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Sister of Ex-First Minister Reveals Painkiller Horror
31 Mar
Summary
- Prescribed co-codamol for whiplash, leading to a two-year addiction.
- Addiction worsened due to a stressful relationship and sleep issues.
- Faced severe withdrawal symptoms going cold turkey, warns against it.
Gillian Owens, sister to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has shared her near-fatal experience with co-codamol addiction. Initially prescribed for whiplash in 2012, the painkillers quickly became a source of dependence over two years. Owens described using up to 12 pills nightly, seeking a 'fuzzy feeling' that helped manage stress from a toxic relationship and improve sleep.
Her addiction significantly impacted her life, causing memory loss, brain fog, and affecting her work and family responsibilities. She recounted experiencing panic and craving the drug intensely. In January 2020, Owens decided to quit abruptly, undergoing severe withdrawal symptoms which she advises against, recommending a doctor-supervised plan instead.
Owens' story highlights the hidden dangers of prescription opioids like codeine, a component of co-codamol, and its addictive potential. Despite facing further life traumas, she now manages her life without the drug, feeling a profound sense of freedom. She aims to encourage others to seek professional help for addiction.
