Dihydrocodeine Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

In the UK, opioids account for the majority of drug-related deaths, highlighting just how dangerous they can be. Dihydrocodeine is no exception, with this powerful painkiller carrying a high risk of both abuse and addiction. Dihydrocodeine addiction can destroy your health, future prospects and tear apart your family. This page will explain the causes, symptoms and consequences of Dihydrocodeine addiction to help educate anyone who is struggling.

What is Dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine is a prescription medication that is primarily used for pain relief and sometimes to treat persistent coughs. It belongs to the opioid family of drugs, which means it works by binding to specific “opioid” receptors in the brain, which allows it to dull the sensation of pain. Dihydrocodeine is often prescribed after surgeries and for significant injuries.

Common Dihydrocodeine side effects include:

Feeling very sleepy or tired
Feeling lightheaded or unsteady
Nausea
Constipation
Dry mouth
Increased sweating

Because Dihydrocodeine is an opioid, it has the potential for misuse, addiction and dependence. To prevent this, Dihydrocodeine is a Class B drug in the UK, and there are strict penalties for illegal possession or use. It is also regulated under Schedule 5 so it requires a prescription from a doctor with use closely monitored to prevent complications or misuse.

What is Dihydrocodeine addiction?

Dihydrocodeine addiction can sneak up on you, starting from a seemingly harmless prescription and turning into a relentless need. Imagine you were prescribed this medication after surgery or for chronic pain. At first, it helps a lot, allowing you to manage pain and get through your day.

But then, something changes. The dose that once brought relief doesn’t work as well anymore. You find yourself taking a bit more to get the same effect. This gradual increase can lead to a dependency without you even realising it.

Your body starts to crave Dihydrocodeine, and missing a dose makes you feel terrible. Anxiety creeps in, along with physical symptoms like nausea and sweating. These withdrawal symptoms make it clear that your body has become dependent on the drug.

The psychological grip of Dihydrocodeine can be just as strong. You might begin to use it to relieve pain and escape stress or emotional struggles. The drug becomes a crutch, something you believe you need to cope with daily life.

As the addiction deepens, your actions may become more desperate. You might visit multiple doctors to get extra prescriptions or even seek out illegal sources. Eventually, the constant need for Dihydrocodeine starts to take over, affecting your relationships, your work and your overall well-being.

What makes Dihydrocodeine addictive?

Addiction to Dihydrocodeine doesn’t happen to everyone but certain personal factors can make opioid addiction more likely. Let’s explore some of the unique reasons why some people might become addicted:

Coping with trauma

People who have gone through traumatic experiences might turn to Dihydrocodeine to numb their emotional pain. This can quickly lead to misuse as they seek relief from their memories and feelings.

Family history

If your family has a history of addiction, you might be more likely to get addicted to Dihydrocodeine. This is because your genes can influence how your body responds to opioids, making you more susceptible to dependency.

Mental health struggles

Conditions like anxiety and depression can make Dihydrocodeine seem like an effective solution. The drug might temporarily ease mental health symptoms, but this can soon lead to reliance and Dihydrocodeine addiction.

Misjudging safety

Some people think that because a doctor prescribed Dihydrocodeine, it is completely safe to use however they want. This can cause them to become complacent and take too much, which increases the risk of Dihydrocodeine addiction.

Long-term pain management

Using Dihydrocodeine for a long time, even for genuine pain relief, can lead to tolerance. You might start taking more to cope with pain, which can then spiral into addiction.

Lack of support

Without a supportive network of friends or family, it is easy to feel isolated. This loneliness can drive people to misuse Dihydrocodeine and become reliant on it to cope with their emotions and daily struggles.

The symptoms of Dihydrocodeine addiction

Spotting the symptoms of Dihydrocodeine addiction early can help you avoid the most dangerous risks. Here are some things to keep an eye on:

Needing more Dihydrocodeine to feel okay, even more than what your doctor said was safe
Going to different doctors or finding other ways to get more of the medication
No longer hanging out with your friends and family or lost interest in hobbies you used to enjoy
Feeling worn out or sleepy all the time, no matter how much rest you get
Feeling a powerful urge to take Dihydrocodeine, especially when you miss a dose
Having a hard time concentrating, remembering things or just feeling spaced out
Spending more than you can afford to feed your Dihydrocodeine addiction
Feeling anxious, restless or like you have the flu when you don’t take Dihydrocodeine

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, seek help as soon as possible.

The perils of Dihydrocodeine addiction

Dihydrocodeine addiction can affect your life, relationships and every other part of your life. Here are some of the most destructive perils of Dihydrocodeine addiction and abuse:

Dihydrocodeine overdose: This is the most acutely dangerous consequence of chronic Dihydrocodeine abuse. Taking too much can slow your breathing so much that it can cause unconsciousness, a coma and can even be fatal.
Gastrointestinal problems: Using dihydrocodeine for a long time can cause severe constipation and other digestive issues that can be really painful and uncomfortable.
Mental breakdown: While it might seem like Dihydrocodeine helps with stress or sadness at first, over time, it can actually make anxiety and depression worse. One minute, you might feel fine, and the next, you could be irritable or really down, making daily life difficult.
Relationship struggles: Dihydrocodeine addiction can push you away from friends and family. You might start lying or arguing with them, and they might lose trust in you, which can leave you isolated to cope with addiction on your own.

Financial troubles: Keeping up with a Dihydrocodeine addiction is expensive, especially if you are buying it illegally. You might spend all your money on dihydrocodeine, leaving you broke and unable to pay for things you really need.
Missed opportunities: Dihydrocodeine addiction can hold you back from achieving your goals and dreams at work or school and leave you facing an uncertain future.
Legal trouble: Getting caught buying or using Dihydrocodeine illegally can mean serious legal consequences, including fines, a criminal record or even prison time.
Relapse to other drugs: Trying to quit dihydrocodeine might lead you to start using the original drugs it was prescribed to help you quit, like heroin or prescription opioids.

What Dihydrocodeine addiction treatment involves

Dihydrocodeine addiction treatment involves a complete approach. It starts with detox, where medical professionals carefully monitor withdrawal to ensure safety and comfort. After that, opioid rehab involves personal therapy, group support and holistic treatments to help you delve deep into difficult subjects and understand how they have led to your addiction. When you leave rehab, aftercare and relapse prevention are vital for providing ongoing support to stay sober in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get addicted to Dihydrocodeine?

The time it takes to get addicted to Dihydrocodeine can vary depending on the person and their circumstances. Some people may develop an addiction within a few weeks of regular use, especially if they are taking higher doses than prescribed. Factors such as a person’s genetics, mental health, stress levels and previous substance use can also play a role in how quickly addiction can develop. It is important to use Dihydrocodeine exactly as your doctor advises and to be aware of any signs of growing dependency.

Are there any other common names for dihydrocodeine?

Yes, dihydrocodeine is commonly known by brand names such as DHC Continus and DF118.

Is it dangerous to mix dihydrocodeine with alcohol?

Yes, mixing dihydrocodeine with alcohol is dangerous. Both are central nervous system depressants, which can result in increased sedation, respiratory depression, impaired coordination, and a significantly higher risk of overdose.

(Click here to see works cited)

GOV.UK. “Over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.” GOV.UK, 11 December 2014, https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/over-the-counter-painkillers-containing-codeine-or-dihydrocodeine. Accessed 13 June 2024.
NHS. “Common questions about dihydrocodeine.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/dihydrocodeine/common-questions-about-dihydrocodeine/. Accessed 13 June 2024.
UK Rehab. “Dihydrocodeine addiction.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/prescription-drug-addiction/opioid/dihydrocodeine/. Accessed 13 6 2024.
Zamparutti, Giuliano et al. “Deaths of opiate/opioid misusers involving dihydrocodeine, UK, 1997-2007.” British journal of clinical pharmacology vol. 72,2 (2011): 330-7. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03908.x