What is Dilaudid Pill?
Dilaudid (hydromorphone) belongs to opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic—a drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. You may find yourself taking more than the prescription dose or taking the medication more often than prescribed. This signifies you may be developing a dependency on the drug. As a result, you may need to taper off the drug gradually. If you suddenly stop taking it, you could experience withdrawal. Speak to a treatment expert about the Dilaudid detox process to help you be relieved during the process.
Dilaudid may also be used to treat certain types of coughs. This drug is made from morphine and binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Consequently, it is a type of opioid and a type of analgesic agent. Other names of the drug are Exalgo, hydromorphone hydrochloride, and Hydrostat IR.
Hydromorphone is a potent Schedule II opioid analgesic drug. Hydromorphone abuse has been a continuing problem in the United States. It is marketed as injectable ampules, multiple-dose
vials, tablets, and suppositories. Hydromorphone is indicated for relief of moderate-to-severe pain. Hydromorphone is marketed under brand names, Dilaudid® and Exalgo®. It is also marketed in generic forms. [2]
Slang for Dilaudid or Hydromorphone
The following terms are street names or slang for Dilaudid or hydromorphone:
- Dust
- D
- Juice
- Smack
- Dillies
- Footballs
Physical Dependence on Dilaudid
A prescription for Dilaudid comes with a long list of warnings. Among them is an indication that the drug can be habit-forming, particularly with prolonged use.
It may not take very long at all for you to become addicted to this medication. But it all begins by abusing it. Once a person starts misusing or abusing Dilaudid, they feel a sensation of euphoria. This feeling occurs because of excess amounts of dopamine, which are being discharged into the brain.
However, as more abuse occurs over time, the brain loses the ability to produce this chemical independently. At that point, the individual is addicted and must proceed using the drug to feel normal.
Indications of Drug Abuse
- Using someone else’s prescription
- Demanding larger doses than what was in prescription
- Using more frequent doses of a prescription medication
- Taking a prescription medication solely to get high
- Taking a pill in any way other than instructed by a doctor
Abusing hydromorphone or any other prescription opioid is extremely dangerous and can lead to life-threatening or deadly physical effects.
Importance of Dilaudid Detox & Drug Addiction Effects
Euphoria is a short-term effect that people typically start experiencing shortly after taking their first dose of Dilaudid. It is the reason why people abuse it. But it is not the only short-term effect they may encounter.
Even when people only take Dilaudid for a short period, they may experience any or all of the following:
- Feeling Irritable
- Problems with Sleeping
- Frequent Dizzy Spells
- Fever and Chills
- Symptoms of Depression
- Suicidal Thoughts
These symptoms may not take long to manifest. They may become noticeable in as little as two to three weeks of continued Dilaudid abuse.
The long-term effects of Dilaudid are just as troubling. As time goes on, people may start to experience:
- High Blood Pressure
- Frequent and Vivid Hallucinations
- Paranoid Thoughts or Behaviors
- The Sudden Onset of Seizures
- Problems with Breathing
- Respiratory Arrest
Most people find that after long-term use, they are addicted to Dilaudid. Once that addiction is formed, it can be tough to stop using without professional help. Dilaudid detox and rehab are both highly recommended.
Dilaudid Side Effects
Hydromorphone, sold under the brand name Dilaudid, comes with a black box warning on its label. Unfortunately, this means research has found the drug may have severe and even fatal side effects. One of the main concerns with hydromorphone is respiratory depression, which means a person isn’t getting enough oxygen into their system.
Warnings & Interactions
Dilaudid may also cause a drop in blood pressure. Therefore, it should be used correctly, if at all, in individuals who already have low blood pressure or who take medications to lower their blood pressure.
Symptoms of Overdose [1] may include the following:
- Slow or Shallow Breathing
- Difficulty Breathing
- Sleepiness
- Unable to Respond or Wake Up
- Muscle Weakness
- Fainting
- Cold, Clammy Skin
- Narrowing or Widening of the Pupils (dark circles in the middle of the eyes)
- Slowed or Stopped Heartbeat
- Dizziness
How Long To Detox From Dilaudid
Hydromorphone withdrawal (Dilaudid withdrawal symptoms) can last anywhere from one to two weeks, depending on the severity of your addiction.
- A Few Hours After the Last Dose: A few hours into Dilaudid detox, you may begin experiencing the first symptoms of withdrawal, which are typically restlessness and anxiety.
- 1-2 Days After the Last Dose: Withdrawal symptoms usually peak during this time, and most people will start to have muscle aches and chills. You may also experience nausea, sweating, and shakiness. The intensity of these symptoms during Dilaudid detox will differ based on your circumstances.
- 3-4 Days After the Last Dose: You may experience lingering nausea and muscle aches several days after starting Dilaudid detox, but the most dangerous of the symptoms should be over by this time.
- 5-15 Days After the Last Dose: Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 15 days or longer and may include insomnia, depression, anxiety, and irritability.
The best Dilaudid addiction treatment plans are two-fold. First, they approach both the physical and the mental aspects of the addiction. Generally, this means going through detox and rehab.
Drug detox is getting rid of toxins from the body that are left behind by various drugs. For instance, someone addicted to Dilaudid will significantly benefit from detoxing because it will help with alleviating withdrawal symptoms.
In the case of Dilaudid addition, the client may be tapered off the drug slowly. Then, they may be advised for medical detox, which allows them to take medications to help with their symptoms. Some medications are approved for this purpose, including Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Methadone.
Dilaudid Detox Symptoms
Discontinuing the use of a drug like Dilaudid will lead to withdrawal symptoms. Some of the more typical opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Having Intense Cravings
- Body Cramps
- Cold Sweats
- Diarrhea
- Problems with Sleep
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Physical Pain
How To Detox From Dilaudid
While drug detox approaches physical addiction, drug rehab is intended to address mind dependency on the drug. For example, while in rehab for hydromorphone addiction, clients will work with therapists, licensed counselors, and peers in recovery to uncover the root causes of their addiction. They will also spend time addressing the harmful behaviors that contributed to their Dilaudid addiction, developing healthier behaviors and attitudes about substance abuse and life in general.
Inpatient Drug Rehab Plays a Crucial Role in the Recovery Process, as it provides clients with time to:
- Learn about the Disorder of Addiction
- Adopt Relevant Life Skills
- Spend time away from environmental triggers, drugs, and alcohol
- Work through each step of the 12-Step Program
- Relapse Prevention Program
These things will support clients to overcome hydromorphone addiction for good and learn how to live life sober with ongoing peer support. Addiction recovery is an ongoing process that will last for the remainder of a person’s life because it’s not something that can be won in a matter of weeks or months. Given that, continued care and Dilaudid treatment are necessary to long-term and lasting recovery.
Dilaudid Detox Infographics
The infographic below focuses on the withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing a drug like Dilaudid. Typical opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
Embed the above “8 Dilaudid Detox Symptoms” Infographic to your Website. This infographic is provided by the We Level Up Addiction Treatment Center team. To use the above infographics, you agree to link back and attribute its source and owner at https://weleveluptx.com/dilaudid-detox/
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Embed the above “Dilaudid Withdrawal Timeline 1” Infographic to your Website. This infographic is provided by the We Level Up Addiction Treatment Center team. To use the above infographics, you agree to link back and attribute its source and owner at https://weleveluptx.com/dilaudid-detox/
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Embed the above “Dilaudid Withdrawal Timeline 2” Infographic to your Website. This infographic is provided by the We Level Up Addiction Treatment Center team. To use the above infographics, you agree to link back and attribute its source and owner at https://weleveluptx.com/dilaudid-detox/
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Dilaudid Detox Treatment
Detox is the process of cleansing the body of a drug or substance before treatment of your addiction can begin. While this sounds simple, Dilaudid detox consists of intense withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult to tolerate without medical assistance. This step is imperative. [3] If you suffer from addiction and fail during their detox and relapses, it is possible that you may be urged to try using again. Dilaudid is a potent Opioid used to help you or your loved ones who are experiencing severe pain. This makes it dangerous to be used long-term and therefore more likely for someone to develop a dependence on it.
A medically supervised Dilaudid detox program can help you reduce discomfort and manage cravings. Untreated symptoms will gradually increase in severity before getting better. Withdrawal symptoms from this drug are like those of heroin withdrawal.
It is important to understand that going through Dilaudid detox is not a substitute for a comprehensive hydromorphone addiction treatment program, which can help you build the skills necessary to avoid relapse. Recovery is a long road that takes a lot of work, but finding a detox program is a good first step.
Please, do not try to detox on your own. The Dilaudid detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. Getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment.
Here at We Level Up TX Treatment Facility, we provide proper care with round-the-clock physicians available to medically assist your recovery. Reclaim your life, call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.
Your call is private and confidential and there is never any obligation.
