Can I use Dilaudid if I have a history of alcoholism?

If you have a history of alcoholism or drug dependence, tell your doctor before taking Dilaudid (hydromorphone). Dilaudid is a pain reliever that belongs to a group of medications called opioid analgesics. Clinical experience shows that people who have abused alcohol or drugs in the past have a high risk for becoming addicted to Dilaudid and other opioid analgesics. For that reason, doctors use great caution when prescribing Dilaudid to people with a history of alcoholism or drug dependence.