Pain relief products like Dilaudid are one of the most commonly misused prescription opioids. It’s a growing crisis in every state, with over 8.8 million aged 12 and above suffering from opioid addiction.
Left untreated, Dilaudid addiction can result in adverse symptoms, including cognitive impairment, mental health disorders, and death, among others.
If you or any of your loved ones suffer from Dilaudid addiction in New Hampshire, this post will walk you through all you need to know.
We’ll cover everything from how the drug works, abuse symptoms, health risks, and the best treatment options available for you.
Table of Contents
How Does Dilaudid Work?
Dilaudid, also called hydromorphone, is a powerful short-term analgesic typically prescribed to relieve persistent and severe pain in chronically ill patients.
However, as a chronic pain reliever stronger than morphine, Dilaudid has a serious potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.
The artificial opioid has been categorized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II substance, available in tablets, injectables, and multi-dose vials.
Once ingested by the patient, the hydromorphone binds itself to the central nervous system’s chemoreceptors. It dulls pain and triggers the brain to release excessive amounts of dopamine.
This effect causes a euphoric high in the individual, triggering the brain’s reward center and encouraging repetition.
Because of its potency, some patients following their Dilaudid prescription may develop physical dependence. Consistent substance abuse can then turn into a full-blown addiction.
Factors Contributing to Dilaudid Addiction
Several factors may contribute to a person’s Dilaudid dependence and addiction. The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5, for one, says that some may be prone to it genetically.
Certain genetic qualities, such as impulsivity and desire for novel experiences, can lead to more risk of Dilaudid addiction.
But like most illicit drug use cases, the environment of the individual also plays a crucial role in one’s likelihood of developing opioid use disorder (OUD).
These risky social and environmental factors include:
- Family history of substance and opioid abuse
- Childhood history, particularly misconduct behaviors
- Parental influence and cultural norm
- Access to Dilaudid and other hydromorphone products
- Chronic illnesses that require frequent painkiller use
- Associating with friends who use prescription drugs for recreation
Signs of Dilaudid Abuse and Addiction
The signs of Dilaudid addiction can vary for each individual. Here are some of the side effects to watch out for if you think you or any of your loved ones suffer from OUD:
Behavioral Changes
Like most opioids, Dilaudid hijacks the brain’s pleasure and reward system. It pushes the individual to desire more of the substance, which can manifest in behavioral changes.
Before the cravings, developing drug tolerance is often the first step for individuals close to addiction. It’s when they seek higher doses of the drug to recreate their first high experience.
Some would spend a great deal of time shopping for Dilaudi, stealing the substance, or searching for online distributors.
Apart from obsession, the person may also exhibit:
- Apathy toward their family and friends
- Irritability and lack of motivation
- Continued use of Dilaudid outside the doctor’s prescription
- Speech defects, particularly slurring
- Losing interest in the things they once liked to do
- Incapacity to fulfill commitments, including family, school, or work obligations
Physical Manifestations
Besides the subtle behavioral changes, the individual who’s dependent or addicted to Dilaudid may show physical manifestation.
A person influenced by the opioid will usually have constricted pupils. They’ll also feel constantly sleepy due to the sedating and relaxing effect of the drug, which may come alongside fatigue.
When cut off from Dilaudid use, they may experience Dilaudid withdrawal symptoms, which can include:
- Extreme cravings for the drug
- Diarrhea and pain around the stomach area
- Frequent drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting accompanied by fatigue
- Depressed moods and agitation
- Dry nose and mouth
- Feeling lightheadedness
- Impaired vision
- Difficulties when urinating
- Fever-like feeling, including feeling cold and goosebumps
These withdrawal symptoms can last between a few hours to weeks, depending on the time and amount of Dilaudid the person was using.
Mental and Emotional Effects
The effects of Dilaudid affect more than the person’s physical health. They may show symptoms of mental health disorders as well, a co-occurring issue typical for drug abuse patients.
As a disorder primarily affecting the brain, opioid addiction can result in cognitive problems, including the following:
- Poor decision making
- Difficulty in learning new information
- Problematic memory
- Obsessive thoughts concerning the drug
- Incapacity to control behavior
- Paranoia and hallucinations
- Social isolation and hopelessness
- A general dissatisfaction with life
- Intense feelings of loneliness associated with depression
Continued use of the drug despite these cognitive symptoms can lead to issues in the person’s social, family, and community life.
Poor cognitive performance may result in loss of job or academic expulsion. The several behavioral and emotional changes may also strain personal relationships.
Health Risks of Abusing Dilaudid Medication
Dilaudid is a particularly dangerous opioid because of its fast tolerance-building quality. That means you’ll need more dosage of the drug each time to achieve a similar euphoric experience.
Escalating the amount of Dilaudid without professional advice can quickly result in overdosing. Combining Dilaudid with other substances like alcohol doubles the risk as well.
Common signs of opioid overdose include shallow breathing, unconsciousness, and low blood pressure, which sometimes results in life-threatening scenarios.
Watch out for the following overdose indications:
- Pinpointed eye pupils
- Weak and irregular pulse
- Bluing lips
- Slow heart rate
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Cool or clammy skin
- Spasms and muscle twitches
- Nausea and vomiting
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, seek professional help or call your local emergency hotlines.
Severe health complications often follow a hydromorphone overdose. Others may experience stroke, coma, collapsed veins, convulsions, heart attack, and death.
Experts also found a concrete link between substance use disorders and negative health issues for pregnant women and their developing babies.
Preterm birth, stillbirth, maternal mortality, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are some of the outcomes associated with pregnant women suffering OUDs.
The Best Treatment Options for Dilaudid Addiction
Battling addiction alone can be an uphill battle, not to mention dangerous. It’s more likely to fail and could trigger physical and mental symptoms that may endanger your life.
Luckily, treatment centers can now help you through withdrawal and help alleviate your symptoms to conquer Dilaudid dependence and addiction.
By seeking professional help, you’ll get access to a safe and comfortable treatment program. They also offer valuable resources to help you throughout your healing process.
Detoxification
Addiction to Dilaudid and other opioids alters your brain’s regular processes. But it mostly affects the circuits handling your body’s mood and dopamine system.
Because of these reasons, the afflicted individual may not function properly without the chemical it’s dependent on.
Detoxification safely and slowly removes the drug from your system. Your organs can then readjust their function without the substance and return to normal.
Your body will most likely experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms during detox. The symptoms’ duration will depend on your age, lifestyle, overall health, and history of addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Depending on the severity, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Experts call this approach medication-assisted treatment or MAT.
There are three main choices of medicine when treating OUD: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These drugs are often used alongside therapy and other patient support.
Methadone is a medicine that targets the very parts of your brain affected by opioid drugs. But it doesn’t get you high and only helps to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.
Buprenorphine is another opioid-dependence medication targeting the same receptors in the brain. It has minimal overdose risks and is compatible with similar prescriptions like naloxone.
Unlike the first two, naltrexone blocks your brain’s opiate receptors. It often comes after your detoxification and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Counseling and Behavioral Therapies
Your chances of beating Dilaudid addiction are better with counseling and therapy. These interventions can help manage your experiences and emotions during withdrawal.
Access to qualified counseling professionals is incredibly beneficial for dealing with personal and social problems as you heal. With the help of counselors, you can identify emotional triggers and formulate coping strategies to prevent relapse.
Your opioid treatment plan can include one or more of the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify and correct problematic behaviors that contribute to substance abuse.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a variation of CBT that focuses on managing stress, regulating emotions, and strengthening social connections.
- Family therapy involves the patient’s relatives to create support systems by bringing family members together and repairing relationships.
- Group therapy is an evidence-based addiction treatment facilitated to encourage peer support and introspection for people suffering from the same disorder.
- Individual therapy is a valuable component of OUD treatment plans addressing the individual’s root of addiction and teaching recovery skills to navigate life without the drug.
Final Thoughts
Dilaudid addiction is a serious issue requiring immediate professional attention. But like most ailments, seeking help is the first step toward a successful recovery.
If you or someone you know suffers from Dilaudid addiction in New Hampshire, don’t hesitate to reach out to Live Free Recovery Services. Let’s help you get back on track!
Published on: 2024-05-07
Updated on: 2024-05-12