A mother from Gloucester, Abby House, has shared her harrowing journey through addiction that began after she underwent weight-loss surgery. Prescribed codeine for pain management, House fell into a spiral of dependence, taking as many as 10 pills a day, which led to significant personal and financial turmoil.
In 2021, Abby underwent gastric sleeve surgery, believing it would transform her life. However, after six months of recovery, she found herself increasingly reliant on the opioid pain relief prescribed to her. Initially, Abby described codeine as her “best friend,” helping her manage feelings of depression and anxiety. Without warnings regarding its addictive potential, she began taking the medication liberally, sometimes even before her shifts managing a team of 30 at her NHS job.
The consequences of her addiction quickly escalated. Abby recounted how she would count down the minutes until her children went to bed, eagerly anticipating the moment she could switch from “mum mode” to “addict mode.” She would hide her supply of pills under her bed, compulsively counting them as she consumed them.
Abby recalled the euphoric sensations that accompanied her usage, describing a warm feeling that enveloped her body. “I’d feel like I was floating and could finally relax,” she explained. Yet, this bliss was short-lived. After 20 to 30 minutes, the euphoria would fade, leaving her exhausted and in pain.
As her tolerance grew, Abby needed to take more codeine to achieve the same high. She described the aftermath of abuse: “Codeine abuse feels great at first – but there’s a reason it’s called abuse, and it’s because the aftermath is brutal.” Her self-care deteriorated drastically; hygiene became a low priority, and she often went days without showering or brushing her teeth.
Abby’s addiction strained her relationship with her two children, aged 10 and 14. Although she ensured their physical needs were met, she recognized that her emotional connection with them had weakened. “All I could think about was codeine,” she said. “If I had it, I was happy; if I didn’t, I’d be withdrawing.” This emotional distance led her children to withdraw from her, creating a silent household where laughter and joy once thrived.
Financially, Abby faced overwhelming challenges. She accrued debts of approximately £8,000 as she sought to obtain more codeine than her prescription allowed, often purchasing strong versions online. Her attempts to borrow money led to suspicion from friends and family, further isolating her.
Realizing she was on the brink of an overdose nearly every day, Abby reached a breaking point. “I was well aware that my health was suffering hugely,” she acknowledged. In October 2024, she sought help from her local drug and alcohol service, enrolling in an opiate replacement treatment program and working with a key worker.
The first six months of recovery proved to be a formidable challenge. Abby described hitting rock bottom as a pivotal moment. “I had pushed everyone out of my life,” she said, reflecting on the pain of losing connections with loved ones. The realization that she might leave her children without a mother motivated her to change.
During her recovery, Abby launched a TikTok page to share her story, which has gained over 20,000 followers. This platform has become a space for her to connect with others facing similar struggles while raising awareness about the dangers of codeine addiction.
Today, Abby expresses gratitude for her life and the relationships she has rebuilt. “Life in recovery is amazing,” she stated. “I wake up happy and grateful for everything in my life.” As she works to maintain her mental health and physical well-being, she emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding addiction.
Abby’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impacts addiction can have on individuals and their families, as well as the possibility of recovery and renewal.
