Pain Relief: Is Dilaudid Right for You?

Dilaudid may help you with any excess pain you may be experiencing. But how do you know if it’s right for you? Read on to learn more.

What Is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid medication changes how the nervous system and brain respond to pain. Individuals are prescribed it in order to treat severe pain.

Dilaudid belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It can also be used to treat some types of coughs. The medication is only prescribed to relieve pain when other medications do not work, as the substance has a high addiction rate. However, the drug is common with recreational users due to the euphoric effects it provides.

Symptoms of Dilaudid Use

Dilaudid is often available as an injectable solution in a hospital. It is also available in the form of a tablet or oral solution.¹

Individuals who use this drug may exhibit various symptoms depending on frequency of use, including:

Euphoria
Anxiety
Depression
Cravings
Mental clouding
Slurred speech
Impaired judgment
Poor memory
Seizures
Failure to fulfill school and work obligations
Failed attempts to reduce intake of the drug

Is Dilaudid Addictive?

This substance can quickly become addictive if misused. It is made up of hydrochloride and hydromorphone. However, an over-release of the medication can lead to an overdose, meaning individuals need to be careful with its usage.²

The medication activates the opioid receptors in the brain to a full extent. Some of the severe effects of opioids are hypoxia, which can lead to short- and long-term neurological effects on the individual.

Dilaudid’s Potential for Abuse

Dilaudid has a high potential for addiction and abuse due to its euphoric effects. This effect of the drug may cause the individual to develop tolerance within a few weeks.

Developing tolerance to the drug can later lead to a substance use disorder. Therefore, doctors often recommend strictly taking the prescribed amount for only a short period of time.

It is advisable to check with your medical practitioner before increasing your dosage. Your physician can prescribe another medication for your pain if you start to feel dependent on the drug. Following your dosage and treatment plan when taking the drug is vital.

How Does Dilaudid Help with Pain Management?

Dilaudid is popularly known for its ability to help relieve severe and acute pain. It works directly on the central nervous system and has been shown to have an overall positive effect on acute pain.

Generally, it changes how the nervous system and brain react or respond to pain.³

Medically Supervised Withdrawal Treatment

The sole purpose of supervised treatment is to undergo treatment safely. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it is best to involve medical practitioners.

A supervised withdrawal helps to transition the individual to the right medication safely. A physician will help to monitor the individual for respiratory depression or any other potentially dangerous symptoms safely.

Within the first few hours of treatment, the individual is bound to experience some withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may be life-threatening, creating the need for a medical supervisor. Some potential withdrawal symptoms you or a loved one may experience include:

Shaking
Appetite loss
Restlessness
Tremors
Diarrhea
Sweating
Muscle spasms and pains
Cognitive issues
Elevated blood pressure
Vomiting
Agitation
Intense drug cravings

Dangers of Long-Term Dilaudid Use

Long-term use of this drug by an individual can lead to severe side effects, addiction, and dependence.

It’s imperative to take notes of the signs that you or a loved one may be misusing the substance. Some of the other dangers of long-term use of the drug are:

Tolerance

Over time, the individual will require a higher dosage to achieve the same relief level. Discussing your need for a higher dosage with your doctor is vital before changing how much of the substance you take.

Dependence

Your body may develop a dependence on the drug after a few weeks of usage.

Therefore, you might experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking the substance. These symptoms are often life-threatening.

Chronic Constipation

Prolonged intake of the drug can lead to chronic constipation. Constipation may be dangerous and result in a damaged gastrointestinal tract. It is advisable to report severe constipation to your physician immediately.

Treatment Options for Dilaudid Addiction

In 2016, statistics showed that 5% of individuals in an assessment reported opiates as what they needed treatment for. Opiate addiction is serious and often requires medical attention.⁴

Luckily, there are several treatment options for Dilaudid addiction. Some of these treatment options are:

Inpatient Rehabilitation Program: This treatment program involves 24/7 care in a structured facility with a daily schedule. The individual will reside at the treatment center for the duration of the treatment. These individuals will participate in healthy activities and therapeutic groups.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): This treatment involves the use of therapy along with approved medications for recovery. It is a comprehensive treatment service that enables long-term recovery and the development of coping skills.
Outpatient Rehabilitation Program: In this program, individuals can live in their homes and visit the treatment center while still being able to work and take care of family. It is often a much more low-cost option as well.

Get Help at Essence Healthcare

Dilaudid has multiple pain-relieving and euphoric effects, meaning that it also has a high chance for people to misuse it. Prolonged or long-term use of the drug can lead to you or a loved one developing tolerance and dependence. Dilaudid addiction can also lead to severe side effects, such as cognitive issues and muscle spasms.

It is not advisable to treat any sort of addiction without medical supervision. At Essence Healthcare, we have various treatment options to aid your smooth and long-term recovery.

We will meet with you to create an individualized treatment plan that can cater to your specific symptoms. Our caring and compassionate staff will be with you every step of the way during any opioid symptoms you may be xperiencing.

Reach Out & Begin Healing

Reach out to us today for comprehensive care. We want to help you and your loved one get back to living healthy and happy lives.

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We are a patient-first substance abuse and mental health treatment facility located in Los Angeles, California. At Essence Healthcare, we provide different levels of care from detoxification to drug rehab aftercare. Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.

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