Dilaudid Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation

Dilaudid is a very potent painkiller used for relieving pain which is resistant to other opioids. The drug interacts with many opioid receptors present in the body to activate the dopaminergic reward system to produce the euphoria. Once these pleasurable feelings get subsided, the abuser will go towards larger doses to enjoy the same feelings. This cycle develops into the addiction. When the drug is taken for medicinal purposes, it is very beneficial and helpful for the patients. Addiction is a relapsing and chronic condition. The addiction of Dilaudid is an epidemic. According to a report, about 78 people died as a result of opioid abuse. The recovery from addiction is possible with the help of treatment programs.

There are many researched-based practices that can cure the addiction of the person. These approaches are very comprehensive and targeted at the physiological, biological, social and the theoretical aspect of the addiction. It is a multi-disciplinary approach that includes many therapies such as motivation and support counseling.

• Inpatient treatment facilities: In this treatment option, the person lives on the premises of the treatment facility. There is a team of medical specialists and therapists who treat and monitor the patient throughout the stay. The duration of stay is variable depending on the patient’s condition and the duration of abuse. One of the biggest advantages of the inpatient facilities is that a patient can stay away from the stressors and trigger factors of the abuse.The success rates of inpatient facility are higher than the outpatient treatment facility.
• Outpatient treatment facility: It is reserved for people who have a good health and are motivated towards the achievement of the recovery goal. The outpatient facility is also called as ‘non-residential facility’ in which the patient stays at the home and attends the therapy sessions. The treatment techniques are almost similar to the inpatient program but the intensity and duration of the program are less. People enrolled in the outpatient program are allowed to visit back their home after attending the few hours at the treatment facility. Before selecting any type of rehabilitation program, there is a careful assessment of physical and psychological conditions of the patient. After the initial assessment, a proper treatment facility is suggested to the patient.
• Use of behavioral therapies: The behavioral and psychological interventions are an important part of the treatment program. These are targeted to replace the old habits with a set of new habits that can prove to be beneficial for the recovery process. The most popular therapies include:

Behavioral therapy: It is designed to provide the motivation for change. The problem-solving techniques are taught to the patient. The trigger factors are also identified and the methods to effectively combat them.

12 steps program: It is a long-term program. It is based on the spiritual and social techniques to treat the drug addicts.

Motivational Incentive Program: It is based on the positive reinforcement and the reward therapy to encourage the patient towards the recovery process.

Alternative therapy: These include the other therapies like equine therapy, art therapy, and wilderness therapy to treat the addiction of patient.

• After-Care Programs:These are the programs that allow the long-term recovery and minimize the rate of relapse. The program consists of four main parts, counseling, individual therapy, group therapy, and the support programs. Through these programs, a greater accountability is ensured and a higher success rate of the treatment.

The medications that are used for treating the Dilaudid addiction include:

• Opioid antagonist:Naltrexone has the ability of interaction with the opioid receptors and blockage the effects of opioids to decrease the euphoric effects. This results in a reduction of the intense craving. Naltrexone can be in the form of pills or injections. The addicts are often treated with long-term therapies of the drug.
• Opioid replacement: The abrupt stoppage of Dilaudid can have many adverse effects and complications. It is also suggested that the tapering of dose should be done over gradually. The replacement therapy is given for the same purpose. Methadone and Buprenorphine are the drugs given for the replacement therapy. These drugs carry a very low potential for the abuse and addiction.
• Other medicines that can be used for treating the Dilaudid addiction include the Clonidine. This is very helpful to treat the symptoms like muscle ache, agitation, and the anxiety. The additional medicines can also be given depending on the patient symptoms.

The relapse rates of Dilaudid are higher if the aftercare programs and relapse prevention techniques aren’t adopted. There are certain techniques that can help to prevent the relapse rates.

• The patient should continue taking the drugs which have been prescribed for the long term therapy.
• The stress management techniques like exercise, yoga, and meditation should be practiced on a daily basis. Only 30 minutes each day for these activities have proven beneficial effects for the body and mind.
• The person should try to keep himself busy by indulging in other activities like arts, music, reading or hiking.