed just let me or another mod know!

 

[Eveleivibe]

Thanks that 's very kind xxxx