Signs of Dilaudid Withdrawal

What is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid is a prescription opioid drug that is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain, as well as chronic pain. This drug works similarly to other prescription painkillers, such as morphine; however, it is far more potent than most other opioids.

This, of course, means that it is easier for people to form a Dilaudid addiction than they might with other drugs. Of course, this risk for drug addiction means that Dilaudid is a highly regulated substance, often only prescribed in low doses and for short periods of time to avoid leading to Dilaudid withdrawal.

Once inside the body, Dilaudid attaches to opioid receptors in the brain that help regulate and control feelings of pain, discomfort, and stress. This interaction helps block pain signals in the brain and can make users feel a rush of euphoria and sedation.

Keep reading to know more about the signs of Dilaudid addiction and get ways to find effective help with our full guide to the topic!

Understanding Dilaudid Addiction

These euphoric and sedative effects are often what get people addicted to Dilaudid, continuing their substance use in order to keep experiencing these pleasant highs. However, chronic use of this drug will eventually cause the user to build up a tolerance to the drug.

This means that they will need to take Dilaudid in higher and more frequent doses in order to achieve its desired effects. This can happen in as little as a few weeks, making it extremely difficult to stop using this habit-forming drug without professional treatment.

Recognizing The Signs of Drug Abuse

If you or a loved one is struggling with Dilaudid abuse or any other substance addiction, it can be difficult to admit that there is a problem. However, this is the first and important step to being able to overcome one’s drug and alcohol abuse, and successfully achieve sobriety.

There are several common signs that may indicate a person may have a substance use disorder, whether this involves Dilaudid or any other addictive substances. The most common of these include:

• The inability to control drug use.
• Intense cravings for an abused drug.
• Drowsiness and/or changes in sleeping habits.
• Extreme weight loss or weight gain.
• Poor hygiene and/or lack of self-care.
• Changes in personal habits and routines.
• Isolation from family, friends, or external activities/obligations.
• New financial difficulties or odd spending patterns.

What are the Side Effects of Dilaudid Abuse?

Dilaudid can be taken as prescribed for a short amount of time to treat pain. Those who take it for longer than a few days often need special permission to do so from their doctors. This is because, unfortunately, there are many side effects associated with Dilaudid.

Common Side Effects

According to the National Library of Medicine, even when it is taken as prescribed, Dilaudid can cause both physical and psychological side effects that can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to deal with, such as:

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Sweating
• Abdominal, joint, muscle, or back pain
• Itching
• Flushing
• Depression
• Anxiety

Severe Side Effects

The drug can also cause some severe side effects when taken as prescribed, and if one experiences these, they should call their doctor immediately. These may  include:

• An allergic reaction that causes hoarseness, swelling, rash, and/or hives
• Hallucinations
• Fever
• Confusion
• Fast heartbeat
• Shivering
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Inability to keep an erection
• Menstruation irregularities
• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Lightheadedness
• Extreme fatigue

 

The drug can also cause a severe overdose in those who take large doses. This overdose syndrome can cause slowed or no breathing, vomiting, coma, brain damage, and potentially death.

Finally, those who abuse Dilaudid and those who take it as prescribed for a prolonged period of time can become dependent on the drug, which will mean they will need it just to feel normal every day.

This can cause a number of problems and can even lead to addiction if the individual is abusing the drug or starts abusing it to cope with their dependence. Dilaudid dependence and Dilaudid withdrawal after short term use can occur.

This affects many individuals who believe they are taking a safe medication prescribed by their doctor. The truth is opioids can cause problems for a person who takes them for longer than just a few days.

Understanding Dilaudid Withdrawal

Dilaudid withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening in certain cases. This is why it is so important for people who become dependent on opioids like Dilaudid to seek treatment in a professional detox facility or drug rehab center.

Dilaudid Withdrawal Symptoms

People can go through withdrawal from Dilaudid for many different reasons. Some experience Dilaudid withdrawal after surgery when their bodies have become accustomed to the drug and they suddenly stop taking it.

Because many common withdrawal symptoms can feel similar to those of the flu, sometimes people do not even realize they are going through this process. The common symptoms of Dilaudid withdrawal may include:

 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Malaise
• Agitation
• Sweating
• Fever
• Chills
• Hot flashes
• Runny eyes
• Runny nose
• Muscle aches
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Dilated pupils

 

While not necessarily life-threatening in most cases, this period will often bring with it many uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These can make it extremely difficult to remain sober, causing many people to relapse just to avoid the pain of these effects.

This is why most doctors recommend that patients do not try to go through them without proper treatment, due to the detrimental effect these difficult psychological and physical symptoms of withdrawal can have on their chances of recovery.

In addition, those who quit cold turkey can potentially put themselves in serious danger of experiencing suicidal thoughts and other severe depressive symptoms, dehydration, and intense, leading to relapse. Still, you shouldn’t be afraid to go through medical detox.

The Dilaudid Withdrawal Timeline

If you are curious about determining your Dilaudid withdrawal timeline, you will have to take your specific situation into account in many ways. However, there is also a general timeline associated with Dilaudid withdrawal symptoms.

 

• Most people experience acute withdrawal symptoms 6-8 hours after their last dose of the drug. Those dependent on extended release Dilaudid might experience these as long as 12 hours later.
• Dilaudid withdrawal usually peaks around the third or fourth day. Other symptoms are often worse around 72 hours after they have begun.
• Patients should expect to experience symptoms for as long as 1 to 2 weeks in most cases, and with the use of medications, this can extend to 3 or 4. Usually, withdrawal from opioids in a detox center takes anywhere between 2 weeks to 30 days.

 

You can determine your exact treatment timeline when you discuss your recovery with your care provider and find out what will best work for your Dilaudid treatment program.

How to Safely and Comfortably Wean off Dilaudid

The best way to navigate your Dilaudid withdrawal time and to safely go through the symptoms of this syndrome is to do so in a medical detox program or drug rehab facility. Both of these facilities can help people struggling with the opiate withdrawal process and put an end to this issue.

 

• Dilaudid withdrawal usually starts with an assessment of your symptoms. Depending on how much pain you are in, how severe your dependence is, and other variables, you will be given a treatment plan that will provide you with the best care possible.

 

• Most individuals in opioid withdrawal need treatment with medications because it is safer and less traumatic than the alternative (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). A handful of different medications might be necessary during detox.

 

Clonidine: an anti-hypertensive used to treat certain withdrawal symptoms

Methadone: an opioid used to treat withdrawal and reduce cravings

Buprenorphine: a partial opioid used to treat withdrawal and reduce cravings

Antidepressants: used to minimize depressive symptoms either caused by withdrawal or by another mental disorder simultaneously present in the patient

 

Once the individual is stabilized, they can begin the transition from detox to rehab. This is necessary, as detox only treats withdrawal and dependence, not addiction itself.

You can choose a treatment center that offers more or less intensive care based on the severity of your withdrawal. People who have never gone through Dilaudid withdrawal before may want to choose inpatient or residential treatment.

Inpatient Dilaudid Treatment

For those struggling with more severe substance use disorders, recovering at an inpatient/residential treatment facility may be their best option. Clients will live at their specific rehab center throughout the duration of their treatment process.

This allows their treatment provider to give them constant recovery support throughout the duration of their stay at the facility, allowing these individuals to have regular access to tools and resources as they overcome their addiction.

This more structured and intensive level of care allows individuals to leave behind the stress and temptations of their outside lives, helping them to establish a primary focus on their recovery.

This both reduces their risk of relapse, as well as provides constant support throughout the more difficult moments in their treatment process. This level of care may also incorporate individual, group, and family therapy sessions into its treatment approach.

Outpatient Dilaudid Treatment

As a more affordable and flexible treatment option, outpatient treatment programs are effective for those who need to continue to manage their external obligations, while still having access to a reliable support system that can keep them on track with their recovery from addiction.

Outpatient treatment, including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) or a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), may offer various behavioral therapies and recovery support groups that will be held several times a week.

Unlike inpatient treatment, an outpatient program does not require you to live at an addiction center while overcoming your substance use disorder. This not only makes these programs more flexible but can be beneficial for those with limited payment options, as well.

Finding Dilaudid Addiction Treatment Made Easy

Finding a reliable and effective Dilaudid addiction treatment program does not have to be difficult. You can seek out professional addiction detox and rehab centers by calling the Find Addiction Rehabs 24//7 hotline today.

We are available to take your call any time, day or night, and we are happy to place you in a facility that will help you to put an end to your Dilaudid abuse. You do not have to let your addiction control you any longer.

Call now, and our team of certified addiction specialists will help you take the first step on your path to overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, where you can become a happier, healthier, and substance-free you!

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