Millions of Brits at risk of addiction to 'over the counter' medicines

OTC codeine painkillers pose a hidden addiction risk, and ITV Tonight’s exclusive survey highlights the scale. Savanta polled more than 2,000 UK adults and found that more than one in three non-prescription codeine users could be at risk of dependency by using the medicine beyond the advised period. The survey estimates about 10 million people may have exposed themselves to dependency or addiction through codeine-based painkillers such as Nurofen Plus or Solpadeine. Current guidance restricts continuous use to three days, and the study notes that Britain still allows over-the-counter sales of codeine combinations, unlike more than 25 other countries, including Australia where rules changed in 2018 to curb abuse. Abby House’s story illustrates the personal toll: she developed an addiction after gastric sleeve surgery, buying up to 20 boxes weekly and accumulating about £8,000 in debt. Pharmacists should limit sales and can refuse when abuse is suspected, but many sufferers resort to “pharmacy hopping” or online purchases to bypass controls, prolonging harm and raising concerns about long-term physical damage.