Health advocates in Australia say a new study shows that a ban on over-the-counter codeine pills has led to a drop in the number of overdoses.
They say it's a positive step towards curbing opioid addiction but are also calling for greater support to help people better manage chronic pain.
Sister Mary-Lynne Cochrane never thought she'd become addicted to codeine.
Sister Mary-Lynne Cochrane. Source: SBS News
The Catholic nun has had 22 surgeries throughout her life to help her live with chronic arthritis.
She said she relied on over-the-counter painkillers to help with recovery after each surgery.
"I used to supplement on a really bad day with Mersyndol or Panadeine," she said.
"So I didn't realise that I was exacerbating my whole problem, but I was only masking what I had.
"And I think I did more damage to my system by taking them than not taking them."
The 63-year-old said she was sick of feeling drowsy from the pills and decided to stop taking them four years ago.
She's now learned to manage her pain through meditation, yoga and physiotherapy.
Other people aren't as fortunate.
Medication packets . Source: AAP
It's estimated three Australians die from opioid toxicity every day.
But a new study by the University of Sydney shows overdoses have halved since the federal government last year banned the sale of low-dose codeine medicines without a doctor's prescription.
Dr Rose Cairns, from the university's School of Pharmacy, said they "a 50 per cent drop in codeine poisonings following the change".
"So we wanted to see whether that change affected misuse and use of codeine in Australia," she said.
"We saw a 50 per cent drop in codeine poisonings following the change and also a 50 per cent drop in codeine sales. Overall use has also dropped."
Researchers also found no significant increase in calls to the nation's largest poisoning centre involving the use of higher-strength opioids.
Melinda Lucas, Knowledge Manager at the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, said while the results represent good news, more needs to be done to help those struggling with opioid addiction.
"The reason that people will reach out to these types of medications is they are in pain and so we do need to look at what are all the strategies that we can help and teach people about managing pain before they get to the point of becoming dependent on the medication," she said.
The Department of Health says it's working with the Therapeutic Goods Administration on several measures aimed at reducing harm, including restricting fentanyl patch products, which also contain codeine.
Post-operative opioid pack sizes will also be made smaller from next year.
That's a change welcomed by Sister Cochrane, who hopes her story will inspire others to ask for help.
"I want to tell people that it is possible but you need a support team around you to do it so if you need help, ask," she said.
