Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) is an opioid type of medication that is a schedule II-controlled substance. It is only prescribed to treat intense pain. Dilaudid is a central nervous system depressant and works by attaching itself to CNS receptors in the brain to dull pain. The brain’s reward center is affected by opioids, such as Dilaudid, and will cause tolerance to occur within a small amount of time. Dilaudid is one of the more difficult prescription opioids to attain as doctors only give it for severe pain. It is incredibly addictive, and many opioid addicts try to get it illegally or lie about how much pain they are feeling in order to get this drug prescribed. The more reliant a person becomes on the effects of Dilaudid for pain or getting high, they will develop a physical addiction and need to use it every day. 
What Condition is Dilaudid Prescribed For?
Dilaudid comes in two strengths, Dilaudid and Dilaudid HP. Dilaudid HP is a highly concentrated form of regular Dilaudid that is only prescribed to opioid-dependent patients who are tolerant to opioid pain killers. The medical conditions where Dilaudid is prescribed include:
- Following Invasive Surgeries
- For 2nd and 3rd-degree burns
- Broken bones
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Systemic Illnesses
- Major Dental Procedures
How Does Dilaudid Make a Person Feel?
Dilaudid is very potent and is much stronger than morphine. The euphoria it causes is similar to heroin and more powerful than other prescription opioids. Dilaudid is a fast-acting opioid, so the person will feel the effects within 15 minutes of an oral tablet and within 30 seconds to one minute through an I.V. drip or by injection. Dilaudid will not necessarily last longer than other opioid prescription medications, but the average time the effects reduce pain is 4 to 6 hours. People who are abusing Dilaudid tend to take it every three hours but will indeed require more to get the high they are after.
Hydromorphone is more potent than most people think: approximately 0.9 to 1.2 mg is equivalent to the effects of 10 mg of morphine, with a similar incidence of side effects. (NIH)
What Do The Experts Say About Dilaudid As a Pain Medication?
The National Institutes of Health describe what Dilaudid is and why it is prescribed. They also indicate the differences in strength and the side effects of Dilaudid.
Hydromorphone is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain not responsive to non-opioid agents. Hydromorphone is available generically and under the brand name Dilaudid as tablets of 2, 4, and 8 mg, as an oral solution of 5 mg/5 mL, and as suppositories of 3 mg. The usual dose of hydromorphone for acute pain in adults is 2 to 10 mg orally every 3 to 6 hours or 2 to 4 mg by injection every 4 to 6 hours. The side effects of hydromorphone are similar to other opiates and include sedation, respiratory depression, confusion, euphoria, agitation, constipation, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. (NIH)
How Does Addiction To Dilaudid Usually Happen?
Dilaudid is most likely first given to people after major surgery, an injury, or a burn. Dilaudid is prescribed more commonly to people experiencing chronic pain and debilitating symptoms in the outpatient setting. Many opioid addicts buy Dilaudid illegally from dealers on the streets. Dilaudid is likely to be discovered by people addicted to heroin or prescription painkillers. Drug abusers are familiar with the reputation of Dilaudid as being a strong opioid drug. It is difficult to obtain as most doctors prescribed Dilaudid limit the number of pills in each prescription, making the street value even more expensive. Dilaudid pills can be sold for 40 or more dollars each.
What Treatment is Necessary To Help Someone Addicted to Dilaudid?
The most critical aspect of Dilaudid addiction is the withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone uses it every day. The individual will experience severe opioid withdrawal symptoms that force them to need more Dilaudid. Medically supervised Dilaudid detox is the first necessary step. Medications are provided to ease and negate the detox symptoms. Dilaudid addicts suffer from a physical dependency on Dilaudid and emotional and mental. They need long-term treatment that includes behavioral therapy, MATS, and in-depth counseling that helps them identify what caused them to self-medicate with Dilaudid. Addiction is a treatable condition that is less about the drugs and more about the person’s mental health.
EVOKE Coconut Creek Offers Medical Dilaudid Detox
Our patients are admitted and medicated upon arrival in the opioid detox unit. We allow them to rest and recover for as long as it takes for them to feel physically healthy. They are provided one-on-one counseling and emotional support during detox and ongoing in the long-term treatment program. Don’t let Dilaudid addiction lead to more opioid use and accidental overdose. Opioid addictions are best treated as a mental health concern. We provide personalized treatment and therapy to help you or a loved one end their addictions and find peace without drugs.
