Addiction can affect anyone – Department of Health

Date published: 8 December 2025

Over-the-counter medication can be highly addictive, that is the message from the Department of Health.

Some over-the-counter medication, such as stronger combination painkillers containing a mixture of paracetamol or ibuprofen along with codeine or dihydrocodeine, can be highly addictive.

In 2024, there were round 10.4 million combination painkillers obtained by Community Pharmacies in Northern Ireland, which is a 6.9% increase on the previous year, showing the level of demand is increasing.

Northern Ireland’s Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Cathy Harrison said: “Addiction can affect anyone, and often people may not even know they have an addiction. Taking over-the-counter combination painkillers should be in the short-term, no longer than three days. If you are concerned about your relationship with these types of medication, speak to your pharmacist. They are there to help.”

Michael Main, a 37-year-old man from Belfast, found himself addicted to over-the-counter medication, when he started using combination painkillers 12 years ago to treat a leg injury and migraines.  At the height of his addiction, he was taking 64 tablets daily. He said: “I was down to four stone and I was afraid of losing my life. I knew I needed help, but I didn’t know where to turn.”

With many people not knowing they have an addiction, Belfast Trust Consultant Addictions Psychiatrist Dr Joy Watson wants to highlight the signs. Dr Watson, who is based in the Malone Place Addiction Services Clinic, said: 

“We are seeing more people crossing our door to seek support with addiction to over-the-counter medication. But there are many more people in our communities who don’t actually know they have an addiction.

“Some signs of addiction are that you may feel you need the medicine for longer periods and in higher doses than recommended, and when you do stop them you feel unwell.

“Addiction to these stronger combination painkillers can cause very serious health issues, including severe liver, kidney and stomach disease needing multiple surgeries and with some people ending up in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Sadly, some people have lost their lives. They can also cause issues in patient’s personal or work lives.

“The good news is, there is treatment available to substitute codeine and it is highly effective. The earlier you seek the help, the better for your health. If you are concerned about your relationship with over-the-counter medication, speak to your GP or pharmacist.”

Michael received support and started treatment. He continued: “I went into hospital and had to get surgery twice. My consultants were able to direct me to addiction services, where I started a programme, which involved taking substitute medication. From then, I have made massive improvements – it’s like two different people. I put on four stone in a couple of months, feel great, I’m back to work and spending more time with my kids, I wish I had done it a long time ago.

“It is not your typical drug and so you don’t hear much about the help available. But it does exist – go and seek support, it is the first step and can help turn your life around.”

The Department of Health have been working closely with Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI), to highlight the issues around addiction to these types of medication. Recently, all Community Pharmacies and GP surgeries received leaflets and posters to highlight the issue to the public.

Katherine Kidd, Head of Professional Services at CPNI said: “Community pharmacists are medicines experts, and they can support patients to find out more about the over-the-counter medication they are taking or thinking of starting, including the potential side effects, to help encourage safe and appropriate use.

“If a patient has any queries or concerns about these types of medicines, I urge them to speak to their community pharmacist who can help support their appropriate use.”

You can also find further details of groups that can support you at www.drugsandalcoholni.info.