Opioid painkillers work by activating the central nervous system. Opioids lower pain sensations, enhance relaxation, and produce a euphoric “high.” Dilaudid addiction is both possible and likely with extended use.
Dilaudid Addiction – Signs of Abuse 
Dilaudid contains hydromorphone, a very potent painkiller. The presence of hydromorphone increases the risk of addiction substantially. Hydromorphone inhibits pain pathways in the central nervous system, increasing the pain threshold and altering pain perception. Dilaudid is the brand name for hydromorphone, a potent opiate analgesic. Dilaudid ® comes in oral tablets, liquid, rectal suppository, intra-muscular (buttock or hip muscle) injection, and intravenous (I.V.) solution. Dosing is every 4-6 hours for the oral forms and every 6-8 hours for the suppository. An I.V. drip allows for continuous administration and around-the-clock pain relief.
Dilaudid stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins regulate feelings and emotions. Dopamine is a chemical released in the brain signaling feelings of happiness. Dilaudid floods the brain, causing a euphoria or a “high”. Users begin to seek this high continuously, leading to eventual dependency or addiction.
Hydromorphone can be habit-forming. Care must be taken to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. Consequently, do not take this medication in higher doses, more frequently, or longer than prescribed. Individuals without any prior history of opioid addiction can develop both tolerance and physical dependence upon Dilaudid in as little as a couple of weeks.
Dilaudid Addiction should be taken very seriously. Addiction requires treatment in a specialized detox program equipped to deal with withdrawal syndrome. Dilaudid is a semi-synthetic opiate painkiller, commonly prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. Addiction can happen to anyone, even with short-term use. With initial use, some patients experience a euphoric, sometimes emotionally numbing feeling that may prompt them to misuse it or become psychologically dependent on it.
Drug Tolerance and Physical Dependence
Once the body is dependent, symptoms of withdrawal appear if the person stops taking it. Dilaudid binds to opiate receptors in the brain and nervous system, blocking signals of pain throughout the body. The brain and body come to rely on the Dilaudid in your system. Tolerance can build quickly. Tolerance develops as prescribed doses become ineffective in relieving the pain. If you suspect you are building a tolerance to Dilaudid, immediately call your doctor. He or she can discuss alternative medications or dosage adjustments. Furthermore, patients taking Dilaudid can make the mistake of taking more than what is prescribed, or more frequently, to achieve pain relief. An addiction to Dilaudid can lead to undesirable outcomes including overdose, seizures, coma, and death.
Dilaudid Withdrawal Symptoms
Dilaudid addiction often occurs on a spectrum. This means they may vary in severity, manner, and length. The severity of symptoms depends upon a variety of factors like the duration of the addiction, the level of tolerance, and the frequency of use.
Typical symptoms of Dilaudid addiction can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Risky Behaviors
- Frequent somatic complaints
- Doctor shopping
- Hiding Dilaudid in various place
- Irritability
- Social isolation
Dilaudid withdrawal symptoms may be the signal that you or someone you love is physically addicted to the drug. Symptoms can set in quickly and be quite intense.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- agitation
- insomnia
- delusions
- sweating
- tremors
- rapid heartbeat
- rigid muscles
- anxiety and flu-like symptoms
An additional sign of addiction is the constant preoccupation with obtaining the drug. If you feel you have no control over dosage, seek professional help immediately.
Treatment for Dilaudid Addiction
The Waismann Method of rapid drug detox is an entirely opiate-free program which is proven to be both safe and successful. Our humane and effective program can help you become Dilaudid-free in a short amount of time. We employ caring, professional staff who consider your recovery their number one priority. Our procedures use sedative medications to control the withdrawal symptoms. Patients rest comfortably in a private room of an accredited hospital. All treatments are individually designed to fit patients individual needs.
Dilaudid addiction is a serious issue with a solution. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to get help today.