Dilaudid Addiction And The Best Rehab Centers For Treatment
Medically reviewed by
Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BCFebruary 1, 2019
Dilaudid works by attaching to the receptors in the spinal cord and brain, dulling pain and causing euphoria. Both those who use it as a prescription and those who take it to get high can develop a tolerance in as little as 2-3 weeks, usually causing them to up their dose to receive the same effect, leading to addiction. Available in tablets, oral solutions, and injections, it can be bought on the streets under the names: D, dillies, or dust.
Some people believe that just because a drug can be prescribed by a doctor means that it isn’t dangerous. Unfortunately, prescription drugs are just as addictive and hazardous as illegal ones, possibly even more so due to the easy access that many adolescents have to their parents’ medicine cabinet. One such prescription drug is Dilaudid, also known as hydromorphone. Extremely potent and considered to be eight times stronger than morphine, Dilaudid takes effect in less than 15 minutes and can continue working for up to six hours. Typically, it is prescribed to those suffering from moderate to severe pain, such as burn victims, cancer patients, and muscle or bone injuries.
Short-Term Effects
Unfortunately, in many people Dilaudid can have the unfortunate side effect of causing depression, leading to possible suicide attempts.
Other short-term effects include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
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Long-Term Effects
If addict persists over a long period of time, effects of Dilaudid only worsen.
Some of the long-term effects include:
- Hypertension
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Seizures
- Respiratory Arrest
Dilaudid Addiction Treatment
Because Dilaudid is an opiate, it follows the same type of treatment program as others in its drug class. Depending on the severity of the addiction, doctors will either recommend an inpatient or outpatient treatment regiment. Those who have long-term addictions will be monitored in inpatient detoxification treatment as they are weened off the drug. If they have an underlying pain problem, doctors will also do their best to help the addict with pain management and find them a different medication to take.
Following this, patients will undergo a multitude of therapy. Most rehabs offer a mix of individual and group therapy, so that addicts can receive both privacy and the support of a group. Most counselors focus on cognitive-behavioral treatment, which teaches the addict how to restructure their life in order to live without drugs.
Get Help At RehabCenter.net
If you or a loved one are addicted to Dilaudid, don’t wait to get help any longer. Contact our caring counselors today and let them help you pick out the rehab that best fits your needs and budget.
