Dilaudid Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

About Dilaudid Addiction

Dilaudid is a powerful opioid medication given by doctors for patients suffering from moderate to severe pain. While it has proven beneficial in medical settings, it has the potential to be extremely addictive when used improperly. Like other opioids, Dilaudid alters the brain when taken in large quantities, causing a euphoric high. This pleasurable effect is a primary reason why many people have become addicted to the substance, and when left untreated, can wreak havoc on a person’s life.

With the opioid crisis still affecting thousands each year it is imperative to seek help immediately if you or a loved one is struggling from a Dilaudid addiction. At Brookdale, we can offer you the tools needed to address your addiction head-on and begin your journey to long-term sobriety.

There is hope for a life…recovered and it begins by calling us today at 855-575-1292.

What is Dilaudid?

Available only as a prescription, Dilaudid is a powerful opioid pain relief medication that is commonly prescribed alongside surgeries or to patients with cancer and other painful health conditions. The generic form of Dilaudid is known as hydromorphone, and it was developed during the 1920’s in Germany as an alternative to other pain medications at the time. When it was created, people believed that it had fewer negative side effects than comparable drugs like morphine, particularly when it came to the risk of addiction. However, this was not the case as Dilaudid has proven to be more potent than morphine, making it an even greater risk.

While it is intended to only be used for pain relief, Dilaudid is frequently abused by people who hope to experience pleasure from taking it. To receive this high, users need to take a larger dose than is safe to ingest. Due to its potency, Dilaudid can cause an overdose when taken in high quantities, a risk that is possible even after the first use.

Dilaudid is available in a pill, tablet and liquid form, with the pill and tablet being the most common options. The appearance of all of these can vary, although the liquid will be thicker than most and is usually colorless.

When the pills are used recreationally, they may be taken orally or crushed into a powder, which is then snorted or mixed with water for intravenous use. These methods are often utilized to speed up the rate that Dilaudid enters the bloodstream, and in turn, takes effect.

Common Nicknames for Dilaudid

Since it is illegal to take Dilaudid for recreational use, drug dealers and users frequently rely on a collection of street names to refer to the drug without attracting unwanted attention. Learning these names is a valuable way to help spot when someone is abusing Dilaudid.

A list of the most common nicknames to watch out for should include:

In some cases, users may use other brand names to refer to Dilaudid since they are effectively the same drug. The most common alternate brand name is Exalgo.

How Addictive is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency. This is the second highest classification and its primary difference from Schedule I substances is that Dilaudid has a recognized medical use.

What makes Dilaudid so addictive is that when it is taken, it alters the brain to impact the body. This is a common feature among opioids and a primary reason why it numbs pain and can lead to a euphoric high. Dilaudid works by prompting the brain to create a rush of natural pleasure chemicals in the body, also known as endorphins. The most notably of these is called dopamine and it is normally released in response to pleasant stimuli, such as achieving a goal. However, the amount that is released by taking Dilaudid is far greater than the body would create on its own, overwhelming the body and causing the feelings of euphoria.

As use becomes routine, the body adapts itself to more effectively deal with the increased amount of dopamine, otherwise known as developing a tolerance to the substance. When this occurs, it requires the individual to take greater amounts of Dilaudid to achieve the same effects. As the body continues to adapt to the increased presence of the substance, it begins to rely on it, leaving the individual dependent on Dilaudid.

Once a dependence has formed it becomes notably harder for an addict to quit using Dilaudid. If they abruptly stop using the drug, they can begin to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as high anxiety or nausea. With a powerful drug like Dilaudid, the withdrawal symptoms can be potentially dangerous if not handled properly by medical professionals.

Symptoms of Dilaudid Addiction

In addition to pain relief and increased feelings of pleasure, Dilaudid comes with a range of side effects. While prescription users are warned of many of these, they are frequently ignored by recreational users and will grow worse as use continues.

Knowing some of these side effects is a valuable way to recognize if someone is using Dilaudid and may have developed a substance use disorder. In these cases, some the most common symptoms to watch for as the Dilaudid use progresses include:

It is also common for Dilaudid users to experience a shift in their behavior as they hide their addiction. While the choice to conceal the addiction can vary, two common reasons are feelings of guilt and fear.

A few of the major behavioral signs to watch for are:

• Hiding pills (often in mint tins or candy containers)

• Neglecting responsibilities like work or family to get high

• Visiting multiple doctors or rapidly switching doctors

• Stealing or borrowing money to pay for drugs

• Losing interest in old hobbies

• Avoiding friends and family

Additional Information About Dilaudid

When it comes to the opioid crisis, Dilaudid is a less recognized name and for that reason it is often overlooked for the danger it presents. To better understand the nature of Dilaudid in society and in relation to other drugs, here are a few useful facts to know.

The opioid Dilaudid:

• Is roughly 5 times more potent than morphine

• Has negative effects when mixed with many other substances, especially alcohol

• Is most commonly obtained illegally from family members or friends with a genuine prescription

• Can cause addiction even if a patient is taking their prescription correctly

• Is usually detectable in a person’s system for around three days, but can still be found after months with a hair test

Therapy and Treatment for Dilaudid Addiction

Treatment for a Dilaudid addiction should always be addressed by qualified and experienced professionals in a rehab setting. This is to ensure that each person’s case is thoroughly evaluated and handled with the utmost care and attention. This team can properly supervise and mitigate potentially harmful side effects while providing essential therapeutic techniques that are conducive to long-term recovery.

When an individual decides to enter rehab, treatment often begins with a process called detoxification. During this phase of care, a medical team will work closely with the patient to remove all traces of the drug from their body. When this happens, it is likely the individual will experience symptoms of withdrawal that can present as painful and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the physician and nursing personnel will use various medical interventions, including medication when appropriate, to aid in this process.

Once a person has been medically cleared and has completed detox, they will transition into residential care. Here, they will participate in an array of therapeutic practices that will allow them to address the underlying causes of their addiction and learn healthy coping mechanisms to combat future cravings. During residential treatment, patients can also look forward to specialty programs that aid in the recovery process, such as family therapy, recreational therapy, holistic treatment, relapse prevention, co-occurring disorder treatment and aftercare programming.

Getting Help for Dilaudid Addiction Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, the time to get help is NOW!

Brookdale specializes in the treatment of various addictions, utilizing best practices in every aspect of our programming. Our trusted team of professionals will meet you with the compassion and respect you deserve, creating customized treatment plans tailored to fit your needs.

By asking for help and through the proper care, your life…recovered is possible.

For more information about Brookdale’s programming and services call us today at 855-575-1292.