The drug hydromorphone is marketed and sold under the trade name Dilaudid and is one of the most potent analgesics on the market. It is a centrally-acting chemical that is a member of the opioid family as well as being a morphine derivative. It is therefore referred to as a semi-synthetic drug and an opioid analgesic in medical terms. It is also a narcotic in legal terms. Worldwide it is known by several different names. Be aware of the fact that there are numerous inconsistencies in these brand names from one country to the next.
The drug is primarily prescribed as heroin and morphine alternative, an analgesic or painkiller, and as a narcotic remedy for coughs (antitussive). Generally speaking, Dilaudid is the strongest and most effective antitussive on the market today and can only be purchased with a physician’s prescription. It has become one of the more popular and illegally trafficked prescription drugs on the black market. Additionally, Dilaudid abuse and addiction is becoming more common all the time. As a result of this, there are now a number of addiction treatment and recovery centers that offer Dilaudid drug rehab.
The adverse side effects encountered
There are major hazards involved Dilaudid is abused including circulatory and respiratory depression just to name a couple. However, the more common ones include the following:
- sweating
- sedation
- nausea and vomiting
- lightheadedness
- euphoria
- dizziness
- constipation
The euphoria that results from taking the drug has led to growing numbers of abuse and addiction in the US. Although massive overdoses are not that common with individuals who tend to be opioid-tolerant, once one occurs, the collapsing of the circulatory system can result and the person can die as a result.
Even when if the abuse of the drug is short-term in nature, it oftentimes results in brief yet extremely intense withdrawal symptoms the individual discontinues using it. This sudden discontinuation of taking Dilaudid exhibits much more severe withdrawal symptoms and is very similar to what is encountered when morphine use is interrupted. Typically, the first 14 to 24 hours are the roughest on the individual. However, the withdrawal process can last up to three days and be painfully intense throughout, depending on how far the addiction has progressed.
At Delray Recovery center, we are committed to your success at recovering with Dilaudid drug rehab. We have a helpful staff and an expert team of psychologist and medical professionals that use alternative therapies and integrated methods to aid you in recovering from the addictions. Our facility has numerous residential and out-patient treatment and rehab options that are customized to suit your need.