Treatment for Dilaudid abuse or addiction requires a drug rehab program and possibly a twelve step program. Going into a detoxification center is the first step in this treatment as withdrawal from dilaudid is extremely uncomfortable and painful and is one of the most difficult parts of treatment. The person withdrawing will suffer similar symptoms to heroin withdrawal such as, shaking, cold sweats, chills, shivering, intense pain, itchiness, bone aches, muscle cramps, anxiety, irritability and insomnia. The withdrawal can also be potentially fatal, there is the possibility of adrenaline spikes, fatal respiratory or cardiac arrest, to keep this process as safe as can be supervised detoxification is recommended. Detox centers can help to make this less unpleasant, and can provide medications and therapies to ease the discomfort and help the patient sleep and offer 24/7 care. This is very important because most who try to detox by themselves end up using again due to the onset of intense symptoms similar to the ‘dopesickness’ that heroin users suffer.
The rapid drug detox method can eliminate an elongated and painful withdrawal. This method involves intravenous medications that remove the opioids from the opiate receptors in the body, and then keep them from reattaching to the receptors. During this procedure the patient must be closely monitored by a doctor to ensure that their vitals are stable. Patients are generally also given anxiety reducing medications as well or get light anesthesia to make the process easier to deal with. Detoxing this way allows patients to avoid an uncomfortable withdrawal while the body removes the opioids by itself. This process can take anywhere from three days to two weeks depending on the person and the level of abuse. Detox centers will provide medical help to ease the suffering of the patient, but since the receptors are not receiving more hydromorphone, patients will still have to endure pain and discomfort. Once the patient is through the worst of the detox they will generally sleep more than usual.
Once the drug is completely out of the patient’s body they may go into a thirty to ninety day inpatient rehab facility. The basic format of these programs have patients participate in therapy and counseling as well as group sessions with peers. These program keep patients in an enclosed safe environment where they can focus on the early part of their recovery. There are many different inpatient programs with different structures and some work for certain people. Treating core issues of addiction are as important as abstinence from mind altering substances and therapists will work on this with the patient. When they are ready to leave the inpatient facility they may want to move into a sober living environment and/or continue therapy in an outpatient setting. After receiving treatment patients can get lifelong support from Narcotics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps. These meetings offer addicts a place to fellowship and receive support from peers who suffered similar circumstances while providing tools for long term sobriety.