Find Support for Dihydrocodeine Addiction
Dihydrocodeine is an opioid similar to codeine found in many cough syrups that are also prescribed to treat pain. However, with a highly addictive nature, it’s very easy for individuals to build up tolerance and dependence on the drug.
Here, we explain what a dihydrocodeine addiction looks like and what you should do if you or someone you care about is struggling with it.
What is Dihydrocodeine?
Available over the counter, dihydrocodeine is a strong painkiller medication prescribed by doctors for pain relief and coughs. It combines opioid pain relievers, caffeine, and aspirin and works by intercepting the pain receptors in the brain. As well as this, aspirin works to reduce fever and swelling, and caffeine boosts the effectiveness of this.
Like many over-the-counter medicines and those prescribed by a medical professional, many people presume that you can’t get addicted to them. However, dihydrocodeine addiction is a serious health condition requiring medical assistance.
Dihydrocodeine addiction can occur in both those who are using the drug illegally and those who have been prescribed it by a medical professional.
How is Dihydrocodeine Abused?
Dihydrocodeine impacts how the brain and body work and produces feelings such as pleasure, relaxation, and euphoria. This physical and psychological response can be addictive, and individuals can begin to crave their next dose or even use higher doses to experience the same effect.
After this feeling of euphoria, it’s common for people to crash, and the craving begins. A person will require more drugs at a higher dose to function and feel the same, causing the vicious cycle of Dihydrocodeine addiction.
Addiction to this prescription drug is not always intentional, as any person can develop a painkiller addiction. By using frequently, for long periods or when not prescribed for pain relief, substance abuse starts. This drug is in pill form and can be taken as a tablet, or crushed and sniffed.
Symptoms of Dihydrocodeine Addiction
Like any other alcohol and drug addiction, if something about your own behaviour or that of a loved one is concerning you, it’s important to speak to someone. Our helpline at Asana Lodge is always open; call our team on 01908 489 421.
There are many different signs and symptoms of Dihydrocodeine addiction. There’s also what’s known as a functioning addict, where someone is struggling with addiction but is seemingly in control of their life.
Addiction can take a huge toll on your physical and mental health and requires the support and guidance of a medical team to get better.
Some common signs of dihydrocodeine addiction include:
- Using dihydrocodeine even though it’s harming your health, finances, family life and career
- Taking higher doses of dihydrocodeine than is prescribed
- Using dihydrocodeine without a prescription or using someone else’s prescription
- Requiring more of the drug to get the desired effect
- Experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without it
- Going to extreme lengths to obtain dihydrocodeine
You don’t need to show all of these symptoms. If dihydrocodeine abuse affects other aspects of your life, you may benefit from attending a dihydrocodeine addiction treatment rehab centre. Teams here will work with you to help you to get your life back on track and meet those all-important personal goals, whatever that looks like to you.
Get In Touch
Asana Lodge is a leading UK-based expert in Private Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment. Find out how we can help by contacting our friendly team today.
Dihydrocodeine Addiction Treatment
Dihydrocodeine addiction requires medical support. This is because addiction is a serious health condition that needs to be treated with a combination of therapies from doctors, nurses, counsellors and mental health specialists. Every drug rehab is different and will use a range of therapies and addiction treatments, but they all work with the same goal: to treat physical addiction and combat emotional triggers.
The first part of your recovery will involve a dihydrocodeine drug detox. This is when the dihydrocodeine leaves your body and can cause a number of withdrawal symptoms like sickness, stomach issues and general cold and flu symptoms. These are completely normal but challenging. During a medically-assisted detox, you’ll be supported and prescribed medication to help ease the process.
Once you’ve completed the detox, you can start your other dihydrocodeine addiction treatments. This typically involves a range of behavioural and talking therapy, counselling sessions and creative workshops. This aims to help you come to terms with your addiction and understand your triggers.
You’ll be guided to create healthier patterns in your behaviour and alternative coping mechanisms. Group and individual therapy will allow you to learn from others and come up with your own answers, and friends and family are encouraged to get involved too.
You can access health and well-being advice and nutritional coaches when you’re not involved in therapy. The aim is to help you carve out a new and improved lifestyle focusing on mental and physical well-being.
You’ll also work with aftercare teams on relapse prevention to ensure that you’re strong enough when the time comes to leave rehab and are confident in your ability to stay away from dihydrocodeine.
How We Can Help
At Asana Lodge, we know that dihydrocodeine addiction impacts everyone involved, including the individual with the addiction or their friends and family. That’s why we have a team to help every single person.
Family and friends can use our helpline to ask questions, offload their fears, and even arrange an intervention and referral. Those struggling with addiction can reach out to us, discuss their concerns, and even start the admissions process if that’s what they want.
We’re so proud to have created a safe environment that has helped hundreds of people to heal their bodies and mind and walk away from addiction for good.
Why not see how we could help you by calling us today or fill out our contact form? It is that simple, and we promise you won’t look back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to detox at home?
Going through detox without any support is a path that some people take. If you can afford to undergo medical detoxification then that is the way to go. The effects of withdrawal on a person are impossible to predict and there can be complications. Symptoms such as seizures and delirium tremens caused by withdrawal can sometimes result in death.
Can I refer a family member to drug and alcohol rehab?
Yes, absolutely. Asana Lodge offers a family and friend referral service for those worried about their loved one’s substance abuse. Our dedicated team can help family members through this difficult time, offering advice and guidance on the next steps to take. Throughout this process and beyond we offer family drug support as we understand that addiction affects many people beyond the addict.
How do I know if I should attend Rehab?
If you struggle to cope without drugs or alcohol, have tried and failed to quit or cut down or continue to drink and use drugs despite knowing there might be negative consequences, it might be time to seek help. We know that people struggling with addiction are often in denial about the extent of their problem, so we also offer services such as family intervention and family referrals to help get the ball rolling.
