The OAD Clinic
Managing Polysubstance Abuse: Treatment for Prescription Opioid Dependence and Cannabis Dependence
Many people who develop opioid dependence do so not through recreational drug use, but through legitimate medical treatment for chronic pain. At The OAD Clinic, we specialise in helping patients safely transition away from prescription opioids and cannabis addiction while ensuring their underlying pain condition remains effectively managed throughout.
Graham's Treatment Journey after oxycodone, morphine and cannabis addiction following chronic pain
"My struggle with opioid dependence didn't actually begin with addiction, it was my chronic pain following an accident. I've lived with persistent back pain for years after a car accident. After years of persistent back pain, I was prescribed oxycodone and morphine, and initially the medication did exactly what it was supposed to. I could keep working and maintain some quality of life. Because the medication had been prescribed by my doctor, I never questioned whether it could become a problem.
But over time I noticed I needed higher doses for the same relief. I became anxious if a dose was late. I had also been using cannabis for years, convincing myself it helped with the pain. I realised I was managing pain but noticed I became dependent on more than one substance.
Admitting I needed help was not easy. In my culture, dependence on prescribed medication carries significant stigma, and I was frightened of being judged. But at The OAD Clinic, the team recognised immediately that my dependence had developed through legitimate medical treatment. I was genuinely legitimate, and I felt respected rather than judged from the very first consultation.
When I began looking for specialist help, I wanted more than someone who understood addiction. I needed clinicians who understood the complex relationship between chronic pain and prescription opioid dependence. That's what led me to The OAD Clinic. From my very first consultation, they took the time to understand both my pain condition and my treatment goals, recognising that I still needed effective pain management while overcoming opioid dependence. Most importantly, they appreciated that I needed a treatment plan that would allow me to continue living my life, travelling when necessary and remaining physically functional without experiencing constant withdrawal symptoms or uncontrolled pain. Following an assessment, I was transitioned from oxycodone and morphine onto buprenorphine, then onto Buvidal®. This is a long-acting injection I only needed on a scheduled basis rather than daily. Pregabalin was also introduced to manage my pain without returning to opioids. This combination allowed me to manage my pain effectively without reigniting my opioid dependence.
Throughout the process, the team at The OAD Clinic remained closely involved in my care. Regular reviews ensured that my treatment continued to meet my needs, and any adjustments were made promptly. Knowing that experienced addiction specialists were monitoring my progress gave me enormous confidence throughout my recovery. The process was managed carefully, with close medical supervision to ensure I remained comfortable and stable throughout the transition. That decision transformed my daily life. Instead of thinking about medication every day or worrying about carrying tablets wherever I went, I only needed scheduled injections. The constant cycle of taking medication disappeared, replaced by a steady, reliable treatment that allowed me to focus on living rather than managing my prescriptions or worrying about going on a holiday.
After this, the constant mental burden of managing medication simply disappeared. The biggest turning point came when I realised I had stopped thinking about medication altogether. I was no longer looking at my watch to see when I could take my next dose. I wasn't worrying about running out of tablets or organising my life around prescriptions. That constant mental burden had simply disappeared. But also my pain felt stable. It wasn't completely gone, but it had become predictable and manageable. Instead of living in fear of pain flare-ups or withdrawal symptoms, I finally felt confident that I could manage my condition without relying on short-acting opioid medication and it took my mind off it. I felt free to plan things and move on. Today I can travel, work and manage my pain without opioid dependence. This clinic taught me many things, but it mostly taught me that recovery and effective pain management can exist together which was very important for me to become aware of.
I had also struggled with cannabis use for many years and had stopped and started several times, often convincing myself it helped with pain, stress or poor sleep, but with a bit of counselling at The OAD Clinic, understood that I wasn't physically dependent on cannabis, I was just psychologically attached to it because I believed that it was helping with the pain, when it wasn't. I didn't need to smoke weed to manage that frustration and reduce the pain. It was thanks to The OAD Clinic that I understood that I actually did not need cannabis while my pain was managed. And once I quit the painkillers and became stable on Buvidal, I just didn't want to take pain medication anymore, and the fear of returning pain should I not smoke weed also went away.
Today, my life is calmer than I ever imagined it could be., I feel physically capable and no longer controlled by medication or substance use. I can travel without worrying about carrying multiple prescriptions or explaining my medication at airports. I can make plans without constantly thinking about withdrawal symptoms or whether my pain will suddenly become unbearable.
My relationships have improved because I am more present, more engaged and no longer distracted by the constant demands of addiction. Remaining free from cannabis has also given me greater focus, emotional stability and a renewed sense of wellbeing. Recovery, for me, is about far more than stopping medication. It's about focusing on my two daughters and looking ahead. When I reached recovery, at last I was living my life instead of planning my next dose. To me, staying abstinent means learning that chronic pain can be managed safely without allowing opioid dependence to take over my life. Most of all, it means receiving compassionate, evidence-based care from professionals who understood my situation without judgement.
If you've become dependent on prescription opioids after being treated for chronic pain, I want you to know that you are not alone. Dependence can develop even when medication is taken exactly as prescribed, and looking for help is not a sign of failure. The personalised treatment I received at The OAD Clinic showed me that recovery and effective pain management can exist together. With the right medical support, it is possible to regain stability, restore your independence and move forward with confidence."
Graham Taylor, Patient
This account is published with the patient's consent; identifying details have been changed.
How The OAD Clinic Treats Prescription Opioid Dependence and Cannabis Addiction when Chronic Pain is an Issue
Our clinical team provides specialist outpatient assessment and treatment for patients who have developed dependence on prescription opioids and cannabis, including those managing co-occurring chronic pain conditions. Treatment is tailored to each patient's medical history, pain management needs and daily life.
Our treatment options include:
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Buprenorphine - stabilises opioid receptor activity, reduces cravings and manages withdrawal
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Buvidal® - a long-acting buprenorphine injection administered weekly or monthly, removing the need for daily medication and making treatment practical for working professionals and frequent travellers
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Medically supervised opioid transition - careful, monitored transition away from short-acting opioids such as oxycodone, codeine, morphine or fentanyl
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Medically Supervised Prescription Opioid Detox - the focus is on reducing withdrawal symptoms while helping patients achieve physical and psychological stability with gradual dose adjustments based on clinical progress rather than rigid timelines
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Co-occurring pain management - where chronic pain is a factor, our team works to ensure pain remains effectively managed throughout recovery, using non-opioid strategies such as pregabalin where appropriate
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Co-occurring substance use - where cannabis or other substances are involved alongside opioid dependence, treatment is planned to address the full clinical picture. This may include CBT and/or medicated treatment.
All treatment is delivered on an outpatient basis, allowing most patients to continue working and maintaining their normal routine throughout. Our regular clinical reviews form an integral part of all treatment paths to facilitate ongoing monitoring and prompt adjustment of treatment throughout recovery.
Chronic Pain, Morphine and Oxycodone Addiction Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you become addicted to prescription opioids even if you take them exactly as prescribed?
Yes. Prescription opioids such as oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and codeine can cause physical dependence even when taken exactly as directed by a healthcare professional. This is particularly common in people receiving long-term treatment for chronic pain. Dependence develops because the brain adapts to the medication over time, making it difficult to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Becoming dependent on prescription opioids is a recognised medical condition and can be treated safely with specialist addiction services.
What is the difference between opioid dependence and opioid addiction?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Opioid dependence means the body has adapted to the medication and experiences withdrawal if it is stopped suddenly. Opioid addiction (opioid use disorder) involves loss of control over opioid use despite harmful consequences, intense cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behaviour. From what I heard, many patients who receive opioids for chronic pain initially develop dependence before progressing to addiction. Early specialist treatment can prevent this progression.
Can Buvidal replace oxycodone or morphine?
Yes. Buvidal® is a long-acting buprenorphine injection that is frequently used to help people transition away from prescription opioids such as oxycodone or morphine. Rather than taking medication every day, you receive a weekly or monthly injection that provides stable opioid receptor activity, reducing cravings and preventing withdrawal symptoms. Treatment should always be supervised by an experienced addiction specialist.
Is Buvidal better than taking methadone every day?
For many people, Buvidal® offers greater convenience and flexibility than daily methadone. Because Buvidal is administered weekly or monthly, patients no longer need to remember daily medication or attend frequent pharmacy visits. Many people also report feeling more stable because blood levels remain consistent throughout treatment. The most appropriate medication depends on individual circumstances, medical history and previous opioid use.
Can chronic pain be managed without opioid medication?
In many cases, yes. Modern pain management often combines medications such as pregabalin, physiotherapy, psychological therapies, exercise programmes and other non-opioid treatments to reduce reliance on opioid painkillers. For patients who have developed opioid dependence, specialist clinics can create personalised treatment plans that manage pain while supporting recovery from addiction.
Is opioid dependence from prescription medication common?
Yes. Prescription opioid dependence has become increasingly recognised across the UK and internationally. Many patients who were prescribed opioids following surgery, injury or chronic pain conditions later find it difficult to reduce or stop treatment because of withdrawal symptoms. Seeking help early significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes.
What are the signs that I may be dependent on painkillers?
Common signs include: Needing higher doses for the same pain relief, Feeling anxious or unwell when a dose is missed, Thinking frequently about when the next dose is due, Difficulty reducing the medication, Continuing opioids despite wanting to stop, Using medication for reasons other than pain relief. If you recognise these symptoms, specialist assessment can help determine the safest treatment approach.
Can you travel while receiving Buvidal treatment?
One of the biggest advantages of Buvidal® is that many patients can travel more easily. Because the medication is administered weekly or monthly, patients often no longer need to carry controlled drug prescriptions or daily opioid medication while travelling. This makes Buvidal particularly suitable for business travellers, professionals and international patients. Travel plans should always be discussed with your treating clinician.
Can I stop opioids without experiencing withdrawal?
Stopping opioids suddenly often causes withdrawal symptoms, including muscle aches, nausea, anxiety, sweating, insomnia and cravings. However, medically supervised treatment using medications such as buprenorphine or Buvidal® can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms, making recovery much safer and more comfortable.
Does Buvidal help with opioid cravings?
Yes. Buvidal contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that binds strongly to opioid receptors in the brain. This helps reduce cravings and prevents withdrawal while producing far less euphoria than full opioid agonists such as heroin, morphine or oxycodone. Stable blood levels also help patients focus on psychological recovery rather than constantly thinking about medication.
Can cannabis affect recovery from opioid dependence?
It can. Some people use cannabis to manage pain, anxiety or insomnia during opioid recovery, but long-term cannabis use may also contribute to reduced motivation, emotional instability and dependence. For some patients, addressing both opioid and cannabis use simultaneously leads to better long-term outcomes. Treatment should always be tailored to each individual's circumstances.
Where can I get private treatment for prescription opioid addiction in the UK?
Private treatment is available through specialist addiction clinics such as The OAD Clinic in London. Following a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, clinicians can develop personalised outpatient treatment plans that may include Buvidal®, buprenorphine, methadone, medication-assisted detoxification, chronic pain management and ongoing psychiatric support, allowing many patients to continue working and maintaining their normal routines throughout treatment.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Oscar D'Agnone MD, MRCPsych | Medical Director - Last reviewed: 25 July 2026
