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Shooting Dilaudid elevates the odds for fatal overdose. It also raises the rate of drug dependence, elevates the severity of opioid withdrawal, and heightens the odds for addiction.
Injecting Dilaudid is very dangerous. It can have long-lasting and potentially life-threatening effects.
A name-brand immediate-release narcotic pain medication, Dilaudid contains the semisynthetic opioid drug hydromorphone.
Hydromorphone is five times more potent than morphine. It is prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain when other methods are not working.
As an opioid drug, Dilaudid is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance because it is such a target for abuse. Opioid abuse can easily lead to addiction.
Dilaudid is prescribed as an oral solution or in a tablet form that is meant to be swallowed by mouth. Hydromorphone has a fast onset of action and starts working quickly after ingestion.
Abuse of this drug by injection speeds up its onset of action and sends the drug rapidly into the bloodstream.
While any abuse of Dilaudid comes with many risks, shooting the drug compounds those dangers.
When you take Dilaudid, it connects with natural opioid receptors in your brain. This lessens pain sensations and slows the functions of the central nervous system. You’ll feel less anxious, experiencing a sense of calm. Heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure are all reduced.
Shooting Dilaudid causes a rush of euphoria, known as a high. You may experience what is called “going on the nod,” where you move between a semiconscious and conscious state. You may appear catatonic.
Mental faculties are impaired, and you will have trouble making decisions, remembering things, and thinking clearly. Physically, Dilaudid can cause nausea, constipation, a rash, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, skin flushing, sleep problems, appetite issues, chest pain, and decreased sex drive. Injection drug use has specific possible hazards that go along with it, such as:
There is no safe way to shoot or inject Dilaudid. As a powerful opioid, it should only be used exactly as directed for the short-term management of moderate-to-severe pain, such as that caused by cancer.
More than 130 people die every day in the United States as the result of an opioid overdose. Opioids like Dilaudid are extremely potent, and injecting these drugs exacerbates the risk of overdose.
Since shooting the drug sends it into the bloodstream so fast, it can override the brain and body quickly, causing an unintentional overdose that can be difficult to reverse. Signs of a Dilaudid overdose include the following:
A Dilaudid overdose is a medical emergency. If you suspect one, call 911 immediately. An opioid antagonist drug like Narcan (naloxone) may be able to reverse a Dilaudid overdose if it is administered quickly.
Injection of Dilaudid is extremely risky and can quickly lead to overdose, especially if the drug is mixed or combined with alcohol or other drugs. The best path forward is to avoid shooting Dilaudid. It’s not worth the high.
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