Don’t forget any medicine containing codeine will no longer be available over the counter from Thursday, February 1, 2018.

From that date you will need to see a GP to get a prescription for these medicines.

It’s important to think about how this change could impact on your life.

Our drug and alcohol team manager Ben Cooper warns codeine is a hidden addiction and people might not be fully aware of their dependence level until the medication is no longer available over the counter.

Ben says the best option for people is talking with a GP about how their health issue could be helped without the medication.

BCHS offers a number of services to help you with a dependency on codeine as well as alcohol and other drugs.

To learn more call us on 5448 1600 or look through the services on our website.

Asking for help is the essential first step to recovery.