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Dilaudid

Dilaudid is an extremely strong opioid painkiller. It is synthetically derived from morphine, but experts believe it to be six to nine times stronger. It is prescribed to relieve pain from burns, injuries, surgeries or illnesses. Dilaudid relieves pain by attaching to receptors in the brain, spinal cord and the gastrointestinal tract to dull pain felt throughout the body. However, the drug also attaches to pleasure centers within the brain, and this produces a feeling of euphoria and creates the possibility of physical or psychological dependence. This dependency may result from either legitimate use or recreational use.

In a similar manner to other opioid drugs, like heroin, when you use Dilaudid, you quickly develop a tolerance. As your tolerance increases, you need more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Eventually, you become dependent on the drug’s chemicals to function normally. It can take as little as two to three weeks to develop a tolerance to and dependency on Dilaudid.

The abuse of prescription painkillers is a growing problem in the United States. While street drug use may be currently slightly in decline, the abuse of prescription drugs is growing. According to drugfreeworld.org, around one in 10 high school seniors admits to abusing prescription painkillers. As the abuse of pain killers becomes more prevalent, it becomes increasingly important to understand Dilaudid addiction treatment.

If you or someone you know is abusing Dilaudid and you would like more information on addiction treatment, call today.

Factoid:

The Department of Justice has created a prescription monitoring program in 21 states to try and slow the growth of illicit prescription drug use.

Risks and Addiction

The biggest risk associated with Dilaudid abuse is addiction. There are many warning signs of addiction to dilaudid, including:

  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Delusions
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety

As you become addicted, behavioral signs also appear. You can become preoccupied with finding the drug. Often, addicts try to visit different doctors to get enough prescriptions to fill their growing needs. As an addiction progresses, behavior may become more desperate. Many people turn to other crimes, such as theft, to get enough money to buy Dilaudid. Another common behavior is withdrawing from family and friends.

Dilaudid Overdose Signs

“After addiction, the biggest risk of using Dilaudid is an overdose.”After addiction, the biggest risk of using Dilaudid is an overdose. Because of the strength of Dilaudid, overdose is possible even when only taking moderate doses. The difference between achieving the feeling you desire and an overdose can be very small. Some symptoms that a Dilaudid overdose may have occurred are:

  • Slow or irregular breathing
  • Cold and clammy skin
  • Limp muscles
  • Slow pulse
  • Blue skin color
  • Cardiac arrest

If there are any indications of an overdose, seek emergency help as soon as possible due to the high risk of death associated with an overdose of Dilaudid. If you or a loved could be addicted to Dilaudid, call today for more information about addiction and treatment options.

Factoid:

As of 2005, it is estimated that 33 million Americans had used Dilaudid or other prescription painkillers in their lifetime without a medical reason.

Getting Help

The most important step a person addicted to Dilaudid can take is to seek help. You must admit you can’t control your addiction. It is common for people who became addicted through a legitimate prescription to believe they don’t have a problem because the drug is legal. However, if you are experiencing cravings for the drug or have any of the symptoms listed above, you have a problem with Dilaudid. The sooner you seek rehab treatment, the more effective it will be.

Factoid:

Accidental deaths caused by prescription narcotics increased 114 percent between 2001 and 2005.

Treatment Centers

Dilaudid rehab is offered by many drug addiction treatment centers around the country. These centers offer medical and emotional support for people who want to break their addictions to Dilaudid and other drugs or alcohol.

The first step in any Dilaudid addiction treatment program is detox. Detox is best handled with the support and advice of trained medical professionals. They will provide you with the nutritional meals, medication and rest you need make detox and withdrawal go as smoothly as possible. They will also be there to monitor your health in case the detox process causes any problems.

After the chemicals are removed from your body through detox, your emotional recovery can begin. Because of the reaction your brain has to Dilaudid, you may have a strong emotional attachment to it. Dilaudid addiction treatment programs can offer you the emotional support and guidance needed to prevent a relapse. Programs can also offer support immediately after detox and provide information on addiction therapy and treatment options available after you leave.

Different addiction treatment programs offer different options to addicts. It is important to find the one that you feel the most comfortable with. For more information on Dilaudid treatment, call today to speak with an expert.

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