Table 1.

Summary of key themes and related subthemes.

Theme	Subtheme
Original post and requests for help	Original reason for codeine use Requests for help Anonymity and identity Acquisition of codeine
Side effect highs and lows	Positive effects of codeine Negative effects of codeine Withdrawal side effects
Support and treatment advice variation	General support Lay and professional advice Specific treatment advice Anecdotal: weaning and cold turkey Formal services
Stigma and shame	Comparison to illicit drug users Hiding misuse from others
Responsibility and blame	Individual and health professional responsibilities
Absent endings	Progress for the original poster How other users have progressed