What Is Dilaudid Withdrawal?

An individual taking Dilaudid, even for legitimate reasons, can become dependent on the drug in as little as two or three weeks.

Dilaudid abuse can lead to both physical and psychological dependence quickly. At this point, users can no longer function normally without the drug and an addiction has developed.

People addicted to Dilaudid experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating and cramps, when they quit taking the drug. This is the body’s response to not receiving its expected dose.

It is never advisable to discontinue Dilaudid without medical supervision. Withdrawal from Dilaudid can cause dangerous complications, such as vomiting. Physicians can prevent these outcomes and provide immediate care if complications arise.

Symptoms Of Withdrawal

Those in withdrawal from Dilaudid may appear cold and clammy, with flu-like symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms from this drug are similar to those of heroin withdrawal.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Restlessness
  • Tremors
  • Intense drug cravings
  • Body cramps
  • Sweats
  • Shaking
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Elevated blood pressure

Duration Of Withdrawal

Everyone has a different duration of withdrawal. Withdrawal generally lasts between 7 and 14 days, depending on the severity of the addiction.

There are several factors that affect how long it lasts, such as the length of time the person abused Dilaudid, how frequently they used it, how much they used, whether they also abused other substances, their mental and physical health, and how they took Dilaudid.

Those who took large doses of Dilaudid for an extended amount of time generally have a longer withdrawal period than someone who took smaller doses. Users taking other drugs in addition to Dilaudid may also have a longer withdrawal period.

I went to a hospital and was in detox for 7 days. The physical withdrawal was so bad, and I didn’t get sick until the 4th day. The mental withdrawal was equally as bad. That was the point when I really prayed and wanted to get better and asked for God to remove the obsession of wanting to use.

- Erin H. in recovery for Dilaudid and other drugs

Dilaudid Withdrawal Timeline

First hours 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 quitting. Users may start experiencing 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 of nausea and aching muscles.
Days 5-14 Depending on the severity of the Dilaudid addiction, lingering symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety and irritability may still be present.

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Dilaudid Detox

Depending on the length of their addiction to Dilaudid, some people may be able to detox in an outpatient setting with medical monitoring.

Doctors can place patients with more severe addictions on a tapering program to slowly wean them off Dilaudid. This results in a smoother detoxification phase with fewer uncomfortable symptoms.

There are also medications that can make withdrawal more manageable during detox, including:

  • Clonidine

    One of the most commonly prescribed medication for withdrawal, this drug reduces symptoms like anxiety, stress, and hypertension.

  • Buprenorphine

    This drug reduces cravings and withdrawal by providing similar effects to Dilaudid. Those in rehab are started on a high dose at first. It is usually given after 48-72 hours of clean time in detox. Once the patient has stabilized for a few days the amount of buprenorphine they receive is slowly tapered down.

  • Over-the-counter medications

    Doctors may prescribe some over-the-counter medications for common symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Another detox method some doctors provide involves a rapid anesthesia process. The addicted person is first given medication to relax. Then a doctor puts them under general anesthesia and injects the patient with a drug that blocks the effects of Dilaudid. The providers of this method claim it speeds up the withdrawal process and there are fewer withdrawal symptoms after.

Treatment For Dilaudid Addiction

Receiving professional treatment at either an inpatient residential treatment center or an outpatient program can offer Dilaudid users their best chance at full recovery.

I have never been happier in my entire life. I’m a totally different person. My family trusts me again. My children are my life and are so happy. I changed everything about my life when I began my recovery.

- Erin H. in recovery for Dilaudid and other drugs

Treatment programs that emphasize a solid aftercare program can offer the knowledge and support that is essential to a sustainable recovery. Contact a treatment provider to find a Dilaudid treatment program.