Dilaudid Withdrawal Timeline and Treatment
Recognizing If You're Going through Dilaudid Withdrawal is Crucial to Combating Addiction
Dilaudid, the trade name for hydromorphone, is a powerful opioid prescribed as pain medication. While the medication is a tremendous asset in pain management, it is also highly addictive. The latest statistics point to an astounding two million people suffering from a prescription opioid disorder in 2015. While overcoming Dilaudid addiction might seem insurmountable, there is hope. If you or someone you know is suffering from Dilaudid withdrawal or addiction, you can call the Detroit Drug Treatment Centers for more information at 313.483.3069.
Dilaudid Addiction
The potential for addiction varies from person to person. Addiction happens when your body develops a dependence to the drug. This dependence can be physical, psychological, or both. If you keep taking the medication past the need for pain management or if you're upping your dosage because your body has built a tolerance for Dilaudid, you're at a higher risk for addiction. If you're exhibiting any of the following behaviors or symptoms, you're at risk for opiate use disorder:
- Strong mental craving for Dilaudid
- Difficulty or inability to control your dosage or use
- Difficulty keeping social, professional, and personal commitments
- Developing tolerance
- Experiencing Dilaudid withdrawal symptoms
Dilaudid Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
If your body has become dependent on Dilaudid, you may go into Dilaudid withdrawal. Withdrawal in its early stages is a physical response to the suspension of the medication. Dilaudid withdrawal can be incredibly difficult to go through. The physical symptoms are severe and require care and maintenance to keep you on the path to recovery. While each individual experiences Dilaudid withdrawal differently, the process usually goes through three phases.
Phase 1: Acute Withdrawal - Lasts Up to 5 Days
The first phase of withdrawal is the most grueling. Your body undergoes a staggering amount of stress as your system detoxes and flushes out the substance. Dilaudid withdrawal symptoms usually begin 12 hours after your last dose. Symptoms during this first phase include:
- Strong cravings for opiates
- Nausea and vomiting
- Intense sweating
- Yawning
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
- Aches on your body and bones
- Diarrhea
- Depression
The first phase of Dilaudid withdrawal is where you're most likely to relapse. It's important to have adequate support and supervision as you're enduring it.
Phase 2: Middle Withdrawal - Typically Lasts up to Two Weeks
During this second phase of withdrawal, the physical symptoms improve some but they're still very severe. You can expect to experience some of the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Goosebumps
- Chills
- Cramps
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
Phase 3: Post-Acute Withdrawal - Typically Lasts up to Months
The more severe and painful symptoms will abate when you enter the third phase of withdrawal. Just because the physical symptoms abate doesn't mean the danger is gone. Phase 3 is heavily psychological and requires fortitude to endure. The most common symptoms you'll experience are:
- Drug cravings
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
Overcoming Addiction and Getting Treatment
It's important to get specialized supervision from health professionals when you're going through withdrawal and afterward. Treatment for opiate addiction is multifaceted, involving:
Going to a rehab facility while you're detoxing. Rehabs are powerful tools at your disposal on your road to long-term sobriety.
Using specific medications during withdrawal such as Methadone (which studies show is number one drug to help in beating addiction), buprenorphine, and clonidine. Medication to help diarrhea, sleep problems, and vomiting can also help.
Counseling and support groups to maintain sobriety.
If you need help or more advice regarding addiction and Dilaudid withdrawal, call Detroit Drug Treatment Centers at 313.483.3069 to speak to someone about your options.
Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/painkillers-and-addiction-narcotic-abuse#1
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/painkillers-and-addiction-narcotic-abuse#2