Dilaudid addiction can happen to anyone. Its addiction potential is similar to that of morphine.The individual will begin with a legitimate ailment, go to their doctor and receive a prescription for Dilaudid. As time goes by they begin to depend on the Dilaudid, even when they no longer need it. Many times individuals are unable to get legitimate prescriptions for Dilaudid after their original prescription is gone. They then resort to what is called doctor shopping. The addict will see many doctors and pretend to be sick to obtain more Dilaudid.

Sometimes, individuals get addicted by someone turning them onto Dilaudid and they end up liking it. The elderly are targets for prescription theft. Health care workers or family members might Dilaudid by this method. Prescription pill sales on the street are more expensive than other illicit drugs.

Pills depending on their type can sell for $2 to $10 a piece. Pills like Dilaudid are very expensive selling for $50 to $60 dollars a piece on the street. Addiction is a major risk with prolonged use (over 2-3 weeks) of Dilaudid.