Dilaudid Addiction Treatment

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What is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid is the brand name for hydromorphone.

It is a prescription opioid medication used to treat severe pain.

It is available in multiple forms:

• injectable solution
• oral solution
• pill

Abuse can happen through swallowing pills, but also through crushing and snorting pills.

Some people even crush the pills and inject the drug because it gets into the bloodstream much more quickly, which increases the dangers and risk of overdose.

Attempting to quit using Dilaudid is difficult because it can create extremely painful withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this drug.

Detox programs can help you achieve sobriety by learning skills, lessening withdrawal symptoms, and ultimately achieving sobriety.

Is Dilaudid Addictive?

Prescription opioids like Dilaudid are highly addictive.

The reason for this is because these drugs attach to opioid receptors in the brain.

To reduce feelings of pain, you will experience a euphoric sensation, which ultimately leads to addiction.

Dilaudid is extremely potent compared to oxycodone or hydrocodone.

Because Dilaudid is so addictive, it is typically only prescribed for severe pain.

Even if you are prescribed Dilaudid, you must take it as prescribed.

Always ensure that you are monitored by a medical professional.

What are the Side-Effects of Dilaudid?

Short-Term Effects

• drowsiness
• headache
• dry mouth
• stomach burning
• nausea/vomiting/constipation
• slowed respiration
• sweating
• anxiety/depression
• flushing of the skin
• itchiness
• insomnia
• sexual and menstrual problems

Dangerous short-term side effects include:

• difficulty breathing
• chest pains
• hallucinations
• lightheadedness
• fainting
• high fever
• seizures

When Dilaudid is taken with other drugs, it will increase the risk of these dangerous side-effects. Dilaudid can be especially dangerous if combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates because they are respiratory depressants. In this case, the result can be fatal.

Long-Term Effects

• hyperalgesia: Increased sensitivity to pain
• hypoxia: Occurs when your brain does not receive enough oxygen. Hypoxia can cause permanent brain damage in some cases.
• physical dependence and addiction: Because Dilaudid is highly addictive, users may struggle to control their use, which eventually makes it difficult to quit.
• risk of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis: This occurs when sharing needles to inject Dilaudid.

Is Dilaudid Dangerous?

Prescription opioids such as Dilaudid can impair your judgment. Not only will your decision-making abilities suffer, but Dilaudid users may put themselves in risky situations while high, such as going to dangerous places to buy drugs, driving under the influence, or having unprotected sex. Overall, Dilaudid addiction is a serious concern. Not only does it cause many long-term effects, but you also run the risk of overdose.

Signs of Dilaudid Abuse

Dilaudid was intended to solve severe pain issues but is often abused for the euphoric high similar to heroin. When abusing Dilaudid, you are not necessarily addicted, but addiction is always abuse.
During the addiction process, there will be chemical changes to your brain, often resulting in not being able to control your drug use.
There are specific signs that Dilaudid abusers exhibit, including but not limited to:

• appearing high. People high on Dilaudid may appear to be unusually happy and drowsy
• constricted pupils
• slowed breathing
• mood swings between euphoric, irritable, and anxious
• changes in sleep and appetite patterns
• lack of interest in activities and friends
• new groups of friends
• stealing money to pay for drugs
• going “doctor shopping” to obtain multiple subscriptions
• possession of drug-related paraphernalia

What is an Opioid Use Disorder?

Because Dilaudid is more potent than other addictive opioids, you are at risk for an opioid use disorder. An opioid use disorder is a condition where you develop physical and psychological problems due to opioid use. Common signs exhibited from an opioid use disorder include but not limited to:

• taking Dilaudid in larger amounts
• taking Dilaudid longer than planned
• unable to stop using Dilaudid even though you have tried
• having intense cravings to use Dilaudid
• ignoring daily responsibilities
• continuing to use even when it causes physical or emotional problems and social issues
• needing more Dilaudid to feel the same effects
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms

What is the Connection Between Dilaudid and Heroin?

Although abusing prescription opioids may seem less intense than illicit drugs, but it is the same thing. Not only is Dilaudid dangerous, but it can increase your risk of eventually becoming addicted to heroin. A study shows that between 2002 and 2012, first-time heroin use was 19 times higher than those who had already abused painkillers.
Sometimes heroin use can even lead to trying more potent opioids like fentanyl. Heroin users are also more likely to inject the drug, which makes there a higher risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases.
Thus, Dilaudid users may eventually switch to heroin because it is cheaper than purchasing prescription pills. Heroin is also more easily accessible than Dilaudid is on the street.

Payment Information

Do you want treatment but are worried about how you can pay for it? We have a team of financial professionals who provide free insurance verification. We will work with you to determine how to move forward with the treatment in a way that works for you and your financial situation.

How to Get Help

Are you or a loved one suffering from addiction?

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we understand how difficult it can be to give up an addiction.

Our dedicated team will help you customize a treatment plan to help you heal from your addiction.

Our goal is for you to leave Resurgence Behavioral Health with mental fortitude and coping skills to maintain lifelong sobriety.

Call Resurgence Behavioral Health at 855-458-0050 to schedule an appointment.

We challenge you to make a fresh start with us today.