How did Abby Johnson's codeine addiction start?

Abby Johnson's codeine addiction began after complications from her weight loss surgery in 2021 led to her needing her gallbladder removed, for which she was prescribed the painkiller.

What led to the death of Diana's son Ben?

Diana believes her son Ben's long-term addiction to codeine, which he used to treat a back injury, ultimately contributed to his death from pneumonia in early 2025.

Home / Health / Prescription Turned Poison: The Shocking Rise of Codeine Abuse in the UK

Prescription Turned Poison: The Shocking Rise of Codeine Abuse in the UK

Q: What happened to Philly Lay after her spinal surgery?

Philly Lay became addicted to codeine painkillers after a botched spinal surgery in 2014 left her bedridden and in excruciating pain.

18 Nov

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Summary

Woman became addicted to codeine after botched spinal surgery
Addiction led to isolation from family and loss of normal life
Experts warn codeine's addictive nature is often underestimated

Prescription Turned Poison: The Shocking Rise of Codeine Abuse in the UK

In November 2025, the shocking rise of codeine abuse in the UK is revealed through the harrowing story of Philly Lay. Philly, now 61, became addicted to opioid painkillers after a botched spinal surgery in 2014 left her bedridden and in excruciating pain.

Prescribed codeine and other drugs to manage the pain, Philly soon found herself taking up to 20 capsules a day, spiraling into a two-year haze of painkiller dependence. Her addiction caused her to withdraw from family life, missing her youngest daughter's 11th birthday and leaving her former husband to buy a store-bought cake.

Experts warn that codeine's addictive nature is often underestimated, as the drug is metabolized into morphine by the liver, creating a powerful narcotic effect. This, combined with the "fuzzy" and calming feeling it provides, leads many users to become hooked within weeks of starting.

Philly's story is not unique. 35-year-old Abby Johnson also found herself in the grip of codeine addiction after complications from weight loss surgery, racking up £8,000 in debt to fund her habit. Tragically, Diana's 47-year-old son Ben died from pneumonia earlier this year, with his long-term codeine abuse believed to be a contributing factor.

As the opioid crisis continues to grip the UK, experts and survivors alike are calling for greater awareness and action to address the growing problem of prescription painkiller abuse.

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