Today I reveal a secret which almost killed me. I've been badly addicted to Codeine for three years. I worked so hard to keep it secret from everyone. Today I leave hospital after 7 weeks and I'm Codeine free! This addiction has cost me so much and hurt those closest to me. I started to use Nurofen Plus to treat back pain. After a month I realised I couldn't stop. This started a continuous cycle of trying to lower the amount I took and then returning to higher amounts. It resulted it me taking 3 packs per day! That's 72 tablets every day in one go.  I kept on taking them even as I got sicker and sicker. To a point where my ulcers got so bad that I was bleeding out from the inside. Everyone who saw me said I looked sick but I always brushed this off saying I'm grand. I had to get a blood transfusion and scopes to see the extent of the damage. It took 3 pints of blood to get me back to a level that I wasn't in immediate danger. My hemagloban level was so low they didn't know how I was walking. My iron level was at 0. The doctor told me I was very lucky to have not suffered a heart attack or stroke. The guilt of knowing I nearly left my two young kids to face life without a Dad will take a long time to get over. Even after all this, months later I was back on Nurofen Plus. Not as bad as previous but I was starting to get sick again and it was following the same pattern as before. By chance my secret came out. It caused immense hurt to those closest to me. The fact I kept it hidden for so long even with me nearly dying. I wasn't the person I used to be. I was so full of Codeine it effected every part of my life. To keep this a secret took up so much of my time. Buying them, hiding them & taking them. The constant stress of being found out. The money it cost! The time it took away from work and most importantly my family. I just wish I could turn back time and come clean about my addiction years ago. It would have saved so much hurt. Thankfully I got a bed in St Patrick's Hospital Dublin. It took 6 weeks to taper down the Codeine while I was here. I recieved 24/7 support. I went through really difficult withdrawals. It's not just the medical side, I had multiple weekly visits for one on one with an addiction counsellor. And group therapy with others in addiction. Plus many other classes and lectures. Without inpatient care I'd still be on Codeine. I've struggled these past weeks but was helped all the way. I wrongly thought I could do this alone. I should have been here two years ago! I now start the Step Down program set by the hospital and join support groups like NA and Smart Recovery. There is still plenty of work ahead of me to ensure there is no relapse. Why am I putting this out in the public? Because I worked so so hard to keep it secret from everyone. I was ashamed of it. I would have done anything to keep it secret. But this was so wrong. If I'd been open about it earlier it would have been much easier to manage. I also know so many others are in similar positions. I visited thousands of pharmacies during my addiction. Every 2nd person was buying Nurofen Plus or Solpadeine. In the over two thousand visits to the pharmacy I was only ever refused a pack once. I was always told the warnings but never refused. I don't blame the pharmacies. It was my fault to have become addicted. But I do wonder why Ireland is one of the only countries in the world where Codeine can purchased over the counter. I've seen with my own eyes the amount which is purchased. So that's my secret. I'm glad it's out there. Thank you for taking the time to read it. If you feel you are in a similar position with Codeine or Opiates please get in touch. I'd be delighted to point you in the right direction or answer any questions in confidence. This addiction has cost me so much in every part of my life. I start the rebuild today as I leave hospital. I'm so sorry to those I hurt. I will work my hardest to rebuild the trust I have lost. Mark.

Mounjaro helped. I still had to do the work.

Looking for support with substance use? Whether it’s alcohol, tablets, benzos, weed or other substances, you’re not alone. Join CCRAS safe, non-judgemental weekly group where you can be heard, supported and learn coping tools for recovery. 🗓 Every Tuesday ⏰ 11:30am – 1:00pm

900 days sober today. Starting Year 2, Semester 2 of my social work degree and I’m honestly buzzing. So grateful for how far I’ve come from surviving to thriving, from just getting by to building a future I’m proud of. Sobriety has given me everything I thought I’d lost and more.

A few years ago I was neutropenic, had 34% lung function, diagnosed with advanced sarcoidosis, had a stroke and got a cardiac loop monitor placed in my chest. This year I ran the London Marathon, started my 2nd year in college all while maintaining my sobriety 😊 #TherapyWorks

16 years I've been trying to lose 10 stone! I've finally reached my target 🙂 I am so happy 🙂 The last 4 stone which I could never manage has been done with Mounjaro's help. I've also been in the gym 6 days a week!! I've never felt better 🙌🏻 It's been a long weight loss journey!

Life long dream today 🇪🇺🏆 #TeamEurope

Villain Rory might be my favorite Rory

It’s so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone. Diogo, your family was your world. They were everything. For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken. And for Andre as well. Brothers and best friends. When it’s less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great teammate and a true friend. Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo.

Our lad from Portugal. Forever ❤️

Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

A special rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone ❤️

200 Days Codeine free. Codeine took so much from me. I had gotten myself into such a bad place because of it. But thankfully I asked for help and after 7 weeks in St Patrick's Hospital I came off Codeine. I'm rebuilding my life and honestly can't remember ever feeling this good!

🎶 Put your hands up for Detroit, our lovely city! Win 2 return flights, a 4-night hotel stay & attraction passes with @Delta and @visitdetroit! ✅ Like ✅ Tag a friend ✅ Repost 🕒 Winner picked after 3PM, 9th May.

Returning the favour 🎶❤️

Way to gooooo grand slammmer!!! We all love you buddy!!! Love, Happy

🎸 WIN a trip for 2 to Nashville with @visitmusiccity, @AerLingus & @DublinAirport ! 🎶 We’re celebrating the new direct route with flights, hotel, parking, and passes to iconic Nashville experiences! To enter: ❤️ Like 💬 Tag 🔁 Repost

**COMPETITION TIME** Spring Awakens: Sip & Stay – Feel the energy, live the moment! ✨ One lucky winner will enjoy our Spring Awakens Package - Enter by LIKING this post, SHARING & FOLLOWING Castleknock Hotel 🎉 The winner will be announced THIS FRIDAY at 12 PM

During this month in 1992, the official video for "Even Flow" was filmed by Josh Taft during Pearl Jam’s concert at Seattle's Moore Theatre. Watch the full video: pj.lnk.to/evenflowhubTP

Here we go!!! It’s time for #MatchDaySorted 🥳🎉 Follow & RT for a chance to win: 2x Tickets to Ireland v England match on February 1st in AVIVA 4x Pints of @Heineken_IE 2x Match Day Burger Winner announced lunchtime on Thursday, Jan 30th.