Dilaudid Detection Times and Withdrawal Information

Dilaudid is the brand name for an opioid analgesic known as hydromorphone. This substance is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. While Dilaudid is effective in managing pain, it is habit-forming and addictive.

Dilaudid is one of the most potent opioids, being 2 to 8 times more potent than morphine. Because of this, many people abuse it to experience a strong, drowsy, and euphoric high. Due to the potential for abuse, doctors only prescribe Dilaudid for short-term use.

If you or a loved one abuse Dilaudid, you might be wondering how long it stays in your system. Knowing this information can help you determine when you will experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping the use of Dilaudid.

Short-acting Dilaudid can remain in your system for 15 hours, while long-acting formulas linger for up to 3 days. With that being said, drug tests have a longer window of detection. Depending on the type of drug test, it is detectable for 24 hours to 90 days after your last dose of Dilaudid.

How Long Do the Effects of Dilaudid Last?

Dilaudid causes side effects like drowsiness, sedation, and a rush of euphoria. Typically, these effects can last for up to 5 hours. However, the dose you take and how fast your metabolism is can affect how long the symptoms last.

The common effects of Dilaudid include:

A rush of euphoria
Relaxation and lessened anxiety
Pain relief
Slowed breathing
Sedation
Constipation
Small, pinpointed pupils
Cough suppression

Dilaudid is considered a Schedule II drug because it has a high potential for abuse despite its medicinal uses. If you or a loved one regularly abuses Dilaudid, you will develop a physical dependence. Dilaudid addiction can put you at risk of life-threatening overdoses, making treatment a necessity.

How Long Does Dilaudid Stay in Your System?

The half-life of Dilaudid (short-acting) is 2 to 3 hours. In other words, it takes your body about 3 hours to eliminate half of the substance. Usually, it takes about 4 to 5 half-lives for a drug to be completely removed from your body.

Short-acting Dilaudid will leave your system within 15 hours. However, if you are taking extended-release Dilaudid, it can take up to three days.

That said, Dilaudid leaves behind metabolites throughout your system. These metabolites are what drug tests look for to determine if you’ve used Dilaudid recently. Each type of drug test has a different window of detection.

Urine

Urine tests are the most commonly used type of drug test. People prefer urine tests because they are relatively cheap and minimally invasive. These tests can detect Dilaudid in urine for up to 3 days after your last dose.

Saliva

Saliva tests are not used as frequently as urine tests because they are less reliable. Usually, law enforcement uses saliva tests in the field to determine if you are under the influence. Some jobs might use saliva tests for pre-employment drug screens.

Saliva tests can only detect Dilaudid for up to 2 days after you last consumed it.

Blood

Blood tests are usually only used in hospital settings to determine if Dilaudid is contributing to your symptoms. This is because they have the shortest window of detection out of any drug test. That said, blood tests can only detect Dilaudid for 4 hours after your last dose.

Hair

Hair tests are the most reliable drug tests available. They can detect any drug (including Dilaudid) for up to 90 days after you last used it.

Because hair tests are expensive, they are not commonly used. Some jobs that require security clearance might use hair tests before offering employment.

What Factors Affect How Long Dilaudid Stays in Your Body?

While there is a general timeline of how long Dilaudid stays in your system, plenty of personal factors play a role. For example, people who use high doses of Dilaudid might test positive longer than those who follow their doctor’s prescriptions. Additionally, long-term Dilaudid users will have the drug in their system longer than first-time users.

The factors that affect how long hydromorphone stays in your system include:

Whether you take short-acting or extended-release Dilaudid
The dosage you consume
The frequency at which you use Dilaudid
Method of administration (i.e., swallowing, snorting, or injecting)
Your age and overall health
Liver and kidney function
Body composition and sex
Hydration and nutrition status
Whether you are taking other substances

The amount of time Dilaudid will remain in your system can be hard to predict. It is important to note that there is no way to flush it out of your body faster. You should never rely on detox drinks or exercise more often to pass a drug test.

Signs You Need Treatment for Dilaudid Addiction

Dilaudid is an opioid, and abusing it frequently can lead to addiction. Sometimes people suffering from addiction have a hard time recognizing that they have a problem. As a result, being aware of the signs of Dilaudid addiction can help you determine whether it’s time for rehab.

The signs of Dilaudid addiction include:

Having a hard time controlling how much Dilaudid you use
Taking more Dilaudid than you are prescribed
Going to multiple doctors to receive more than one prescription of Dilaudid
Using Dilaudid to experience a high or cope with emotions
Isolating yourself from friends and loved ones
Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
Hiding how much Dilaudid you are using from those close to you
Frequently getting into risky situations while under the influence of Dilaudid
Continuing to use Dilaudid despite facing physical or mental health effects
Needing to increase the dose of Dilaudid you use to experience the desired effect
Mixing Dilaudid with other substances like alcohol
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Dilaudid

One of the most notorious signs of Dilaudid addiction is experiencing withdrawal. If you deal with agitation, cravings, vomiting, or other symptoms when you stop using Dilaudid, you have a substance use disorder.

Thankfully, drug rehab centers can help you overcome Dilaudid addiction. These programs offer evidence-based therapies, group counseling, and relapse prevention planning to provide a strong foundation of sobriety. Attending addiction treatment will increase your chances of long-term recovery.

Find Help for Dilaudid Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffers from Dilaudid addiction, it’s time to seek help. At Flourishing Foundation Recovery, we will provide you with the support and tools you need to achieve long-term recovery.

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