Dilaudid is a prescription medication that is used to treat acute and chronic pain. Further, Dilaudid is the brand name for hydromorphone, which belongs in the opioid drug class. Another opioid medication that treats pain is morphine, which naturally derives from the opium poppy plant. But which is stronger, morphine or hydromorphone?
Is Dilaudid Stronger Than Morphine?
Yes, Dilaudid is stronger than morphine. It is believed hydromorphone is between 5 and 10 times more powerful than morphine. It also has a faster onset for quicker results.
As noted, morphine is a natural opioid that comes from the source, the opium poppy. It is a powerful pain medication that is usually administered in hospital settings. For example, morphine can be prescribed for post-surgery pain relief or to ease cancer pain. Clearly, morphine is carefully monitored and only prescribed for severe pain that has not responded to other pain relief medicines.
On the other hand, Dilaudid, or hydromorphone, is a semi-synthetic opioid that is synthesized from morphine, so they’re directly related. Hydromorphone is also incredibly powerful for pain relief and is closely monitored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Opioid Medications Explained
Opioids are a potent drug class of painkiller medications. Additionally, there are a wide number of opioids available, ranging from fully natural to semi-synthetic to fully synthetic. Although opioids serve a pain relief purpose, they are often abused, which is known as the opioid epidemic. Here are some popular opioids that can be abused.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic (lab-made) opioid that is often included in street drugs because it is a cheap filler ingredient. Receiving even traces of fentanyl mixed into your other drugs can be life-threatening.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is 1-2 times more potent than morphine. It is sold under the brand name Oxycontin.
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is often prescribed as a cough suppressant along with a painkiller. It is sold under the name Vicodin when combined with acetaminophen.
Codeine
Codeine is derived from morphine, as it is an alkaloid present in opium. Although it is less powerful than morphine, it is still addictive.
Tramadol
Tramadol is a prescription pain medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Long-term use can lead to physical dependence, even when taken as prescribed.
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Why Are Opioids Addictive?
The reason why opioid medications are so addictive is due to the way they act on the brain. Opioids, regardless of how they’re made, bind to the opioid receptors in your brain. These are responsible for controlling your pleasure response. Thus, opioids flood the system with positive chemical messengers, which reduces pain but also causes a dependency when misused. The longer you use opioids, the higher your tolerance will be, which means you’ll need to take more to receive the same initial effects.
What Are the Signs of Opioid Addiction?
Some indicators that a person may have an opioid addiction include the following:
- High tolerance
- Cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
- An inability to quit using opioids even though they’re causing damage
- Always thinking about your next dose
- Doctor-shopping for more prescriptions
- Mixing substances to increase the results
- Sneaky or dishonest behavior
What Are the Dangers of Opioid Addiction?
Developing an addiction to opioids is dangerous because you’re in the control of a powerful substance. Instead of allowing your natural processing to occur in your central nervous system, everything will be altered by opioids. And your life can significantly deteriorate in all areas. In the most severe cases, individuals overdose due to their constant search to increase their dose. Overdose leads to death.
Finding Help for Opioid Addiction
Don’t let your opioid addiction continue to damage your life any longer! We can help you at our drug rehab center. Healing is close at hand, so reach out today.
