Dilaudid is the brand name of the generic drug hydromorphone. The drug can cause physical dependence that may require undergoing a Dilaudid detox.
It is a Schedule II drug and a narcotic painkiller that is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Drug dependence means that a person relies on the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Over time, more of the drug is needed for the same effect. This is called drug tolerance. When the person stops taking the drugs, the body needs time to recover.
This causes withdrawal symptoms and can cause dangerous complications, such as vomiting.
Dilaudid detox from a trusted treatment facility can prevent these outcomes and provide immediate care if complications arise.

Our treatment accompanies medical Dilaudid detox and is crucial in helping the guest overcome post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). The guest has to remain in our facility under 24-hour surveillance.
According to the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) [1],
Dilaudid has been reported as being abused by crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting the dissolved product.
These practices pose a significant risk to the abuser that could result in overdose or death.
In addition, it may be expected to have additive effects when used in conjunction with alcohol, other opioids, or illicit drugs that cause central nervous system depression.
Signs & Symptoms of Dilaudid Addiction
Using Dilaudid for any period of time can be habit-forming and dangerous, especially if it is taken with other drugs or alcohol.
Painkillers like Dilaudid are the most abused drugs in the US after marijuana and hashish.
Also, because it is easily accessible, it has become a popular drug for recreational use.
It can sometimes be difficult for an individual to realize he or she has become dependent on this drug.
As a result, addiction may develop after being prescribed the medication by a doctor.
Also, if you are concerned that you or a loved one may be addicted to Dilaudid, look for the following common signs and symptoms of Dilaudid addiction:
- Mood swings, ranging from euphoric highs to depressive and irritable lows
- Noticeable breathing problems
- Itching/scratching
- Excessive sweating
- Taking laxatives to help with constipation (a common opioid side effect)
- Poor coordination
- Nodding off (momentary lapses in consciousness; difficulty staying awake and alert)
- Development of tolerance (needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect)
- Withdrawal symptoms that appear when use is stopped (nausea & vomiting, stomach cramps, muscle aches, sweating, cold chills, appetite loss, diarrhea, insomnia, etc.)
Many people addicted to this drug may “doctor shop” for new prescriptions, visiting several doctors with complaints of chronic pain.
Personality & Lifestyle Changes Indicative of Dilaudid Abuse
- Becoming obsessed with the next dose
- Spending excessive amounts of money on the drug
- Failing to keep up with responsibilities such as school and work
- Needing larger doses of Dilaudid to feel the high
- Neglecting friends and family in favor of drug use
- Stealing from medicine cabinets
- Forging prescriptions for Dilaudid
- Buying Dilaudid online or off the street
Serious Complications of Dilaudid Abuse Include:
- Stroke
- Coma
- Nausea and vomiting
- Collapsed veins
- Stomach pain
- Convulsions
- Heart attack
- Trouble breathing
- Death
Effects Of Dilaudid Abuse
There are a number of potential side effects of Dilaudid, which may increase in severity with higher doses. These include:
- Headache
- Pinpoint pupils
- Stomach cramps
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches and pains
- Dry mouth
- Appetite loss
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Itchiness
- Rash
- Hoarse voice
- Loss of consciousness
- Blood pressure changes
- Slowed breathing
- Seizures
Dilaudid Overdose
Overdose from this drug can be fatal, especially for a person using the medicine without a prescription.
An overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. Hence, this can be done by accident or on purpose.
Possible symptoms of Dilaudid overdose include:
- Bluish-colored fingernails and lips
- Breathing problems, including slow and labored breathing, shallow breathing, or no breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
- Low body temperature
- Coma
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Flushing of the skin
- Itching
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle twitches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pinpoint pupils
- Spasms of the stomach and intestines
- Weakness
- Weak pulse

Don’t wait another day to get the help you or a loved one needs. A medically-assisted Dilaudid detox is the safest option for you.
When stimulants and depressants are mixed they can have a masking effect, because the effects of each drug oppose the effects of the other.
Individuals who mix Dilaudid with other substances also increase the risk of negative side effects.
When Dilaudid is mixed with another depressant, it can quickly cause the respiratory system to become so suppressed that it becomes impossible for the individual to breathe.
Dilaudid Withdrawal
It is never advisable to discontinue Dilaudid without medical supervision. Withdrawal from Dilaudid treatment can cause dangerous complications, such as vomiting.
Doctors can prevent these outcomes and provide immediate care if complications arise.
Moreover, a person using Dilaudid, even for rightful reasons, can become dependent on the drug in as short as two or three weeks.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Intense drug cravings
- Body cramps
- Sweats
- Shaking
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Agitation
Dilaudid Withdrawal Timeline
Initial Onset: The user experiences the initial symptoms of withdrawal just hours after the last dose of Dilaudid. Initial symptoms may include restlessness and anxiety.
Days 1-2: Symptoms peak somewhere after the first 14 hours of stopping. Users may start experiencing symptoms such as nausea, shaking, muscle aches, chills, and sweating.
Days 3-4: For most people, the most intense symptoms of withdrawal fade after the third or fourth day. Users may have faint symptoms such as nausea and aching muscles.
Days 5-14: Depending on the severity of the Dilaudid addiction, remaining symptoms such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, and irritability may still be present.
While drug detox approaches physical addiction, drug rehab is intended to address mind dependency on the drug.
For example, while in rehab for hydromorphone addiction, clients will work with therapists, licensed counselors, and peers in recovery to uncover the root causes of their addiction.
They will also spend time addressing the behaviors that contributed to their addiction, developing healthier behaviors and attitudes about substance abuse and life in general.
Dilaudid Detox
It is important to us to be transparent about the topic of detox. It will not be an easy process. A person will likely experience many different side effects from their drug use.
These side effects may be emotional, physical, or mental. Someone in withdrawal will likely experience many uncomfortable feelings and negative thoughts about life during the process of Dilaudid detox.
Unfortunately for those with dependency, Dilaudid detox is an unavoidable first step to recovery
Please, do not try to detox on your own. The Dilaudid detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance.
Here at Level Up West Palm, we provide proper care with round-the-clock physicians available to medically assist your recovery.
Inpatient Drug Rehab Plays a Crucial Role [2] in the Recovery Process, as it provides clients with time to:
- Learn about the Disorder of Addiction
- Adopt Relevant Life Skills
- Spend time away from environmental triggers, drugs, and alcohol
- Work through each step of the 12-Step Program
- Relapse Prevention Program
These things will support clients to overcome hydromorphone addiction for good and learn how to live life sober with ongoing peer support.
Addiction recovery is an ongoing process that will last for the remainder of a person’s life because it’s not something that can be won in a matter of weeks or months.
Getting through the Dilaudid detox process is crucial for continued treatment.

Dilaudid Detox at Level Up West Palm is one of the most comfortable drug addiction treatment centers.
Given that, continued care and Dilaudid treatment are necessary to long-term and lasting recovery.
Most importantly, clients in treatment may choose to continue their care with different services, such as sober living or aftercare.
These addiction levels of care are meant to support individuals in recovery who have already completed Dilaudid detox and drug rehab.
Reclaim your life, call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.
Sources:
[1] FDA – https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/019892s015lbl.pdf
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