Dilaudid Addiction and Rehabilitation

Dilaudid Addiction Rehab Header
Last Edited: March 17, 2020
Author
Claudia Rose
Clinically Reviewed
Jim Brown, CDCA
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and certified by an addiction professional.

Dangers of Dilaudid Abuse

Dilaudid is an Opiate derived drug that belongs to the Opioid pain reliever family of drugs. This drug is used for pain management ranging from mild to severe. Dilaudid must be prescribed by a doctor and is common for managing pain for soft tissue and bone injuries, cancer, and 3rd degree burns.

Addiction is chronic brain disease characterized by an individual pursuing reward and or relief by substance use. In 2014, 1.9 million Americans over 12 years old had a substance use disorder involving prescription pain relievers and 586,000 had a substance use disorder involving the Opiate Heroin.

Dilaudid is seven times stronger than Morphine and is extremely addictive both mentally and physically. In many cases, users who abuse Opiate derived drugs tend to crush the pills and snort them for a faster, more intense high. With Dilaudid, snorting pills is less effective and the user must inject the contents to feel the euphoric effects. Like other Opiate Pain Relievers, OPRs, Dilaudid disrupts the pain receptors in the brain causing a sense of well-being and euphoria.

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Street Names for Dilaudid

Dilaudid is a strong Opiate pain reliever and highly addictive. People who have an addiction to Opiates will use Dilaudid when their usual pain killer has stopped working or as a temporary fix in place of Heroin. Dilaudid may be called by its proper name, however some other street names include: Juice, Dillies, D, Footballs, Dust, Smack.

Dilaudid Effects

When used recreationally, Dilaudid can quickly cause addiction and dependence. People choose the drug for its effects of euphoria, pain suppression, among others. Unwanted side effect include nausea, constipation, fatigue, drowsiness, sweating, and dizziness. Many people abusing Dilaudid initially became addicted to a less potent Opioid and graduated to Dilaudid when the original stopped working. Long-term use of Dilaudid comes with serious dependency issues as tolerance to this narcotic increases. People who are addicted will switch to injecting the drug or mixing Dilaudid with Alcohol in pursuit of the higher high. Users who switch to the painkiller in a syringe run risks of contaminated needles, hepatitis, veins collapsing, and infections.

Warning signs of Dilaudid abuse in a loved one

Warning signs of Dilaudid abuse in these causes are any effect or side effect of the drug. If you have a loved one with a legitimate Dilaudid prescription, determining whether symptoms are the result of use of the drug or abuse can be difficult. Dilaudid taken as prescribed can cause significant sedation, confusion, pupil constriction, vision changes, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal issues, and more. However, some signs to consider when determining if someone is abusing Dilaudid are:

Extreme sedation is not a good sign. If you know how sedated the person was when taking the drug as prescribed, any greater sedation may indicate that the person is abusing Dilaudid. Taking more than prescribed will cause more intense effects and side effects.

Running out of the prescription too soon is another warning sign. People taking more than prescribed or taking it more often will inevitably run out of their prescription too soon. The only way to avoid withdrawal is to get more from the doctor or from illegal sources.effects.

Financial issues can be another red flag. People with significant injury or illness may have extensive medical costs, anyway, but a Dilaudid addiction could mean buying more from a dealer at a hefty price. This can result in unpaid bills and a perpetual lack of funds.

Factual Dangers: Dilaudid

Dilaudid abuse and addiction can be especially dangerous. If you or a loved one has a substance abuse issue, you are not alone. Millions of Americans have become addicted to prescription medications, with opioids being the biggest problem. Dilaudid is a particularly strong and addictive prescription Opioid, putting it right in the middle of the American prescription drug epidemic. Here are some of the dangers associated with Dilaudid use, abuse and addiction:

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True Stories of Addiction: Brandon ‘s Painkiller Addiction was Uncontrollable

Brandon needed to escape reality and did that by abusing drugs like Dilaudid. He gave his life to the drug but found recovery before it was too late. – View all episodes now

Dilaudid Rehab Treatment

Dilaudid is in the Opioid class of drugs. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, drug overdose was the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. in 2014, with 47,055 lethal drug overdoses. Opioid addiction is the prime driver of this epidemic, with 18,893 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers, and 10,574 Heroin-related overdose deaths. If you are suffering from addiction to Dilaudid, you can benefit from rehab at a medically accredited treatment facility. There are a variety of therapy methods that can help you overcome your addiction, including individual, group, family, cognitive behavioral and alternative therapy options.

Inpatient rehab is the best bet for successful long-term recovery. Rehab facilities utilize a variety of effective healing techniques to help everyone make the most progress possible. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a common and effective method used during individual therapy. Other types of therapies will additionally help people identify the underlying reason for using and learn better, healthier ways to cope.

Whatever your story, there is hope for you. No matter how low your addiction has taken you, you can recover and find a life better than you could imagine while using. Everyone deserves the chance to live a better life than drugs and Alcohol give us. If you are struggling with substance abuse, get help today.

Dilaudid Detox Treatment

When prescribed Dilaudid to combat intense pain it becomes easy for individuals to become both physically and psychologically dependent on the drug. Because this painkiller is very addictive, tapering off the drug is required as the withdrawals may be too strong to handle. The problem with tapering is that it relies on the individual to administer the drug to him or herself. This can prove too difficult for some people. Anyone addicted to Dilaudid should enter a detox center before stopping the drug.

With Opiate addiction, a medical detox treatment center is often required as the cravings and withdrawals are so intense they are described as unbearable. A drug known as Suboxone is administered in a medical setting to lessen the cravings and wean the user off Dilaudid.

The medical professionals in a detox center help each person by providing cutting edge treatment protocols and the most support and supervision possible. When going through the detox process, the more supervision the better as people detoxing of addictive substances routinely experience seizures or severe distress and the individual may not be able to handle the situation alone. In a detox center people are never alone. With around the clock support from medical experts the individual can relax, knowing that he or she is in good hands.

Addiction to Dilaudid

Dilaudid is a prescription Painkiller often prescribed by physicians to treat moderate to severe pain. Legitimate Dilaudid prescriptions are typically given to patients with cancer, surgical pain and other severe conditions marked by high levels of pain. People taking Dilaudid may have limited mobility or functionality due to medical conditions and the pain associated. However, it comes with significant effects and potential adverse reactions.

Many people who take Dilaudid become addicted to it. This potent Opiate can prove addictive even when taken as directed. In fact, many people who become addicted find that this happened much faster than they thought possible. Prescription drug addiction is sweeping the United States and has been referred to as a national epidemic. If you have become addicted to Dilaudid, don’t feel ashamed. You are not alone. Millions more are in the same boat that you are, or have found a better way to live.

Addiction to Dilaudid is like other prescription opiate painkillers in that the addiction will get progressively worse, never better, until the person is incarcerated dead, or institutionalized – hopefully in a rehab facility. Addiction to opiates is extremely dangerous, often resulting in the devastation of one’s life, relationships, and will cause the person’s death if help is not sought.

Dilaudid Withdrawal Symptoms

As someone who has been abusing Dilaudid and decides to quite will go through what is called withdrawal. This is when the drug is leaving the person’s system and it can be very uncomfortable. Opiate withdrawal is known for causing severe pain and other torturous sensations if the drug is suddenly stopped altogether.

The withdrawal symptoms for Dilaudid include joint and muscle pain, server anxiety and agitation, visual hallucinations, suicidal tendencies, irritability, irregular fever and chills, self-inflicting harm, vomiting and diarrhea, uncontrollable body tremors and insomnia. The severity of symptoms depends on the individual’s drug history, such as how much and how long the drug was used. Some people try to detox themselves and are unable to complete the process due to the level of discomfort. The severity of pain and other symptoms leads many people to relapse before fully detoxing. This is not a failure but a sign that that person needs outside help to successfully quit the drug.

It is recommended that people addicted to Opiates such as Dilaudid detox in a medically accredited treatment facility. This way, the person will be under medical care when he or she goes through withdrawal symptoms. Doctors may prescribe medications to help the clients be as comfortable and safe as possible during this time. Medical staff additionally provides around-the-clock supervision and support, ensuring the individual’s safety.

Intervention for Dilaudid Abuse

Opiates are easy to abuse, extremely addictive, and destroy the user’s life. Abusing Dilaudid can cause changes in a person’s personality and behavior. When a person is in active addiction, the only thing that matters is often the drug itself. The person will pursue the drug until he or she is dead or is convinced of the problem and chooses to stop. If you think someone you love is abusing Dilaudid please consider staging an intervention.

An intervention is the best way to communicate with someone in active addiction. Remember that prescription drug addiction is a disease and not a moral failing. Your loved one is struggling with a mental disorder characterized by an inability to stop using. The person may not even believe that a problem exists. Addiction is a cunning disease that rearranges a person’s priorities and puts the drug above all other things in terms of importance. The intervention serves as a way to bridge the gap between what the drugs are telling the person and what loved ones are trying to communicate.

A message of love and care can be taken the wrong way when facing someone who is addicted. It is recommended a professional be used to help convey love and respect with your message and not accusation and blame. A professional interventionist can help you plan and stage the actual intervention. The presence of a professional often has a calming and focusing effect on the person and helps the outcome of the entire event. There are many types of interventions and one will surely work for you and your loved one. – Learn More

Recovery from Dilaudid Abuse

While in the depths of addiction, living free from all mind-altering substances can seem impossible. Even before we started using we were looking for ways to change our reality. Maybe you can no longer remember how to live sober. Maybe you remember but can’t relate to that younger version of yourself anymore. Whatever your story, recovery from Dilaudid addiction is possible.

The most successful, long-term recovery usually comes from working the 12-steps. The 12-steps are a series steps that people who have addictions follow to help them lead a clean and sober life. A big portion of the steps is to admit that you are powerless over your addiction, leaving it in the hands of your chosen higher power. This doesn’t mean that while working the steps you are not accountable for your own actions, just that addiction is something that is bigger than your own will power. Try them all or find the one surrounding your drug of choice. Whichever one you choose, the 12-step fellowship and steps will help you find a better path and live a life better than you could imagine.

It’s encouraged that while participating in meetings and step work that you find a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who will help you work the steps, and mentor you to achieve your recovery goals. This person will become a huge part of your life and in most cases one of your closed confidant, it should be someone who knows the steps and is strong in his or her own recovery.

Dangers of Dilaudid Overdose

Dilaudid is a prescription medicine, it can still be extremely dangerous if not taken in appropriate amounts. Overdose of Dilaudid can occur when someone takes more of the drug than the body can handle. It can be especially easy to overdose on prescription Painkillers. Because Dilaudid causes mental confusion, people frequently accidentally overdose on this drug. According to the Centers for Disease Control, overdoses and overdose deaths from Opiates and Opioids have been steadily increasing since 2000.

Overdose can adversely affect the central nervous system, as well as slow the heart, induce coma and cause sudden death. Symptoms of overdose may include cold, clammy skin, bluish tint to lips and fingernails, confusion, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, slowed breathing and other breathing problems, coma, and death. These are signs that the major organs are in distress. The bluish tint to skin and other areas suggest diminished oxidation of the blood, which in turn suggests that the lungs are not getting enough air. Breath suppression can be due to the heart, independently fail or be tied to issue with cognition. As Opiates suppress the central nervous system, the lack of oxygen is caused by a general system suppression.

Dilaudid is a powerful Opiate. Even at recommended doses the effects of this drug can cause sedation and central nervous system depression. Too much and the situation can easily prove fatal. If you or someone you know has overdosed on Dilaudid, seek emergency medical care or call 911. The only way to combat an overdose is through professional medical attention. – Learn More

Dilaudid Use, Abuse and Dependency

Dilaudid abuse should seriously concern any loved one of the person using. Abuse and long-term use of this drug often means fractured relationships, physical and mental consequences and continuously deteriorating health and circumstances. Dilaudid use and abuse has increased over the last several decades along with most other prescription painkillers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, CDC, approximately 42 deaths occurred every day in 2015 from prescription Opioids.

Due to the severity of consequences associated with Dilaudid use, abuse and addiction, anyone struggling with this drug is strongly encouraged to enter a rehab facility. If your loved one is reluctant to go, consider staging an intervention. An intervention is a great way to communicate with someone who is in the depths of addiction and whose thinking is muddled by the substances that he or she is using.

Once the tough decision is made to get treatment, then you must figure out where would be the best place. In most cases, traveling for treatment is the best option. Travelling for treatment allows you to choose the best center possible, regardless of location. It will also allow you to break away from you regular routine leaving you open to new habits and a fresh start.

Finding a treatment center located away from known people and places also encourages recovery. Staying close to enablers, dealers and using friends can have a devastating effect on a person’s recovery. The temptation is a little too close and too easily accessed when you attend a treatment program in your home city or state. It certainly may seem scary to not have the usual group of people to fall back on, however, it will be worth it when you find your happy, healthy life in recovery.

Once you decide where to attend treatment, next comes figuring out the financial aspect. Drug and alcohol treatment can certainly be expensive. Some luxurious facilities are filled with amenities and the price tag reflects this. However, even simpler treatment centers are pricey as the cost includes medical attention, medical staff and other experts. Inpatient treatment is similar to a stay in a hospital, where a month-long stay can cost as much as a house.

If the cost of treatment is intimidating, don’t lose hope. There are options available to assist in covering the costs of treatment. For example, nearly all treatment facilities accept health insurance. Ask your insurer to see what coverage they provide for substance abuse treatment. Some may only provide limited coverage, while others will cover complete rehab. If you are uninsured, your rehab facility may offer financial aid or have payment plans to help you cover the cost of treatment. Most states also offer coverage for people who can’t afford it. Also, you may find a center in another state that is more affordable or offers scholarships to those ready and willing to change their lives for the better.

Treatment centers provide critical services for the timely and successful recovery from drugs and alcohol. Expert counselors and medical professionals combine their knowledge and efforts and help bring people out of the depths of hell and onto a brighter, better path. Through intensive therapy, group sessions and educational groups, you will learn why you used and a better way to proceed in the future.

When treatment ends, it doesn’t mean your addiction is over and cured. Addiction recovery means a life-long fight and victories are won day by day. Finding ways to aid in this battle is a high priority for those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. One of these ways to maintain sobriety is to participate in weekly group meetings.

Many rehab programs are 12-step based and for good reason. The 12-step recovery groups work miracles for everyone who follows the suggestions of the program. Millions of people worldwide have found peace, happiness and prosperity as a result of working the 12-steps.

Weekly group meetings are available for a variety of substances, including Opioid class drugs like Dilaudid. In weekly group meetings, people who are in recovery form relationships with peers who are struggling with similar addictions. They can also establish a support system among these peers to help them attain their recovery goals. These relationships, positive guidance and support often leads to healing and growth for those who attend meetings.

Sponsorship is an important part of 12-step programs. You are highly encouraged to find a person who will sponsor you and help you work the 12-steps. A sponsor is a clean and sober member of the program who has already worked the 12-steps. This person serves as a mentor and role-model for how to live better and freer.

The better life you have dreamer of is within your grasp. Do not let anything stand between you and a life free from drug and alcohol addiction. With the guidance and support of a treatment program or a 12-step program, you can find the happiness, joy and freedom you deserve. – Learn More

Short-term effects

Since Dilaudid is Opiate derived it has a euphoric effect on the brain and body as the connection to pain receptors are disrupted. Over time, those who abuse this drug will not feel the euphoric effect and may resort to crushing, injecting, or mixing these pills with alcohol. Those who suffer from pain are generally free of pain within 15 minutes. People abusing the drug may be sedated and completely lethargic for nearly 6 hours if they are taking more than the recommended dose.

As abuse becomes more regular for the user, behavioral changes can be noticed. When the person is not under the influence they may have intense mood swings. This may manifest as seeming short tempered, displaying moments of rage, severe depression, self-loathing, or generally irritable behavior. The physical effects of Dilaudid are more noticeable as the person is often sedated. Under the influence, the person may have trouble breathing or feel claustrophobic. Their body temperature may fluctuate as the brain is not assessing body temperature accurately.

Opiate derived drugs tend to disrupt brain reception to the body, causing a person may get migraines, hypertension, and chronic constipation. Other common problems with Dilaudid abuse are depression, worsening depression, delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis. With extended use of Dilaudid the person increases his or her risk of stroke, liver damage, seizures, and kidney failure. If the person continues to use and abuse Dilaudid, the body will degrade to the point where death or permanent brain damage can occur.

Family Therapy for Dilaudid Addiction

Prescription painkiller addiction is one of the most common health concerns sweeping the nation today. Far too many people became addicted to prescription opiates. When the pills stopped working, many people graduated to street drugs like Heroin.

If you are addicted to Dilaudid, then you are likely suffering with intense pain, have a pain tolerance issues, or are taking Dilaudid recreationally. In any case, if your substance abuse has most likely affected your family dynamic, which should be addressed with family therapy as part of your treatment plan. Family therapy helps strengthen relationships in the family that have been damaged by substance abuse dependency and addiction. In family therapy, clients and family members gain communications skills, coping mechanisms, and they learn about addiction and Dilaudid abuse.

Expert therapists help all family members identify past issues that worsened relationships. Together, the past problems and hurt are fully addressed and healed. The benefits of family therapy are some of the most important parts of recovery. Many treatment facilities invite family members of the client to participate in counseling, therapy and educational activities. Education is important for family members to understand the impact of substances on their loved one, and how it affects their behavior. Family members should realize that the path to recovery for their loved one is life-long. The person needs all the support they can get, especially support from their family members.

True Stories of Addiction: Heroin Abuse Haunts Jay

Jay grew up with two older siblings, but didn’t fit into their crowd. He ended up drifting off and doing his own thing, but didn’t realize, at the time, doing his own thing was going to cost him a huge chunk of his life. When Jay was in high school, he started using and selling pills like Dilaudid. He ended up getting caught and was put on probation. A few years down the road, while still on probation, Jay was caught with more drugs like Dilaudid and fire arms. He was put in prison for three years. When he released from prison, he wanted a change. He found recovery in the 12-step program and hasn’t gone back to his old ways sense.

Inpatient Dilaudid Rehab

Opiate addiction gets progressively worse, and never better, until recovery can be achieved. People who are addicted to Opiates endure increasingly difficult circumstances until death or the person decides to change. Due to the seriousness of Opiate addiction, inpatient rehab is recommended to anyone who has developed a problem with Dilaudid. People addicted to such prescription drugs are prone to high rates of relapse, which should be combated with the most intensive treatment possible.

Inpatient treatment programs offer the most intensive and comprehensive healing available. There are several facets to addiction, namely physical, mental, and spiritual. Inpatient treatment centers do their best to address and mend all three problem areas. Many inpatient treatment centers offer a detox level of treatment or a stabilizing time at the beginning or your stay. This helps eliminate the drugs and toxins from your system and remove the physical aspect of addiction.

The mental aspect of addiction is comprised of thoughts and emotions. Intensive therapy of various types is utilized to combat the negative thought patterns that promoted or lead to using. Better ways of coping with emotions are learned through the group education sessions, group therapy and individual therapy. Cutting edge and time-tested methods are combined to give clients the most healing and education possible. Tailor-made programs are designed when a person enters the facility, ensuring that each individual gets the most out of his or her time in and inpatient rehab. – Learn More[

Outpatient Rehab

If the person has responsibilities that cannot be left for any amount of time, outpatient is also available but requires discipline and strong desire to kick an opiate addiction. Outpatient treatment programs are similar in several ways to inpatient programs. Outpatient treatment allows people to take part in treatment sessions while maintaining a normal life involving work, school, and family responsibilities. Outpatient programs entail some of the group sessions that are scheduled during inpatient treatment. These are usually group therapy, group workshops, and educational classes.

Outpatient programs utilize many of the healing techniques as inpatient. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, is often used during individual therapy sessions. Through this technique the individual learns to identify old patterns of thinking that contributed to using and other self-defeating behaviors. The professional leads the person into replacing these toxic thoughts with new, healthier ones.

The primary difference is that with outpatient rehab the individual lives away from the rehab facility and travels several times a week for sessions. If the individual continues to live in the setting where he or she used, there needs to be significant support for his or her sobriety.  The problem with staying at home is the person is still exposed to the environment that contributed to his or her addiction originally and triggers may be especially strong. While this form of treatment is not for everyone it is often successful and has done wonders for thousands of people in your situation. – Learn More