What Is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid is an opioid in the form of a synthetic narcotic. It is a painkiller that you can be tolerant of if you use it often. Requiring more doses in increased frequencies is a sign that you are getting addicted to it. If your family member is taking Dilaudid, you should track their body’s response. If you discover that they finish their dose ahead of time, then they are becoming drug-tolerant. Also, when the prescription fails to relieve pain anymore, that is an indication that they are getting addicted. A drug addict has to take an overdose to feel better. Ensure that you check for withdrawal syndrome when your patient quits using the drug. Struggles when quitting the drug should also alert you that your loved one is dependent on the drug.

Dilaudid addicts have more desire for its other forms other than pills. They do so because they are sure of its immediate effects. So, they take Dilaudid injections and snorts. A person who receives Dilaudid injection experiences a faster effect. Your loved one may abuse this drug because it makes them feel very excited and relaxed. A person who abuses Dilaudid is susceptible to abusing Benzodiazepines and alcohol. These three types of drugs act as depressants. A combination of the three drugs results in developing low heart rate and breathing problems. More dangerous effects include seizures, respiratory issues, and going into a coma. You should check for the following signs of addiction to Dilaudid:

  • Next dose obsession and exaggerated expenditure on the drug
  • Neglecting responsibilities, family, and friends
  • Unplanned buying of Dilaudid and forged prescription
  • Taking an overdose for faster effect

Understanding How Dilaudid Works

Doctors prescribe Dilaudid to patients to relieve them from moderate and severe pain. The drug can attach itself to the central nervous system (CNS) and the brain receptors. Once it gets attached to the brain receptors, the pain fades away. Dilaudid also communicates to the brain to produce increased dopamine, which then produces pleasure stimuli. The need for more pleasurable moments lures a patient to take Dilaudid every time they feel low. Therefore, frequent drug intake lowers the ability of the brain to produce dopamine. One becomes a consistent drug user because of the need to feel high, leading to drug dependency. It takes half to an hour for one to feel the effect of the Dilaudid tablet. Intravenous and intranasal prescriptions cause an immediate effect. Individuals who take this drug feel high for at most 6 hours. Therefore, they have to take a dose every 6 hours. The oral hydromorphone can make you dizzy and drowsy, which occurs in the first hours of administration. You can also experience sweating, itching, and flushing.

There are safer ways of taking Dilaudid. You need to understand why your doctor prescribes this drug to patients. Therefore, you will track whether it is meeting its goal. Also, take the drug through the guidance of a medical practitioner. Your doctor can initially prescribe a low dose to you. The doctor can then increase the dosage periodically so that you do not become an addict. The doctor will also be cautious if the patient is pregnant, has kidney failure, or has a liver problem. So, it would be best if you let your doctor know whether you have an underlying health problem. Medical practitioners use your information to administer the right dosage of Dilaudid. Contacting your doctor when you notice any side effects of the drug is crucial too.

Drug addiction can develop gradually without one noticing it. Therefore, you need to know the type of prescription that you or your loved one is using. Doing this allows you to check for any adverse reaction and take relevant action. Also, ensure that your loved one takes the prescription as directed by the doctor. They should also use the drug within the stipulated time frame and stop using it when necessary. Taking action to rehabilitate a Dilaudid addict is crucial too. You get to rescue them from developing health problems such as low blood pressure and respiratory problems. Addiction treatment allows a patient to resume their responsibilities.

Are you ready to get started? Call us at 833-497-3812 to get help through our experienced counselors. We will walk with you through the journey of quitting drug abuse and living a drug-free life.