First, you should know what Dilaudid is. Dilaudid, also known as hydromorphone, is a strong prescription narcotic commonly used to treat pain to help with recovery from surgeries and rehabilitation. It is an opioid painkiller, which derives from the opium plant. This makes it similar to heroin based on how it affects the body. All full opioids put you at risk of addiction. It is a schedule II controlled substance. One of the risky Dilaudid adverse effects is that the problem lies after the pain subsides, dependency may remains. There is cause for concern too as it’s It’s also one of the most abused prescription drugs today. If you have a Dilaudid prescription, you may find this article helpful in preventing addiction.
Why Dilaudid Abuse is a Serious and Real Concern for Abuse
If you are given a Dilaudid prescription and your life is stressful, becoming addicted to it may only add to problems occurring in your life. Many people that are recovering speak of how these kinds of drugs helped them cope with anxiety in their life. When you add a Dilaudid prescription to your already chaotic life, things become scary. Managing the stress of work, family, and daily life can cause plenty of issues youmany health problems, both mentally and physically. Even with a strong trust-filled relationship at home, most people will have difficulty disclosing their opioid addiction. Currently, there is an opioid epidemic happening in the U.S. It has been increasing in intensity for years. The opioid epidemic stretches to all areas of the country. In 2015, there were over 30,000 overdose deaths related to opioids. This is both illegal substances like heroin and a legal Dilaudid prescription. There have The medical industry over prescribed painkillers like Dilaudid and OxyContin. The average Joe in rural America became addicted to prescription opioids. Seeing the problem, the government at the time pulled a plug on the liberated prescribing of opioids. For many, the damage had been done and they had already become addicted. Therefore, to get their fix, they would purchase heroin on the streets. Heroin became easier and cheaper to get while giving the brain the opioids they had become dependent on. This can happen to anybody, make no mistake. If you are currently being prescribed Dilaudid or any form of an opioid, please take the possibility of an addiction seriously be cautious about how you’re taking it and strictly follow the instructions on the bottle.
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Hydromorphone Prescription Addiction and Abuse Symptoms
Most drug users know deep inside that they have a problem. Admitting it to themselves and then to others is something very difficult for most. It’s essentially admitting you have a weakness which is , something we all have a hard time with. Additionally, if you’ve developed an addiction, you don’t want anyone to know because you want to keep using. The drug has a hold over you and you probably don’t want to quit. most people have a hard time doing. Being aware of what you’re feeling when you take Dilaudid is important in preventing abuse and addiction. If you find yourself asking things like how much hydromorphone to get high, you are likely developing a problem. Here are some Dilaudid abuse and addiction symptoms to watch out for: I encourage you to be extra-watchful during the months during and after you start taking Dilaudid.
- There might be a problem if you or a loved one shows one or more of these issues:
- A drastic change in behavior
- The desire to be alone and isolate yourself from others suddenly wants to isolated for no reason
- You make many excuses to cover up what’s really going on. starts making lots of excuses
- You can’t handle complex situations so you’re more likely to be overwhelmed, resulting in overreaction. Some example of this includes storming out of the room or yelling.
- The inability to recover from an injury.
- A decrease in your job performance.
- You may change social circles to spend more time with people using opioids.
- You care very little about life and feel exhausted to attempt to manage it.
When you abuse Dilaudid, symptoms can include:
- Constricted pupils.
- Drowsiness and a lack of alertness.
- Muscle spasms.
- A decrease in breathing as Dilaudid depresses your central nervous system.
- Mood swings.
Dilaudid Effects on the Brain
The reason Dilaudid (hydromorphone) can cause addiction is due to the effects it has on your mind and body. Like any opioid, it attaches to the receptors in your brain and central nervous system. This is how it alleviates the pain you’re feeling and is also what causes you to become addicted to it. Hydromorphone affects the pleasure center of your brain which is what makes you feel euphoric. You have a sense of well-being. If you experience stress or additional pain, you may take Dilaudid for “off label” purposes. The brain begins to need Dilaudid to increase dopamine levels (feel good chemicals). This is why you may feel depressed during times of hydromorphone withdrawal.
How Long Does it Take to Get Addicted to Dilaudid?
Dilaudid is a powerful synthetic opioid and can cause addiction quickly. When used continuously or abused, it can take within 21 days for a tolerance to develop. This means, you’d need to take more of the drug to get the same “high” or effect that you got when you first starting taking Dilaudid. Once you develop a tolerance, you may finish your prescription before expected because you take higher doses. Once you become tolerant, you may experience withdrawal symptoms once Dilaudid is out of your system. If you can’t stop taking it, you may be in jeopardy of addiction.
Dilaudid Addiction Symptoms
If you’re not sure if you, or someone you care about, is at risk of Dilaudid addiction, here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Obsessing about the next dose.
- Spending all your time, money, and resources on the drug.
- Not meeting your responsibilities due to Dilaudid abuse.
- A tolerance that grows so you need larger doses to get the high.
- Stealing opioids from medicine cabinets.
- Forging prescriptions for Dilaudid.
- Doctor shopping in hopes that you’ll be prescribed the drug.
- Purchasing hydromorphone or other drugs off the street.
Dilaudid High
When abusing Dilaudid, the drug binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. The perception of pain goes away and you’ll feel a sense of euphoria. You will also feel relaxed and experience well-being. You don’t worry about anything and it is effortless to just be in the moment. This is challenging for many of us and it feels pleasurable. The brain’s reward pathway is stimulated when you abuse Dilaudid which can lead to addiction. The false sense of comfort you feel can become something you don’t want to live without. It is very similar to the high of heroin as they both act in a similar way. This video explains what opioids do in your system and why addiction is a risk. The hydromorphone high varies based on how much you take, how you take it and your tolerance level. The high is short lived and you may begin to feel drowsy after the euphoria has ended.
Dilaudid Abuse Methods
Dilaudid withdrawal after short-term use is highly possible. A patient may experience a Dilaudid withdrawal after a hospital stay. There is a high risk for patients to experience dependency symptoms even in a short time. They may crave the Dilaudid high and experience withdrawal symptoms if it’s not in their system. Many patients after they’ve been exposed to opioids begin to crave the Dilaudid high. Does Dilaudid get you high? It can and this is what patients may seek out when they become dependent on the feeling of euphoria. Addicted patients will always try to find the best way to take narcotics to get high. If they were exposed to abusing Dilaudid intravenously, they will likely go for this. If there is an IV available, they may try to find the next best alternative.way to take Dilaudid besides an IV if it’s not available.
Pills
Taking pills is an easy way and likely you will begin with taking more pills than prescribed. Dilaudid tolerance will build and you might seek out a greater high. In this case, you may crush Dilaudid pills. Once the pills are in a powder, it can be cooked into a liquid and then shot into your system with a needle. It can be ingested also through a method known as plugging. , but the best way to get high off of Dilaudid pills it to crush them up. Then you can cook them into a liquid to shoot an IV or ingest them through a method called plugging. The reason these methods work better is the bioavailability stays higher and provides a more intense high with less of the narcotic.
Intravenous (IV)
How long does it take to get addicted to IV Dilaudid if taken intravenously? There is a possibility of development of addiction in most instances. The answer is most likely instantaneous, due to the bioavailability being 100%. An IV is by far the most dangerous of all ways to abuse an opioid. The National Center for Biotechnology Information had this to say, “there are more side effects that were observed after a hydromorphone IV, than after a rectal or perioral dose.” according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Plugging
If your loved one has an addiction to opioid narcotics, they might look for ways to hide their addiction. Plugging is a popular alternative to pills or intravenous methods. If you Google, “how to prepare Dilaudid for plugging,” you will find there are a number of results with instructions. it’s scary the number of results you’ll find. Essentially, how to plug Dilaudid, involves you crushing a pill form into powder, adding warm water, and inserting it into the rectum. Many users claim it immediately gives them a very warm and soothing feeling throughout the entire body. These sensations are very similar to an IV but less lethal. Plugging Dilaudid bioavailability is estimated to be around 60 to 90%, which makes it more effective than snorting or ingesting. If higher doses are not available, plugging 2mg of Dilaudid is the next best way to get high after an IV. The dangers of taking hydromorphone and other variations are well known. Many users will look for the best way to take Dilaudid 2mg or 4mg, and die in their sleep. Cause of death usually includes a severe sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and finally can lead to death.
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Dilaudid Abuse Risks
There are many risks when you abuse Dilaudid. Opioids of all kinds have torn families apart and caused people to downward spiral in all aspects of their lives. These are the common risks when abusing hydromorphone:
Addiction
As discussed, when you abuse hydromorphone, this is usually a first step to addiction. Abusing Dilaudid for even just 7 days can cause physical dependence. This is due to how it stimulates dopamine production. You may even develop psychological dependence within days.
Overdose
Accidents
Financial Problems
Health Issues
Dangers of Dilaudid
Some people might mix alcohol or other drugs with Dilaudid. Alcohol and Dilaudid are a deadly mix because both will depress the central nervous system (CNS). It is the CNS that controls your heartbeat and blood pressure. When it’s depressed, your heart can stop completely and overdose leading to death can occur. Large doses of hydromorphone can lead to fatal respiratory depression also. Serious health complications that can occur from abusing hydromorphone include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Collapsed veins
- Stomach pain
- Convulsions
- Possibility of a heart attack
- Problems with breathing
- Stroke
- Coma
- Death
For those who abuse Dilaudid with intravenous injection, they are at greater risk of getting HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis. Another concern is moving onto stronger drugs like heroin which puts you at greater risk of overdose. Heroin is also more challenging to recover from. The amount of overdose deaths have increased exponentially due to dangerous drugs like Fentanyl being laced in illicit opioids.
Who Gets a Prescription?
When the pain is severe enough, a drug like Dilaudid becomes necessary to mitigate excruciating pain. It is given to patients who have completed surgery, cancer sufferers, or someone who has experienced severe injuries from an accident. As it’s an opioid that is used for moderate to severe pain, it’s not the first choice for general pain. If you go to the doctor and complain of back pain, it’s likely they’re not going to prescribe Dilaudid to you. The reason it’s not widely prescribed is due to the addiction potential to pain medications.s Additionally, the patient may not know that they have a tendency towards addiction. There are a variety of factors that lead to addiction. Some patients may not pay attention to the cautionary message that surrounds Dilaudid. and an unknown and not diagnosable tendency towards addiction. It’s very important to let your doctor know of any family predispositions you have to addiction prior to receiving before the doctors make any prescription drugs. Many Dilaudid abusers do not fall into the stereotype of a drug user. This makes them particularly difficult to spot. They don’t , which means they don’t “look or act like a drug-user” until they become addicted. Sometimes people fail to acknowledge the possibility of addiction because their loved one doesn’t fit into the stereotypes. If it was obvious to loved ones, they could more easily accept the fact that an intervention was necessary. This is why many addicts won’t get help even though they have people who love them. Many hydromorphone abusers are quite functional. They have good jobs and seem to have everything under control. W, and when a doctor prescribes them a pill they don’t even “bat an eye.” Do you know about the risks of normal and prescribed usage of a narcotic such as Dilaudid or Morphine? Even a normal dosage, under a doctor’s supervision, of such potent prescriptions can lead to addiction. I know it’s scary to think about but you should carefully monitor your behavior after treatment or surgery. It’s crucial to spot the addiction before it causes significant damage. The opioid epidemic is so massive, it’s been linked to the life expectancy reduction in the U.S. for the past 15 years.
Intervention of Is Dilaudid Addictive?Dilaudid Addiction
Communication between you and your loved one is the best defense against a Dilaudid addiction. I’m not talking about the “Just say, No!” conversation. Increasing communication will make it easier to spot Dilaudid addiction symptoms. Even asking the question to the addict, “do you think Dilaudid is addictive?” may open up a necessary line of communication. The person using may realize they are in trouble just with that one question. You need to enhance your communication in general, about everything. We all have things we don’t want others to know, but just know the more open you are the more open they will be with you. Sharing will make it more likely they will confide in you when the time comes to share about their addiction. Explaining before and during the recovery phase, that there’s nothing wrong with admitting you have a problem is paramount. Also, you need to assure them there isn’t any shame in showing weakness. They need to know even if they feel there is a problem, they will get the love and support needed to fully recover. You may wish to get an intervention specialist to guide the talk when looking to confront an addict. Many times, people aren’t ready to stop so they deny that there is a problem. If you’re close to the person, you may not be objective in the way that is necessary to get through to them. Knowledge of potential risks is another great way to prepare yourself for the possibility of an addiction forming. This article about Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) Abuse is a great sources of information to prepare yourself before taking prescribed opioids.
Morphine and Dilaudid for Pain
If your doctor prescribes hydromorphone, it is usually because the pain is more severe than normal after surgery. Morphine is usually the go-to prescription for the short term. A , but in some cases, Dilaudid prescription becomes necessary when the pain continues. It tends to be the second or third option among doctors due to its potency and proven addiction risks. Dilaudid is a a chemically more potent form of morphine and oxycodone. All of these are derivatives of opium. If you’ve been following the news since the year 1999, you probably recall reports of opioid death rates have risen steadily in the United States. NIDA demonstrates through a series of graphs how the opioid epidemic has grown over the years and killed many people across the country. Deaths From Opioid, by Michal Kranz, is a great article to read if you feel you there is potential that you are addicted to Dilaudid or any another opioid. Hydromorphone is the generic version of, Dilaudid and Exalgo. Morphine is , also the generic version of medication with has many brand names associated with it. These include::
- DepoDur
- Duramorph PF
- Infumorph
- Kadian
- Morphabond
- MS Contin
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Side Effects of Hydromorphone vs Morphine vs Oxycodone
Opium has a long history of medical use, addiction, and abuse. Hydromorphone, morphine, and oxycodone narcotics come from opium, yet have different side effects. These drugs are similar in that they all can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, rashes, and chest pain. They are also similar in how they hit the system and cause a potential addiction. They all affect the brain in the same way, attaching themselves to opioid receptors. Patients will experience a sense of well-being and feel relaxed or even euphoric with all these drugs. Dopamine and serotonin levels will rise which is what creates dependency and addiction. Here is a complete list of side effects of hydromorphone and morphine from Heathline.com.
Hydromorphone vs. Morphine Side Effects
Hydromorphone has fewer side effects than morphine, which is another reason why a narcotic like Dilaudid and Exalgo replaces morphine when possible. Hydromorphone affects the sleep cycle, creates light-headedness, depression, and muscle, back, or joint pain. It’s ironic that muscle and joint pain is a common side effect for the very thing it is supposed to alleviate. This is part of the addictive nature of the drug. The patient might believe that taking more Dilaudid will alleviate the pain when in reality it is the cause of it.Vs Morphine causes diarrhea, weakness, weight loss, confusion, small pupils, and difficulty urinating. Many patients also experienced heart rate changes and blue or purple skin. This is quite alarming if you haven’t seen it before. It is nearly impossible to predict, with 100% certainty whether or not a drug will have any adverse effects or lead to addiction. If these problems persist or worsen, please contact your doctor immediately. I, and if you feel there is a chance you are becoming addicted to Dilaudid or any other kind of opioid, talk to someone or please at least continue to monitor your behavior.
Vs Oxycodone
Oxycodone and Dilaudid are alike in almost every way. They both stimulate opioid receptors in the brain to reduce the tolerance of pain and cause sedation and drowsiness. Their side effects and dosage mirror each other; however, Oxycodone is used as a cough suppressant and a pain reliever, unlike Dilaudid and Morphine. For more information on Oxycodone, please click the link.
How Quickly Can You Get Addicted to Dilaudid?
The drastic change happens in a matter of moments after taking Dilaudid. The patient goes from being in extreme pain to absolute bliss. This quick and perceived positive change or high makes it extremely addictive. This is the nature of the reward system that exists within the brain, which is one of the reasons we become addicted to things. If a speedy recovery from the injury is not an option or if the patient faces lingering pain, the likelihood of dependency grows with every day the patient uses the drug. Take extra care when a doctor prescribes this medication long-term. Tolerance and dependence can occur within three weeks of using Dilaudid. Today, the opioid epidemic is at the forefront of popular culture. Many former musicians, movie stars, and athletes are coming out, one way or another, with their stories to bring awareness to the issue. Professional athletes, singers, and actors are not exempt from addiction. Many famous people have been given painkillers for injuries and have become addicted to opioids. This include Ben Affleck, and Demi Lovato, who has been a major spokesperson for opioid abuse and addiction. She recently overdosed from opioids and was lucky enough to have friends there with a Naloxone kit.
Breaking Opioid News
There are many high-profile cases of opioid abuse, but Tiger Woods‘ story is by far the most known. We all became aware of his know about his sexual habits when it was plastered throughout the news before the incident with his ex-wife. He was not a ‘saint’ by any means, but he is a prime example how an unexpected person becomes addicted to opioids through legal means. In May of 2017, Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Jupiter, Florida. This was an unfortunate misstep in his career after a very difficult divorce. An article by ESPN.com, regarding the Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest, outlines the toxicology report made possible by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Tiger has had a number of surgeries on his back and knees during his career as a professional golfer. Without surprise he developed an addiction after such prolonged usage. His back is especially problematic due to the high amount of twisting and turning to hit the ball long distances. After a while, many golfers experience back pain and require surgery to continue to play. In order for Tiger to get back to playing strength, he subjected himself to a variety of therapies and medications to help his rehabilitation. Given the opioid drugs present in his system on the night of his arrest, it’s apparent he developed a painkiller dependency over time. Rather than take the necessary steps to deal with his addiction, he decided to ‘take care’ of things on his own, which no doubt led to his relapse and his arrest.
What is the Dilaudid Withdrawal Timeline?
How long does it take to get addicted to Dilaudid? Unfortunately, the potency of Dilaudid is so strong so some patients experience a withdrawal even after short time use. One time can be all it takes.! The strength of the drug can contribute to a Dilaudid withdrawal after surgery. Prolonged abuse sometimes causes a intense withdrawal. During the first is 48 hours period, the possibility of relapse is at its highest. After this period, the symptoms will start to lessen, but many of the same issues will still be apparent. The scars of the withdrawal may leave deep psychological wounds that need therapy beyond the physical. There may have been psychological reasons for why the person became addicted. Even the addiction itself and the behaviors that occurred can leave a person with emotional scars. These kinds of issues can last for months even years in some cases. Within the first 8 hours, a former user could experience anxiety, sweating, fever, cravings, and restlessness. During the peak of the withdrawal, which can last up to 48 hours, extreme flu-like symptoms may occur.
Symptoms of Dilaudid Withdrawal
Within the first 8 hours of the last dose taken, a former Dilaudid user can experience anxiety, sweating, fever, cravings, and restlessness. During the peak of the withdrawal, which can last up to 48 hours, extreme flu-like symptoms may occur.
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Insomnia
Hydromorphone Detox
A Diluadid detox is sometimes necessary even after a short hospital stay. How to wean off ofoff narcotics is something that depends entirely on you. Using the opioid tapering guidelines and the help of your physician or rehab clinic you can safely detox with less withdrawal. There are Dilaudid withdrawal remedies but nothing works better than opioid tapering. If you plan to enter a clinic for hydromorphone rehabilitation, please consult the CDC’s pocket guide for the proper opioid tapering guidelines. These guidelines are there for your protection. During this 48 hour period, the possibility of relapse is at its highest. After this period, the symptoms will start to lessen, but many of the same issues will still be apparent. The scars of that withdrawal may leave deep psychological wounds that need therapy beyond the physical. These kinds of issues can last for months even years in some cases. A Dilaudid detox is sometimes necessary even after a short hospital stay. How to wean off of narcotics is something that depends entirely on you. Using the opioid tapering guidelines and the help of your physician or rehab clinic you can safely detox with less withdrawal. There are Dilaudid withdrawal remedies but nothing works better than opioid tapering. If you plan on entering a clinic for hydromorphone rehab, please consult the CDC’s pocket guide for the proper opioid tapering guidelines. These guidelines are there for your protection.
On-Going Support for Dilaudid Addiction
We at Northpoint Seattle are dedicated to It’s my intention to bringing awareness to parents of teens that have prescriptions for Dilaudid and other opioids. This epidemic is a growing problem in the U.S. and not going away without a fight. Being able to cope with a Dilaudid addiction is usually not a solo venture. It takes support from family, loved ones and addiction professionals. The emotional mood swings and physical pains make ‘kicking the habit’ very challenging even for mentally people who consider themselves tough individuals. When drugs are readily available, it’s especially tough. This becomes especially tough when these drugs are readily available. The need of on-going support for a former user is necessary for a successful recovery. Psychiatric help is sometimes a step in the right direction, but nothing has proven to be more effective than developing strong ongoing relationships. One of the most common thoughts that goes through a former user’s mind is the feeling of being alone. When you find a person or better yet a group of people that have ‘been there’ and gone beyond addiction it makes it more likely that you can do it too. This is why many will find family support and 12-step programs helpful for their recovery. The problem with addiction is it forces you into a routine of medicating yourself. The drug’s dependency takes away the need to search for a better life, and the user becomes identified with that lifestyle. Breaking a Dilaudid dependence may make you feel as if you wouldn’t know what to do outside of what you do already lost for a while. It took you time to become addicted in the first place. To reverse the process, you will have to be conscious of how you’re thinking, what you’re thinking, and what you’re doing. There will be triggers, there will be cravings, and you will have a hard time adapting to life without being high. The good news is there is a lot of help for you. There are many avenues of support for addicts all over the US. There are 12- step groups, inpatient and outpatient addiction recovery clinics. These clinics use specific therapies that help you manage recovery from addiction. You will be equipped with the tools to deal with challenges of abstaining like triggers, guilt, and cravings. We know the ins and outs of addiction, which is why we are well equipped to help you. We can help with holistic or medically-assisted detox, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery plans. We use the latest proven therapies to help you recover from Dilaudid addiction fully. Luckily, you don’t have to feel that way if you seek help. For more information about opioids and opioid replacement therapies please click the link.
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