The effects of dihydrocodeine withdrawal can last months, but with the right support, your detox can be much faster, easier, and more effective.
Whether you are battling a full-blown addiction or mild dependency, you can take the first step to sobriety today.
When you call our helpline, our warm, wise and knowledgeable advisers will walk you through the options for long-term recovery, with no pressure to commit to anything.
To recover from dihydrocodeine addiction safely and effectively, start by getting in touch with us on 0800 140 4690 (UK) or +44 345 222 3508 (international).
Dihydrocodeine is a prescription-only opioid painkiller that works by changing the user’s pain perception. In the UK, brand names include DHC Continus and DF118 Forte.
This prescription drug is prescribed for moderate to severe pain, such as a persistent dry cough, or post-surgery pain.
Patients can take dihydrocodeine in the form of tablets (standard or slow-release), liquid, or an injection. Generally, it’s only recommended to take this drug for up to a few weeks, otherwise there is an increased risk of addiction.
Common side effects of dihydrocodeine include:
It’s also possible to experience muscle stiffness or low blood pressure that causes dizziness, low energy, and fatigue. These are considered serious side effects, and less than 1 in 100 people will experience them. Those who do are advised to call a doctor immediately.
People often separate the causes of prescribed drug use and drug misuse, but overlaps are common.
Prescribed use involves taking dihydrocodeine based on a prescription, and following doctor’s orders regarding the dose, frequency, and maximum time the drug should be taken for (e.g., a few weeks).
Many believe misuse simply looks like obtaining and using dihydrocodeine when it isn’t necessary. Perhaps someone takes it when they aren’t in pain, or aren’t in enough pain to warrant such a strong painkiller.
However, misuse comes in different forms. Many people start taking dihydrocodeine as recommended by their doctor, but over time, they find themselves becoming dependent on the drug. In other words, what starts off as dihydrocodeine use evolves into misuse.
This is often down to tolerance; the longer you use dihydrocodeine, the more your body adapts to the dose, and needs a higher dose to control pain.
When someone is dependent on, or addicted to, dihydrocodeine, suddenly stopping consumption can cause a range of mental and physical symptoms to occur.
The science behind this is all to do with imbalance. Someone who has been using dihydrocodeine for a long time has been experiencing frequent euphoria and relief, which affects the brain’s ability to produce natural chemicals.
When they stop taking the drug, and the effects of the imbalance start to show, they often become very ill.
As well as the body relying on the drug in order to function, the brain is also reliant. This means people tend to experience both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms after stopping dihydrocodeine.
Sudden withdrawal from dihydrocodeine can cause symptoms to develop within one day of the last dose. A common time period for early symptoms is 8-12 hours.
After this, symptoms tend to deteriorate, with the third to the fifth day often being the peak. The patient may feel unwell for up to two weeks, though many drug users feel better after one week.
Physical withdrawal symptoms include:
Psychological withdrawal symptoms include:
Yes, dihydrocodeine withdrawal can be dangerous, as the physical and psychological side effects can put the mind and body under a lot of stress.
Usually, withdrawal is not life-threatening. However, it’s crucial to seek medical supervision to ensure the withdrawal is as safe as possible.
Unsafe withdrawal can increase the risk of medical complications, and without supervision, symptoms can escalate unexpectedly. There is also a higher risk of relapse, as patients may feel unable to wait out the withdrawal, and turn to dihydrocodeine to reduce uncomfortable or painful side effects.
What’s more, those with co-occurring conditions must take extra care, as attempting to withdraw alone can worsen the symptoms of these conditions. Examples include sleep apnoea, chronic pain, and depression.
Overall, medical supervision means the progress of the withdrawal can be monitored effectively, and any concerning warning signs can be addressed immediately, making the withdrawal much safer for the patient.
Below, we list treatment options for Dihydrocodeine Withdrawal:
Detoxing under the care of medical professionals is both safer and more effective. This can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis, and sometimes in the patient’s home.
Staff are trained to guide you through the dihydrocodeine detox, treating any side effects and supporting you emotionally.
Medications can be used to increase the comfort of the process, such as prescribing painkillers, or clonidine, which reduces anxiety and sweating.
Withdrawal from dihydrocodeine doesn’t have to be immediate. Doctors can craft tapering plans to help patients gradually withdraw from the drug, reducing severe side effects.
Therapy is an extremely effective way to prevent dihydrocodeine relapse. Breaking free of physical dependency is one step, but focusing on the psychological appeal of the drug is just as important in order for patients to get to the root of their struggles.
The most effective addiction treatments are ongoing. Using tools such as therapy, self-help groups, and mindfulness teaches patients how to re-establish a life without addiction, significantly reducing the risk of dihydrocodeine relapse.
This is a very common question, and the answer isn’t straightforward.
On one hand, yes, you can certainly live the rest of your life free from dihydrocodeine. It’s a story we hear time and time again from rehab patients, and it’s one we never tire of hearing.
On the other hand, recovery is a lifelong process. There is no magic method to ensure you will never again experience relapse, and it’s unfortunately a common part of life for many people in recovery.
Thankfully, having strong support systems can make a big difference.
First, we’ve got family and friends. Try to surround yourself with people who will encourage you to stay sober, whether it’s by celebrating sober anniversaries with you, organising plans that don’t involve drink or drugs, or attending self-help groups with you.
Self-help groups, also known as support groups, are another brilliant system for people in dihydrocodeine recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery arrange local groups for people struggling with drug addiction.
Having a safe space to go to when you feel triggered, or to meet friends who you can relate to, is hugely impactful for long-term recovery.
Formal resources are also incredibly powerful. Don’t downplay the importance of keeping up with therapy sessions.
Sometimes, you may be battling something without even being aware of it, and therapy pushes this issue to the surface sooner, before it leads to relapse.
Finally, you may need to look at changing your lifestyle in order to keep your risk of relapse as low as possible.
Though a healthy diet and good sleep can’t determine whether you will relapse, they play a significant role in maintaining your health and therefore reducing relapse triggers.
When your loved one is struggling with drug addiction, you may worry about saying the wrong thing. The truth is that your presence matters more than your words.
Demonstrating unwavering support will help your loved one feel valued and protected, and this could even make them feel capable of seeking professional help.
Having said that, if someone isn’t ready to recover, there is no amount of support you could provide that will push them into recovery. Instead, you must be patient and take care of your own mental health in the meantime.
Some loved ones choose to gather resources in preparation for their friend or family member to eventually seek treatment, so that they are ready for this scenario.
If this describes you, Rehab 4 Addiction advisers would love to talk you through your current situation, explain the options for treatment, and help you with how to show up for your loved one at this time.
Perhaps your loved one has already accepted help. If so, we can still offer specialist advice over the phone. To cover the basics, we recommend:
Dihydrocodeine withdrawal is not something you need to face alone.
Our options for treatment range from month-long treatment plans at rehab (followed by aftercare) to dihydrocodeine home detoxes. We cater for you, no matter your situation.
To recover from dihydrocodeine addiction safely and effectively, start by getting in touch with us on 0800 140 4690 (UK) or +44 345 222 3508 (international).
An initial telephone assessment will help us to determine your needs together, and from there, we can find the best treatment for you.
