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Dilaudid: Addiction and Treatment Programs

Dilaudid is a prescription opioid that is sometimes misused.1 When Dilaudid is used in ways other than prescribed, and even when it is used as prescribed, there can be a risk of dangerous side effects and addiction.1 Read on to learn about Dilaudid, what it does to a person, the dangers associated with misuse, and Dilaudid addiction treatment.

What Is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid is a brand of hydromorphone, a prescription opioid used for severe pain management.1 As an opioid, it interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain and body to influence pain perception but have an effect on other body systems as well.2

Despite its usefulness for pain management, Dilaudid can be addictive and is dangerous when misused, even at prescribed doses.1 Like other opioids, it can slow down breathing through its interaction with the brain.2 Misuse of Dilaudid (in either oral solution or tablet) can lead to a risk of overdose, with the risk increased with concurrent use of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants.1

With misuse, the risk of overdose may greatly increase.1 Narcan (naloxone) can save a person’s life in the event of overdose with Dilaudid or other opioids.1

What Is Dilaudid Used For?

Dilaudid is prescribed for severe pain that requires an opioid analgesic but cannot be otherwise controlled.1 It is reserved for patients whose pain management has not been helped with alternative treatments, including other opioids.1

Side Effects of Dilaudid

Using Dilaudid may cause various adverse effects.2 Common Dilaudid side effects may include:1

  • Flushed skin.
  • Itchiness.
  • Sweating.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Feeling unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied.
  • Euphoria.
  • Dizziness.

Hydromorphone side effects may include both common side effects as well as more dangerous, adverse side effects.

Is Dilaudid Addictive?

Dilaudid can be highly addictive, particularly when misused.1 Even when a person uses Dilaudid as prescribed, addiction may develop.1

Dilaudid Withdrawal

Dilaudid withdrawal occurs when a person who is physiologically dependent on the drug stops taking or reduces intake after chronic ingestion.1 Physiological dependence develops when a person’s body adapts to the presence of a drug and results in withdrawal symptoms if the drug is quickly removed or lessened.1

Dilaudid Withdrawal Symptoms

Dilaudid withdrawal can manifest itself with some very uncomfortable symptoms.3 As with other opioids, opioid withdrawal syndrome is characterized by:3

  • Feeling dissatisfied, uneasy, or dissatisfied.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Tearing up or runny nose.
  • “Goosebumps.”
  • Sweating.
  • Dilated pupils.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Yawning.
  • Fever.
  • Sleep difficulties.

Dilaudid Addiction Treatment Programs

Treatment for Dilaudid addiction may consist of one or several levels of treatment.4 Many people may begin treatment with medical detox as the first step in recovery.4 By undergoing detox in a professionally supervised setting, patients may benefit from medications that reduce or even eliminate withdrawal symptoms.4 Enrollment in a detox program may also allow for a smoother transition into a complete addiction program.4

After withdrawal and stabilization, a person may engage with a number of different levels of treatment.4 Which level a person starts with and how their program progresses depends on individual factors.4 Commonly experienced levels of care after detox include:4

  • Inpatient care consists of 24/7 care at a hospital or residential-based program. These programs provide intensive treatment in a controlled environment with highly structured days that include individual and group therapy.
  • Outpatient care is any program in which a person can receive treatment while living at home or off-site. Traditional outpatient treatment may involve both behavioral interventions and medications and may be flexible around a person’s work or school schedule.
  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are outpatient programs that are typically a step down from hospitalization. They may require 6-8 hours per day of treatment throughout the work week.
  • Aftercare is the ongoing involvement in recovery-oriented programs or recovery support after completing a treatment program. By providing support and resources in the form of peers, coaching, or housing they can reduce the risk of relapse.

How to Find Dilaudid Addiction Treatment Near Me

If you or a loved one needs Dilaudid addiction treatment, help is nearby. Our rehab directory tool is an easy-to-use method of finding the right rehab for you. Simply enter your location into the search bar, and you will be presented with a list of nearby rehabs.

There may be other questions you have in the search for the right rehab. Our admissions navigators are available for support by phone at or online chat, 24/7. Ask about using insurance for rehab, other ways of paying for rehab, or other aspects of opioid addiction treatment. Call today to get started on your journey toward recovery.

Dilaudid Addiction Treatment Levels of Care

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