Call us at 866-238-2178
Drug Addiction
Dilaudid is a narcotic analgesic medication in the opiate family which is given for the relief of moderate to severe pain and chronic, dry cough. Dilaudid is most often used as an alternative to morphine when a person is suffering from a severe cough and needs a powerful antitussive drug. A physical dependence and Dilaudid addiction can develop within a matter of days, though it typically takes place over a period of weeks.
Recent scientific studies have shown that a growing number of people all over the world are using medications like Dilaudid for non-medical reasons. Dilaudid pills can be obtained by doctor-shopping, diversion and trading and purchasing from the streets. The world of illicit drug use also goes hand-in-hand with crime and the number of teens gaining access to drugs from a parent’s medicine cabinet is also on the rise. Each of these scenarios has led to a direct rise in Dilaudid addiction among people of all ages and social classes.
Because of the way Dilaudid affects the brain and body, a physical dependence and tolerance can build up quickly. A user should contact a medical professional immediately if a tolerance is suspected. Becoming dependant and having a Dilaudid addiction can result in undesirable outcomes which include overdose, coma, seizures and death.
Withdrawal symptoms are a very strong indication of the need for determining whether an actual addiction exists or not. Along with withdrawal symptoms, other indications of an addiction are strong physical or mental cravings. Tolerance and dependence are two components that go hand-in-hand with addiction. To successfully combat an addiction to Dilaudid, a user must find healthier ways to live; integrate new behavior patterns and receive the support and guidance from rehab specialists and medical personnel.
Symptoms of Dilaudid withdrawal can be very painful and the process can be particularly profound on the central nervous system. The major effects of Dilaudid include; drowsiness, mental confusion, mood changes, gastrointestinal motility, nausea, vomiting, increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, pinpoint pupil constriction, transient hyperglycemia, increased biliary pressure and an increase in parasympathetic activity. Because the effects of Dilaudid are similar to that of other opiate analgesics, the major hazards and dangers of abuse include respiratory and central nervous system depression. The use of Dilaudid with other medications or alcohol can increase the toxicity of the medication and lead to catastrophic circumstances.
When a user suddenly stops taking Dilaudid, powerful withdrawal symptoms follow shortly. Symptoms include insomnia, delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, rigid muscles, flu-like symptoms, tremors, sweating, rapid heartbeat and many others. Detoxifying from opiate medications can be a difficult task, particularly for those users who have taken the drug in high dose and for a long period of time. Oftentimes, it is impossible to curb a Dilaudid addiction with the help and assistance of rehab staff and medical professionals.
Drug addiction is something that can be successfully treated with the right tools and assistance. If you or someone you love is facing an addiction to Dilaudid, please contact us today for help.
