Dilaudid, the brand name for hydromorphone, is a potent opioid analgesic primarily used for the management of pain. Common street names for Dilaudid include “D,” “dillies,” and “dust.”
Originally synthesized in Germany in the early 20th century, it has gained popularity in the medical field as a prescription drug for its effectiveness in relieving moderate to severe pain.
Medically, Dilaudid is prescribed to alleviate chronic pain or pain following surgery or injury. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, modulating pain perception.
Hydromorphone has a two to eight times greater analgesic effect than morphine. Desired effects from use, like euphoria and relaxation, may lead to misuse and abuse.
Any misuse of the drug increases the risk of addiction, contributing to the broad opioid epidemic.
Street Value Of Dilaudid
2 mg single dose | $2.54 |
4 mg single dose | $4.10 |
8 mg single dose | $7.37 |
Hydromorphone and Dilaudid are also found in liquid and suppository form. Tablet forms and injectable forms of these opioids are typically available on the street.
Factors That Affect The Street Prices Of Prescription Opioids
Hydromorphone is a Schedule II controlled substance and is only legally available by a doctor or medical professional prescribing it for pain relief.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the street price of Dilaudid is influenced by its popularity in the region, the specific formulation, and supply and demand in the black market.
Hydromorphone is typically diverted from forged prescriptions and theft from medical facilities. Dilaudid tablets are most commonly found in suburban and rural populations across the U.S. and Canada.
Because Dilaudid is a specific brand name version of hydromorphone, it can be more difficult to acquire than the generic version, which can account for higher prices in some situations.
Reports of hydromorphone drug use on the streets have dropped over the past few years, from 1,021 reports in 2020 to 826 reports in 2021 to 533 reports in 2022.
Comparing Dilaudid With Other Prescription Opioids Sold On The Street
Because of the availability of other types of opioids on the street, cheaper versions of drugs that are similar to hydromorphone can affect the street price of Dilaudid.
Prescription painkillers that can affect the price of Dilaudid include:
Compared to these other prescription opioids, Dilaudid usually costs more. This is due to both higher demand on the market as well as limited availability/scarcity.
Risks Of Buying Illicit Dilaudid On The Street
Dilaudid use is associated with several side effects, ranging from nausea, dizziness, and constipation to more severe effects like respiratory depression and sedation when taken in high doses.
Dilaudid, like other opioids, has a high abuse potential, leading to serious side effects and risks when purchased illicitly and misused.
Abusing Dilaudid can also lead to other adverse effects, such as sedation, confusion, and impaired motor function.
Chronic misuse can contribute to long-term health issues, including respiratory problems, liver damage, a compromised immune system, and in extreme cases, overdose.
One particularly dangerous aspect of Dilaudid abuse is the potential for the drug to be illicitly mixed or “cut” with substances like fentanyl on the street.
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, and when combined with Dilaudid, it significantly increases the risk of a fatal overdose.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Options
People who are struggling with Dilaudid or hydromorphone drug use may need medical treatment to safely detox from the drug and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance abuse, provided at licensed rehab centers, can assist on the road to recovery.
At a treatment center, medical professionals can provide safe dosages of drugs like methadone and buprenorphine on a set timeframe in order to best facilitate recovery without harm.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment Today
If you or a loved one is seeking reprieve from the effects of opioid abuse, we can help. Contact Detox Rehabs for more information on treatment options.
Article Sources- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Hydromorphone: Drug Fact Sheet
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Hyrdromorphone-2020_1.pdf - Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Diversion Control Division - Hydromorphone
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/hydromorphone.pdf - The Journal of Pain - Street prices of prescription opioids diverted to the illicit market: data from a national surveillance program
https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(13)00492-6/fulltext