Co-codamol addict taking 48 tablets a day saved by fiancée's ultimatum
Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
A man who was addicted to co-codamol was given a life-saving ultimatum by his future wife.
Co-codamol is a type of painkiller pill containing both paracetamol and codeine, which relieve pain in different ways.
Paracetamol blocks brain chemicals that cause pain and fever, while codeine, an opioid, blocks pain signals in the brain and central nervous system.
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The NHS warns that 'if you take co-codamol regularly for a long time', you can become addicted to it, as was the case with Ben Welthy.
When the 32-year-old from Norfolk, England was prescribed the drug for toothache in his twenties, he started to enjoy the euphoric feeling. But while continuing to swallow the painkiller regularly over the past 10 years, he soon became addicted, taking 48 tablets a day.
The NHS recommended not to exceed the eight 500mg tablet limit in 24 hours.
'I knew I was putting myself in danger with the amount I was taking'
"No one knew about it at all, I kept it from everyone, it was five weeks before my wedding. I had been with my partner for four years but she didn't know anything about it," Ben said.
"Five weeks before my wedding my partner confronted me, she kept finding empty packets of pills and asked me 'what are you taking?'
"I just broke down and was at a point when I knew I needed to stop, I knew I was putting myself in danger with the amount I was taking."
'Choose me or the drug'
The Downham Market resident said he would experience flu symptoms, shivering and sweating, and 'nearly lost her because of it'.
He says that his now-wife saved him from serious health issues by giving him the ultimatum, 'Choose me or the drug'.
Ben explained: "I was terrified of going to the doctors for a liver and kidney test, I was putting it off. I got used to the fact I was probably going to die quite young, I thought I couldn't get away with this.
"When my results came, that was the best relief I've ever felt. I'll never take that for granted again, I've put my body through a lot.
"I had really severe cold and flu symptoms, I managed to work through it, sat on my desk at work shivering and sweating. Every muscle on my body was aching, I wasn't sleeping.
"There's a lot of embarrassment about it because it's an over-the-counter addiction, people are embarrassed they've gotten into an addiction to something you can buy at the pharmacy."
The former addict advises anyone who is struggling 'to talk to someone, a professional, a family member, someone you trust and tell them where you are and how bad it is'.
"No one knew I was on it. I was going to work, going to the gym, talking to people - you couldn't tell," he added.
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week
Anish Vij