Dihydrocodeine Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

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.

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.

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:

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 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.