A woman who overcame cervical cancer shared her struggle with painkiller addiction following her treatment. Stevie Davis, aged 36, battled cervical cancer in 2014, leading to the removal of her cervix and lymph nodes. Subsequently, she underwent a hysterectomy and had her womb and ovaries removed when the cancer recurred. After these surgeries, she was prescribed the opioid co-codamol.
Although effective for pain relief in the short term, long-term use of co-codamol can lead to dependence. Sadly, Stevie developed this dependence by exceeding the prescribed duration of use. Over a seven-year period, she concealed her addiction, spending £200 monthly and consuming 20 tablets daily, amounting to £16,800 by the end of her struggle in 2025. Seeking help from a pain management specialist early in the year marked the beginning of her recovery journey.
In her efforts to increase awareness about the repercussions of addiction, Stevie, from Shroud, Gloucestershire, detailed the sequence of events that led to her dependency. She mentioned being put on codeine post-surgery, which eventually led to a recurring prescription due to escalating pain. Upon realization of her dependence on opiates, Stevie faced the challenge of overcoming her addiction.
Despite several failed attempts to quit, Stevie eventually managed to break free from her addiction by going cold turkey from opioids. The withdrawal process was arduous, involving physical and mental challenges, but she persevered to achieve a drug-free life. Now, Stevie dedicates her time to sharing her experience and supporting others dealing with similar struggles.
The NHS explains that co-codamol combines paracetamol and codeine to alleviate various types of pain when standard painkillers prove ineffective. However, caution is advised due to the potential for addiction. Individuals prescribed co-codamol should strictly adhere to their doctor’s instructions regarding usage duration.
For those impacted by addiction, seeking help is crucial. Talk To Frank offers free, confidential advice through various channels for support and guidance on drug-related issues.