Painkillers and Prescription Medication
Painkillers and Prescription Medication
Opiate Painkillers
Opiate-based over the counter medication is highly addictive and can become unsafe when misused. There are various opiate medicines including codeine, morphine, dihydrocodeine, methadone, buprenorphine and diamorphine (the medical term for heroin).
If you are experiencing dependency and are looking to make changes, we can work alongside your GP to prescribe you an opiate which can be medically reduced over a period of time. In some cases, it may be appropriate to prescribe a different opiate than the one you are currently using.
For information around opiates, we recommend Drug Wise and Know the Score, as places that can provide you with up-to-date, evidence-based and non-judgemental information.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are used for various medical reasons including treating insomnia or anxiety, and acting as a muscle relaxant. Benzos can be addictive. If they have not been prescribed to you they can cause harm.
If benzos are becoming a problem for you, we can work alongside your GP to get you a prescription which can be reduced over a period of time, helping you to reduce your use or stop using.
The Bristol-based PostScript 360 (formerly Battle Against Tranquilisers) can provide you with further support and information around benzos, ‘Z’ drugs, tranquilisers and sleeping pills. You can contact them on 0117 9663629 or info@postscript360.org.uk.
For more information around benzos visit Drug Wise and Know the Score.
Mixing drugs and alcohol
Prescription drugs are very dangerous when mixing with alcohol and other drugs. Get in contact with us if you want to reduce the harm you could be causing yourself or want to find out how we can support you to take control of your use.
Pain medication and clinics
If you are living with pain find out how your GP can support you by prescribing medication for pain relief or by referring you into a pain clinic in North Bristol or Central and South Bristol. Contact your GP for more information.
