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