29 September 2026
New data released by Shropshire Recovery Partnership - delivered by WithYou - reveals the number of people struggling with codeine has more than doubled since 2022. Amidst these rising numbers, local resident of Shifnal, Ryan, 31, is telling his story to highlight the hidden dangers of over the counter and prescription opioids, and the life-changing impact of support.
Ryan’s use of opioids began with prescribed codeine, ibuprofen and tramadol after developing sciatica from working on building sites. As Ryan’s pain grew worse, his dosage increased. When asked when he realised his usage was becoming a problem he explains, “It just becomes so natural. You don't think about how you've got 60 codeine in your hand, and then you've got 60 tramadol, and you can just knock it back with morphine. It's just the norm. There's no switch.”
At his worst, Ryan was taking one month's worth of medication - 162 tramadol and 158 codeine tablets - within five days, and on top of these prescribed drugs he was also adding mixes of codeine and ibuprofen bought from pharmacies.
At the same time, his personal life, including his time with his partner and four boys, 8, 9, 12 and 13, was suffering. “I hated everything about me,” he says frankly. “I'd still make dinner, I'd still be there with the kids, but I wasn't the dad that I wanted to be. I didn't realise the damage that I was doing to my relationship with my partner.”
In early 2024, Ryan reached a crisis point after he tried to end his life. But he had the courage to walk into his local pharmacy and ask for help, which directed him to the Shropshire Recovery Partnership. Ryan credits the service with providing him with the support he needed to regain control of his life.
After an initial medically supervised period on buprenorphine tablets, he transitioned to the Buvidal injection, a shift he describes as “the best thing I've ever done”. Buvidal is injected weekly or monthly and prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms and suppresses cravings, without producing a euphoric high.
For Ryan, the combination of one-to-one professional support provided by his dedicated recovery worker and the Buvidal injection has been transformative. He’s entirely open about his journey, including in Shifnal.
“People come to me for help, and I’ve sent every single one of them to WithYou. This place is just a godsend.”
Today, Ryan is in a much better place, and he’s proud of himself for his journey. “There were so many things that needed tackling, like becoming a better dad, becoming a better partner,” he reflects.
With the rise in people coming to Shropshire Recovery Partnership struggling with codeine, Ryan wants people to know the risks of opioid-based painkillers. “You can see adverts for painkillers on TV. People really need to know about the dangers of it.”
Abigail Wilson, WithYou’s Director of Pharmacy, said, “High caseloads and cuts to healthcare funding put pressure on GPs and wider health services, with potential to lead to cases like Ryan’s. This is not caused by poor care, it’s a symptom of an overloaded system. Investment in healthcare and drug and alcohol services is vital to provide the support people in crisis need.”
For those struggling with codeine or other substances in Shropshire, we are WithYou.
