Dilaudid is the brand name for hydromorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid agonist derived from morphine. Prior to its popularity and widespread abuse of other prescription drugs such as hydrocodone, Dilaudid is the leading prescription opiate in terms of addiction. Though sometimes overshadowed now by hydrocodone or Oxycontin, Dilaudid addiction is still the drug of choice for many prescription drug addicts. The street names for Dilaudid include Dust, Juice, Smack, D, and Footballs. If you are ready to get rid of Dilaudid addiction for good, you need to contact a professional Dilaudid addiction treatment center.
Dilaudid is used in many ways that include injectable ampoules, multiple-dose vials, tablets, and suppositories. The use and abuse of Dilaudid are steadily rising. Also, its prescriptions increased from less than half a million in 1998 to 1.83 million in 2006, according to the DEA. That rise in the availability of Dilaudid also contributed to a serious problem of recreational and non-medical use. In 2004, more than 1.4 million Americans admitted to using Dilaudid for non-medical purposes at least once, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
In 2009, well-known Las Vegas entertainer, Danny Gans, died at age 52 from acute hydromorphone toxicity. Gans had been taking this drug under doctor’s orders for chronic pain, and the medical examiner ruled out any drug abuse by Gans. Yes, that’s right, even taking Dilaudid as a properly prescribed medicine can turn out to be dangerous over time. Just think of how much riskier it is to knowingly abuse this drug.
Dilaudid produces short-term and long-term effects that are similar to other opioids like morphine. These effects include the feeling of euphoria, reduced anxiety, respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, physical dependence, increased tolerance, hypoventilation, and kidney failure.
What are the risks of Dilaudid® addiction during pregnancy?
The use of Dilaudid should be avoided whenever possible during pregnancy since it is classified as a Category C substance by the FDA, meaning that it should only be prescribed when the benefits to the pregnant woman clearly outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.
In animal studies, Dilaudid has been found to increase the risk of disrupted growth and development of the fetus. Breastfeeding while taking Dilaudid can also potentially be harmful, as the drug is transferred through breastmilk.
The majority of Dilaudid addicts make the mistake of thinking that because the drug is legal, it cannot be damaging. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Dilaudid addiction has cost millions of people their jobs, their families, and, in the worst cases, their lives. One reason that these addicts are unable to quit this drug is that it causes severe withdrawal symptoms that try to stop suddenly. These withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, agitation, insomnia, delusions, and intense craving for the drug.
Dilaudid addiction treatment centers can help you get clean and stay clean. Indeed, it will be tough to overcome, but it does not mean that it is impossible. The key to a successful addiction treatment recovery is having the support of professional centers.
