Susan B (27 Feb 2012)
"To Steven Prieur"


Hi Steven -  brother in Christ,
 
Of course I will pray for you - however - this battle can be won!!  How do I know?  Because I was once in the same position myself - addicted to codeine after two years of debilitating migraines caused by hormones being out of whack and the need for eventual hysterectomy.
The migraines got better but by then I could not stop taking codeine without going into intense physical withdrawal.  I discussed everything with my Doctor and we decided the best way was a very quick detox - yes it is a gruelling week or ten days - but after around this time you will feel so very much better.
The best thing my doctor did was prescribe me Clonidine which is actually a blood pressure med but it also "fills up" the opiate receptors in the brain and makes the withdrawal more bearable.  Also immodium for the horrible "runs", plain paracetamol and Advil for the aches and pains. lots of pure water - keep fluids up -  and a whole lot of prayer.   When it is over you will feel so cleansed - don't worry if you cannot eat much during the detox - the body knows when it wants food or not - I didn't eat for about 6 days and managed some dry crackers on the seventh day - then things got a whole lot better.  Cold turkey withdrawal sounds awful - but I tried lowering my dose and just found a long drawn out miserable withdrawal that just didn't work.
You can also request to have this done as an in patient in a hospital where they can help make you comfortable.
Oh - my Doctor also gave me valium for no more than 7 days to help with sleep - I am so glad I did this - this was around six years ago now - and now I occasionally take codeine if I have a very bad headache or some such thing but I have no desire for it - you see I was not craving the codeine for any sort of "high" - there is nothing to be ashamed about - your opiate receptors in your brain have simply become accustomed to the daily dose of opiate - there is no shame in this at all Stephen.
Please do talk to your Doctor and decide whether to do it at home or in a hospital setting and don't forget about prescription for Clonidine and a short prescription for Valium - that really helped me sleep when I badly needed to sleep.
I also kept a fan near my bed due to the sweats and a cold washcloth - If I can do this you sure can...... honestly.....  Also I stayed at my parents home during the process and had no access at all to any form of codeine or opiate - I did not trust myself if the withdrawals got too terrible - but with the Doctor's help - yes it was a gruelling time - but once finished - never looked back.
And I will certainly be praying for you.
 
Lovingly ysiC, Susan in Aussie Land