Dihydrocodeine addiction treatment (detox and rehab)
Last Updated:
January 9th, 2024
Dihydrocodeine addiction treatment is not just a path to sobriety; it is a gateway to a new life, free from the chains of dependency and full of endless possibilities. Understanding the multifaceted nature of opiate addiction is crucial in this journey because dihydrocodeine doesn’t just affect the body; it alters the mind, impacting your emotional well-being and social interactions as well. That is why UKAT’s approach to treatment is a holistic one, addressing the physical, psychological, emotional and social facets of dependency. This approach is a three-step process involving detox, rehab and relapse prevention.
Step 1: Dihydrocodeine detox
When consumed, dihydrocodeine acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, altering the perception of pain and often inducing a sense of euphoria. Over time, the brain starts relying on the drug to stimulate these feelings and it is this physical dependence that makes quitting dihydrocodeine so challenging. Once the drug use stops, the body, accustomed to its effects, goes into a state of imbalance, manifesting as dihydrocodeine withdrawal symptoms.
Dihydrocodeine detox at UKAT is a carefully monitored process that supports the body as it clears the drug from your systems and readjusts to functioning without dihydrocodeine. Like all forms of opiate detox, this process involves a gradual reduction of the drug, allowing the body and brain to adapt to its absence slowly. It is a journey of relearning and healing as the body restores its natural balance and the brain takes charge again.
The benefits of undergoing dihydrocodeine detox at UKAT include:
- 24/7 medical care at our inpatient dihydrocodeine detox centre
- Round-the-clock monitoring and immediate intervention
- Full medical assessment on arrival
- Individualised dihydrocodeine detox plan
- Medication-assisted detox, if necessary
- Direct access to our opiate rehab programme
Navigating the storm of dihydrocodeine withdrawal
Dihydrocodeine withdrawal is a highly personal experience, with symptoms varying in intensity and duration from one person to another. This variability is influenced by factors such as the duration of dihydrocodeine use, the dosages taken and your physical and mental health.
Common dihydrocodeine withdrawal symptoms include physical discomforts such as:
However, the battle is not just physical. Psychological dihydrocodeine withdrawal symptoms are equally challenging. These include:
Understanding these symptoms is crucial as you embark on dihydrocodeine detox, as it prepares you for what lies ahead. At UKAT, we provide comprehensive support to help manage dihydrocodeine withdrawal, ensuring that the detox process is as comfortable as possible.
Dihydrocodeine withdrawal timeline
The process of withdrawing from dihydrocodeine is a challenging yet transformative journey. While individual experiences may vary, a general timeline provides insight into what you may expect each day during detox.
Day 1-2: The onset
The first signs of withdrawal typically begin within 8 to 12 hours after the last dose. Early symptoms are often mild and can include a sense of restlessness, anxiety and an intense craving for the drug.
As the first day progresses, physical symptoms start to manifest more prominently, and you may experience muscle aches, flu-like symptoms and a noticeable increase in anxiety levels.
By the end of the second day, symptoms like insomnia, agitation and gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) start to become more pronounced.
Day 3-5: The peak
Day 3 often marks the peak of physical dihydrocodeine withdrawal symptoms as the body is actively trying to adjust to the absence of the drugs. This is when symptoms such as body aches, sweating and tremors usually reach their highest intensity.
Some physical symptoms may start to subside over the next two days or so, but psychological symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and cravings can become more challenging. Sleep disturbances are also common during this phase.
Day 6-7: The turn
By the end of the first week, there is a noticeable shift as the body begins to regain balance. However, while the most severe physical symptoms generally begin to resolve, psychological and emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression and cravings can continue, requiring ongoing support and care.
Week 2: Stabilisation
The second week of dihydrocodeine detox often brings a gradual stabilisation of symptoms. Most people should feel a significant improvement in physical health, though the psychological aspect of recovery continues to need attention and care.
Week 3 and beyond: Long-term recovery
While the acute phase of physical withdrawal has typically passed by week three, for some people, post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) like mood swings, anxiety and disturbed sleep patterns can persist for months. This requires continued targeted support, counselling and, if necessary, medication-assisted treatment.
Step 2: Dihydrocodeine rehab
Dihydrocodeine rehab is the second pivotal phase in the journey to recovery. It encompasses a range of therapies and strategies aimed at addressing the psychological, emotional and social aspects of dihydrocodeine addiction.
There are two primary options for dihydrocodeine rehab: outpatient and inpatient. While both have their merits, inpatient rehab, like that offered at UKAT, offers unique benefits that can significantly enhance recovery. These include:
Dihydrocodeine rehab at UKAT
At UKAT, our dihydrocodeine rehab programmes are designed to provide complete healing by combining traditional evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches. Our goal is to address dependency from every angle, ensuring that you not only recover but thrive in your newfound sobriety.
Some of the key types of therapy offered during UKAT dihydrocodeine rehab include:
Stage 3: Relapse prevention
Completing the detox and rehab phases of dihydrocodeine recovery is a huge achievement and should be a time for pride and celebration. However, leaving the sanctuary or rehab and returning to your everyday life can present several challenges. Navigating these obstacles requires resilience, support and a commitment to your recovery journey, so you must create a plan for social reintegration.
At UKAT, this relapse prevention plan will be made before you leave rehab with the assistance of your treatment team. Some of the proven relapse prevention strategies include:
Engaging in aftercare
After completing your rehab programme, participation in aftercare is crucial. UKAT offers one year of free weekly group therapy for all clients, providing ongoing support and reinforcement of everything you learned and achieved during rehab.
Building a support network
Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your journey and can offer encouragement can be one of the most effective defences against relapse. In addition to your loved ones, fellow rehab clients, therapists, counsellors, and the other staff you met during your stay in UKAT can all help to bolster your support network.
Managing triggers
This is all about identifying, avoiding or navigating situations, places or people that trigger dihydrocodeine cravings. Most importantly, you are honest with yourself and make the necessary changes. This can be difficult, especially if it comes to cutting people out of your life, but it is one of the most important steps towards sustained sobriety.
Practising self-care
Prioritise self-care activities that promote physical, emotional and mental well-being. This may include exercise, eating a balanced diet and practising stress-reduction techniques you learned in rehab.
Celebrating milestones
Dihydrocodeine recovery is no easy feat, so acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. Establish clear goals for your future and reward yourself every time you hit a milestone. This can remind you how far you have come and reinforce your motivation, as reaching milestones can be motivating.
How to start dihydrocodeine rehab
Starting dihydrocodeine addiction treatment is a courageous decision, and we commend your commitment to a brighter future. To begin your recovery journey with UKAT, contact us today to discuss your situation and determine the most suitable treatment programme for your needs. Your path to recovery begins with a single step, but that step will lead you to a life of renewed health, hope and new opportunities.