Codeine and Addiction: What Users Say

• Sla...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 10, 2020

For Diarrhea "Had my gallbladder out over 10 years ago and started getting bad, frequent diarrhea and gastric reflux. After many tests, I was diagnosed with post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Chronic diarrhea left me terrified to leave the house. After years of trial and error, my doctor prescribed codeine. I accept I am addicted, but it is so much better than the alternative."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2022

For Diarrhea "I have suffered with severe IBS for years and, like many other sufferers, would sooner not eat or drink on occasions just so that I don't spend the entire day on the loo. It is debilitating. I endured a back injury last year, and I was prescribed codeine. It's like a miracle, and I have my life back. I take one 30 mg once in the morning, and I am completely back to a one-a-day firm bowel movement. I hear about how codeine is addictive, but just getting my life back, I am willing to forgo that."

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 5, 2019

For Pain "I find Solpadeine to be very effective for pain, but the side effects for me outweigh the pain relief. 1. Dry mouth 2. Swollen eyelids 3. Bloating 4. Cough 5. Addiction"