Dilaudid is a potent opioid painkiller, one that is both fast-acting and synthetic. Individuals who are prescribed this opioid antagonist will never be prescribed to take it for an extended period seeing as it has such a high propensity for abuse. Dilaudid works by attaching itself to opioid receptors within the brain, blocking the feelings of pain that are sent to nerves to the brain. Therefore, pain is significantly reduced, and when Dilaudid is taken in higher doses it can result in feelings of euphoria. This is why people abuse Dialuadid – because it provides a significant “high” when taken in large amounts. Those who abuse this potent prescription medication for any length of time will experience withdrawal symptoms upon ceased use. This medication will result in withdrawal symptoms similar to the withdrawal symptoms associated with illicit drugs like heroin and other potent prescription opioids like morphine. While symptoms of withdrawal are not often life-threatening in and of themselves, they can lead to serious health-related complications, psychological issues, and relapse. Individuals that attempt to detox on their own are liable to begin using again before the withdrawal process has come to an end because the symptoms of withdrawal can be so uncomfortable. If you or someone close to you has been struggling with a Dilaudid abuse or addiction disorder, seeking the help of a medically monitored opioid detox facility will be necessary. Not only is attempting to detox on your own dangerous, but it will also generally result in an almost instantaneous relapse. 
Dilaudid Withdrawal – A Timeline
When it comes to the length of time that Dilaudid withdrawal lasts, the timeline will vary significantly on a person to person basis. Some different variables will affect the withdrawal process, from underlying health conditions to the severity of abuse. Some other variables include the method of use (some individuals will take Dilaudid orally in pill form, some will snort and still others will inject the drug intravenously), the length of time the drug was being abused and whether or not any other chemical substances were being used at the same time. The withdrawal process will begin somewhere between four and eight hours after the last use. The beginning stages of withdrawal will include symptoms like profuse sweating, low-grade fever, anxiety, restlessness, mild nausea, and irritability. The symptoms that occur at the onset of the detox process will be uncomfortable, but generally very mild.
Dilaudid Detox Symptoms
As time goes on, the symptoms of withdrawal will continue to worsen and grow both more uncomfortable and potentially more dangerous. In most cases, withdrawal symptoms will peak between 12 and 48 hours and will begin to steadily subside as soon as they peak. However, it is not uncommon for those who are undergoing Dilaudid withdrawal to experience severe symptoms for up to three full days if they are not being medically treated. The most common symptoms of acute Dilaudid withdrawal include:
- Severe gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Profuse sweating, both during the day and at night (night sweats are also a symptom of post-acute withdrawal, and can last for several months).
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever (low or high-grade), muscle aches and muscle cramping, chills, and persistent headaches.
- Sleep-related issues, such as insomnia.
- Psychological issues like intense anxiety and severe depression (psychological issues also often last for quite some time, and frequently need to be medicated).
The acute symptoms of Dilaudid withdrawal will generally conclude within one week and be replaced by long-term post-acute withdrawal symptoms. However, if these symptoms are not adequately treated, they will last for far greater lengths of time.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar and Dilaudid Withdrawal
To learn more about Dilaudid withdrawal or to learn about the Evoke Wellness at Miramar program of Dilaudid detox, give us a call today. We are happy to discuss treatment options and get you the help you both need and deserve as quickly as possible. Our Florida opioid detox program offers clinical supervision around the clock and a comfortable process to safely get off dangerously addictive opiates such as Dilaudid and others.
