Dihydrocodeine is an opioid painkiller used to help manage moderate to severe pain, often after injury or surgery. In the UK it is available on prescription and should be taken only as directed by a prescriber.
Like other opioid medicines, dihydrocodeine can cause dependence and can be harmful when taken in higher doses, used for longer than prescribed or combined with other substances. If you are worried about dihydrocodeine use, speak to a GP, pharmacist or suitable treatment provider before making changes to your medication.
Recovery Scotland is an information and referral support service. We can help people understand prescription drug addiction treatment options and discuss suitable providers where appropriate.
Dihydrocodeine belongs to a group of medicines known as opioids. Opioids work by acting on the brain and nervous system to reduce pain signals.1
Some people may develop tolerance, dependence or cravings, particularly if the medicine is used outside prescribing guidance or alongside alcohol, benzodiazepines or other drugs that affect the central nervous system. This can increase the risk of overdose and other serious harm.
If dihydrocodeine has been prescribed to you, do not suddenly stop or alter your dose without medical advice.
Possible signs of dihydrocodeine dependence or addiction may include:
A qualified professional or treatment provider can assess the situation and explain what support may be appropriate.
Prescription opioid addiction can be treated, but the right approach depends on the person’s physical health, mental health, substance use history, prescribed medication, withdrawal risk and support network.
Treatment options may include GP support, NHS or community services, medication review, structured outpatient support, residential rehab providers, therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare. Some providers may also support co-occurring mental health needs.
Recovery Scotland can help you understand these options and what questions to ask before choosing a provider.
Detox from opioids such as dihydrocodeine should be discussed with an appropriately qualified professional. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and may include symptoms such as sweating, nausea, sleep problems, anxiety, muscle aches, stomach cramps, cravings and low mood.
The provider or healthcare professional should assess whether detox is appropriate, whether medication support is needed and what setting is safest. Detox is often only one part of recovery, with therapy and aftercare also playing an important role.
If someone is in immediate danger, at risk of overdose or experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, call 999. For non-emergency medical advice in Scotland, contact NHS 24 on 111 or speak with a GP.
If you are in Scotland and need help for dihydrocodeine addiction, Recovery Scotland can offer confidential guidance and referral support. We do not operate a clinic, detox unit or residential rehab centre.
We can help you explore treatment pathways and, where appropriate, connect with suitable treatment providers. Any clinical assessment, detox plan, medication decision or admission decision is made by the provider.
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: June 17, 2026
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
Dr Stacey Vettraino (General Practitioner)
- Clinical Reviewer
- Last reviewed: December 20, 2023
Dr Stacey Vettraino has been a GP for over 15 years and has been involved in GP management for 7 of these. Over the last few years, Dr Vettraino has worked towards a portfolio career, working as a GP in various parts of Scotland and within the private sector – including Bupa as a private GP, Health Assessments, and Menopause Clinics. She has had a longstanding interest in psychiatry and has previously held a post in Old Age Psychiatry post-GP training focusing on dementia. Her interest in addictions has steadily grown from work as a GP and Dr Vettraino is now excited and privileged to be part of addiction treatment.
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