Scientific Names

Dihydrocodeine

Generic Name

Semi-synthetic opioid

Effects Of Dihydrocodeine

Desired Effects:

Euphoria, reduced anxiety, relaxation.

Side-Effects:

Drowsiness, confusion, disorientation.

Risks

Short-term:

Tolerance, accidents, Overdose.

Long-term:

Physical and psychological Dependence with repeated use. If injected, damage to veins and circulation.

How does Dihydrocodeine work?

Central nervous system Depressant, Analgesic, cough suppressant.

Legal status of Dihydrocodeine

Tablets are Class B under the Misuse of Drugs Act, while injectable Ampoules are Class A.

How Is Dihydrocodeine Taken?

Orally or injection. Tablets may be crushed and injected.

Paraphernalia

If Tablets are injected: Needles and Syringes, water, matches or lighter, spoon, Tourniquet.

Medical uses of Dihydrocodeine

To treat moderate to moderately severe pain as well as coughing and shortness of breath.

Where does it come from?

This is a pharmaceutical drug which is sometimes diverted from manufacturers, pharmacies or GPs prescriptions.

Helping services

DF users can access support from ‘street agencies’ or projects, sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams, which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, detoxification and prescribing for opiate users, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and other services such as acupuncture. Some may have extended opening hours and may be open at weekends. GPs and hospitals can make referrals to specialist drug services like Drug Dependency Units (DDUs). These are usually located in or adjacent to a hospital and specialise in helping problem drug users, especially people who are physically dependent. They provide counselling, detoxification, substitute prescribing and other treatments. Residential services offer treatment programmes for heavily dependent drug users who are trying to give up. Residents must usually be drug free on admission which means they usually have to undergo detoxification before entry. Programmes usually last 3-6 months, but some 12 steps programmes last longer. The types of programmes vary. Self help groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) co-ordinate local support groups for problem drug users around the country. Families Anonymous run similar groups for the families of drug users.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.

You can view a list of National Drug Agencies.

If you would like to talk about dihydrocodeine problems then please call the DAN 24/7 Helpline on:

0800 6 33 55 88