Dilaudid Abuse Information

Dilaudid Abuse Statistics

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 2 million people struggle with prescription opioid use disorders. In addition, prescription opioids are responsible for more deaths across all age groups than all illegal drugs combined. Data from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) indicates that about 0.4 percent of adults have an opioid use disorder while about 1 percent of people aged 12 to 17 abuse prescription opioids.

Causes and Risk Factors for Dilaudid Abuse

There are a number of factors that could lead to someone abusing Dilaudid. Some of these factors may include:

Genetic: The DSM-5 indicates that genetic factors comprise an important part of one’s risk for developing a Dilaudid use disorder. Though certain environmental influences, such as social relationships, can play a role, genetic influences on certain personality dynamics, like impulsivity and desiring novel experiences, can affect how individuals select their environments and social circles. As such, genetic factors are a powerful influence on one’s risk for Dilaudid abuse.

Risk Factors:

• Family history of substance use disorders
• Increased impulsivity
• High desire for novel experiences
• Associating with peers who abuse Dilaudid
• Having easy access to Dilaudid
• History of childhood conduct disorder

Signs and Symptoms of Dilaudid Abuse

Though Dilaudid abuse presents differently in different people, the following are some signs and symptoms that may suggest a person is struggling with Dilaudid abuse:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Apathy
• Continuing to abuse Dilaudid despite persistent negative physical or interpersonal consequences arising as a result of that use
• Abusing Dilaudid despite its use being physically hazardous
• Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to Dilaudid abuse
• Spending a great deal of time in efforts to obtain Dilaudid, use it, or recover from its use
• History of failed attempts to reduce Dilaudid use
• Taking Dilaudid in larger amounts or over a greater period of time than intended
• Slurred speech

Physical symptoms:

• Constricted pupils
• Drowsiness
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when ceasing use of Dilaudid
• Developing tolerance for the drug, or needing increasing amounts of Dilaudid to achieve a high

Cognitive symptoms:

• Impaired judgment
• Poor attention
• Poor memory
• Inattention to the environment
• Cravings for Dilaudid

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Euphoria
• Depressed mood

Effects of Dilaudid Abuse

If a person continues to abuse Dilaudid and does not seek treatment, he or she may experience some of the following negative effects:

• Dry mouth and nose
• Constipation
• Loss of visual acuity
• Poor performance at school or work
• Academic expulsion or loss of job
• Strain on personal relationships
• Social isolation
• Onset or worsening of mental health symptoms
• Polysubstance use, addiction, or chemical dependency
• Birth defects
• Injury due to drug trafficking violence
• Death, either due to overdose or suicide

Dilaudid Abuse & Co-Occurring Disorders

Unfortunately, people who struggle with Dilaudid abuse may also meet criteria for the following disorders:

• Other substance use disorder
• Depressive disorders
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Posttraumatic stress disorder

Effects of Dilaudid Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of Dilaudid withdrawal: As a person continues abusing Dilaudid for an extended period of time, his or her body becomes used to the presence of the drug. As a result, if he or she then attempts to discontinue use, his or her body must readjust to functioning without the drug. This readjustment process, known as withdrawal, can have a number of negative effects, such as:

• Insomnia
• High fever
• Diarrhea
• Yawning
• Dilated pupils
• Excessive sweating
• Goosebumps
• Runny nose or watery eyes
• Aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Depressed mood

Effects of Dilaudid overdose:  If a person ingests more Dilaudid than his or her body can safely metabolize or excrete, he or she will likely experience an overdose. Overdoses are very dangerous and can even be fatal. Someone who has been using Dilaudid and experiences the following signs and symptoms should receive medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Twitching or spasms
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Cold or clammy skin
• Severely constricted pupils
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

Frequently Asked Questions About Dilaudid Addiction

What are the signs of a Dilaudid addiction?

A person who has become addicted to Dilaudid may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

• Preoccupation with acquiring and using Dilaudid
• Physical and psychological distress when not able to use Dilaudid
• Attempting to borrow or steal Dilaudid
• Visiting multiple doctors in an attempt to illicitly acquire Dilaudid
• Significant unexplained changes in mood, attitude, and/or behavior

What are the symptoms of a Dilaudid overdose?

The following are common signs that a person has overdosed on Dilaudid:

• Confusion and/or disorientation
• Pinpoint pupils
• Extremely slow or shallow breathing
• Faint pulse
• Cold, clammy skin

How can you tell if someone is in Dilaudid withdrawal?

As is also the case with other opioids, a person who is in withdrawal from Dilaudid may experience the following symptoms:

• Powerful cravings for the drug
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Muscle and bone pain
• Agitation, anxiety, and/or depression

Is Dilaudid addictive?

Yes, Dilaudid is a highly addictive drug. The active ingredient in Dilaudid is hydromorphone, which is derived from morphine. As a member of the opioid category, Dilaudid is a powerful substance whose use can quickly lead to abuse and addiction.

How does Dilaudid affect the body?

Dilaudid interacts with areas of the central nervous system that are associated with pain, pleasure, and automatic functions such as heart rate and respiration. Effects of Dilaudid include alleviation of pain, slowed heartbeat, shallow breathing, and a sense of relaxed euphoria.

How does Dilaudid affect the brain?

Common mental or cognitive effects of Dilaudid use include confusion, drowsiness, and elevated mood. If you have become dependent upon Dilaudid, attempting to stop or dramatically reduce the use of this drug can cause agitation, anxiety, depression, and intense cravings.

Why does Dilaudid cause itching?

Experts have not yet determined a definitive cause-effect relationship to explain why Dilaudid use is often accompanied by the side effect of itchiness. However, recent research indicates that one of the receptors in the central nervous system that is impacted by opioids such as Dilaudid is also associated with the sensation of itching.