Abby House, a 36-year-old mother from Gloucester, shares her harrowing journey into codeine addiction following weight-loss surgery. After undergoing a gastric sleeve procedure in 2021, Abby was prescribed codeine for post-surgical pain management. Initially, the drug helped alleviate her depression and anxiety, but within six months, she became dependent on it.
Her addiction quickly spiraled, consuming her daily life. Abby found herself taking up to ten 30mg codeine pills a day, hiding her stash, and counting the minutes until she could escape parental duties to indulge in the “euphoria” the drug provided. However, the high was fleeting, followed by debilitating crashes marked by exhaustion, intense headaches, and uncontrollable itching that led her to question when she could take more.
As her tolerance grew, Abby’s addiction deepened, severely impacting her self-care and lifestyle. She ceased basic hygiene, wearing the same clothes for days, neglecting oral care, and abandoning her once-clean house. The drug also caused severe constipation, with one episode lasting over two weeks. Emotionally and physically distant, her relationship with her children, aged 10 and 14, suffered despite her fulfilling their basic needs.
READ MORE: Winning Lotto Numbers Tonight: National Lottery & Thunderball Results for Wednesday, February 25, 2026
READ MORE: Man Ordered to Demolish Illegal Flats Built in Gloucester Barn After Planning Appeal Rejected
Financially, the addiction was devastating. Abby amassed £8,000 in debt from buying extra codeine online beyond her prescription, borrowing money under false pretenses until friends distanced themselves. Social isolation and anxiety increased, and depression took hold. On the brink of overdose from the quantity she consumed daily, Abby recognized that her life was unraveling.
In October 2024, she sought help at a local drug and alcohol service and entered an opiate replacement treatment program. Recovery was a challenging six-month journey, but Abby credits hitting “rock bottom” and the loss of support from her mother for the final push toward change. On a career break to focus on healing, she began sharing her story on TikTok, attracting 20,000 followers and helping others battling addiction find hope.
Today, Abby celebrates sobriety, improved health, and a restored relationship with her children. She emphasizes the need to break the stigma surrounding addiction by speaking openly and supporting those affected. Abby’s story is a powerful reminder that even when addiction seems isolating, recovery and connection are possible.