Hydromorphone Abuse, Addiction, And Treatment Programs

Hydromorphone is a schedule II controlled substance similar to morphine that can become addictive when misused. Treatment programs for hydromorphone abuse and addiction can come in several forms, including inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Hydromorphone is an addictive opioid drug that comes in the form of a liquid or extended-release tablet. Similar to opiates like morphine, hydromorphone is a powerful pain reliever prescribed to treat severe pain in people who have become tolerant to other opioid medications, such as oxycodone and codeine.

Taking hydromorphone for more than a couple of weeks can lead to increased tolerance and physical dependence. People can also become addicted to hydromorphone and misuse it for its effects.

Hydromorphone misuse can mean:

  • taking higher doses than prescribed
  • taking it more frequently or for longer than prescribed
  • taking medication from another person’s prescription
  • purchasing it online or off the street for use
  • taking it with other drugs to enhance or alter its effects

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 11 million Americans reported misusing prescription opioids like hydromorphone in 2016. Breaking free from a cycle of drug misuse and addiction can take time, but it is possible.

At Spring Hill Recovery Center, we understand the devastating effects that hydromorphone abuse can have on people and their families. Here, you’ll find information about hydromorphone abuse, treatment options, and an overview of our New England addiction recovery center.

Hydromorphone Abuse And Addiction

Hydromorphone belongs to a class of central nervous system depressants known as opioids, which are prescribed to treat severe pain, chronic pain, and cough.

These drugs produce their pain-relief effects by acting on the body’s opioid receptors, which can affect mood and physical movements.

Brand names for hydromorphone include:

  • Dilaudid
  • Exalgo
  • Palladone

When taken, short-term effects of hydromorphone —or “dillies” —may include a powerful sensation of relaxation, pleasure, as well as drowsiness, dry mouth, light-headedness, and constipation.

Although it can be effective at relieving pain, hydromorphone is known to be an addictive painkiller that can produce effects similar to the illegal opiate heroin.

Once someone has become addicted to opioid drugs, it can be difficult to stop, due to uncomfortable withdrawal and psychological addiction.

What Are The Dangers Of Hydromorphone Abuse?

Hydromorphone abuse can pose significant dangers to physical and mental health. Chronic misuse of hydromorphone can impair certain cognitive functions, cause depression, and impair a person’s ability to work and function as normal in their usual routine.

People who abuse hydromorphone are also at risk for a life-threatening drug overdose. Overdose can occur after taking very high doses of hydromorphone, or by mixing it with other drugs like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other opioids.

Signs of hydromorphone overdose include:

  • sedation
  • pinpoint pupils
  • cold, clammy skin
  • bluish lips and fingernails
  • respiratory depression
  • low heart rate
  • low blood pressure
  • vomiting
  • loss of consciousness

Opioid overdose can be deadly without immediate treatment. Naloxone, or Narcan, is the primary treatment for opioid overdose. This can block the effects of hydromorphone and prevent fatal overdose.

Hydromorphone Addiction Treatment

Thousands of New England residents seek professional treatment for opioid abuse each year. As New England states like Massachusetts expand their available treatment options, so too do we see a rise in the number of people seeking help.

Treatment services for hydromorphone addiction include:

  • Opioid Detox
  • Inpatient/Residential Rehab
  • Outpatient Treatment
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment
  • Aftercare

Living with addiction or watching someone you love struggle with addiction can be painful. At Spring Hill, we offer a range of drug abuse treatment programs that can help residents break free from addiction and begin the path towards a healthier, more fulfilling future in recovery.

Opioid Detox

Detoxification is the first step towards overcoming drug addiction. Drug detox programs can help drug abusers safely withdraw from addictive substances by monitoring for health concerns and providing supportive medications for reducing discomfort and drug cravings.

Hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable and may begin within hours of a person’s last dose. For this reason, it’s highly recommended that people who have become addicted to hydromorphone seek professional detox services.

Detox programs can reduce the risk of relapse, treat withdrawal symptoms, and offer additional care coordination services.

Inpatient Rehab

Breaking free from addiction requires more than just getting sober. At Spring Hill, we offer a comprehensive residential rehab program to help residents begin their addiction recovery journey.

Within our residential rehab program, you’ll find:

  • around-the-clock care
  • customized programming
  • supportive staff and treatment environment
  • evidence-based treatments
  • dual diagnosis care
  • 12-Step Groups
  • holistic therapies
  • relapse prevention planning
  • aftercare

During inpatient rehab, individuals follow a structured treatment schedule that is customized to meet their personal needs. Patients may attend individual counseling, group therapy, and meet with a doctor and psychiatrist as needed to monitor physical and mental health.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient treatment is a less intensive form of treatment that does not involve living at a rehab center. Outpatient treatment can be suitable as a step-down program after completing inpatient rehab.

Spring Hill offers an intensive outpatient treatment program for hydromorphone abuse and addiction. This involves attending treatment at our rehab facility two to four days a week in the afternoon or evening.

During this time, residents may attend individual counseling, group therapy, and receive medication management services.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Services

Recovering from addiction doesn’t look the same for everyone. To combat the United States opioid crisis, treatment centers like Spring Hill have adopted the use of specific treatments shown to improve recovery outcomes for people who abuse opioids like hydromorphone.

Evidence-based treatments for opioid abuse and addiction include:

Medical Detox

Medical detox is the safest way to detox from drugs that can cause severe or uncomfortable withdrawal. Medical detox offers 24-hour care, with healthcare professionals on standby to provide medical and behavioral support.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a whole-person treatment approach that uses supportive medications alongside behavioral therapy. The primary forms of MAT are methadone maintenance therapy and buprenorphine (Suboxone) therapy.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapies—such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—are a common treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders.

This can help people learn supportive coping strategies for better managing stress and triggers. It can also shift thoughts and attitudes about drug use to strengthen a person’s commitment to addiction recovery.

Knowing The Signs Of Hydromorphone Addiction

Drug addiction doesn’t look the same for everyone, but no one is immune. People from all walks of life can become addicted to hydromorphone, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Hydromorphone addiction can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. If you’re concerned that you or someone you know is addicted to hydromorphone, here are some of the most common signs to look for.

Signs of hydromorphone addiction include:

  • being unable to reduce or stop your substance use
  • taking drugs from someone else’s prescription
  • continuing to abuse hydromorphone despite negative side effects
  • constantly thinking about taking your next dose
  • forging prescriptions for opioid use
  • isolating from others
  • hiding or lying about your drug use
  • experiencing withdrawal symptoms within hours of your last dose (e.g. anxiety, runny nose, sweating)

Recovering from opioid addiction is possible. Don’t wait to seek treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Spring Hill has continued to help individuals begin their path towards an addiction-free future.

Begin Your Addiction Recovery Journey At Spring Hill

If you or a loved one is struggling with hydromorphone addiction, look no further than Spring Hill Recovery Center for substance abuse treatment in Massachusetts.

Our New England rehab center offers residential rehab and intensive outpatient treatment programs for people addicted to opioids.

We serve all of Massachusetts and the Greater New England area, including the following surrounding states:

Our accredited rehab center is located in the woodlands of Ashby, Massachusetts, offering a peaceful and restorative experience for people in early sobriety. We offer access to detox services and partner with nearby sober living homes.

Don’t wait to learn what Spring Hill can do for you or a loved one struggling with opioid abuse. Call us today to learn more about Spring Hill’s opioid addiction treatment programs and the types of treatments we offer.

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus—Hydromorphone https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682013.html
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—Prescription Opioids https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/prescribed.html
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—Understanding the Epidemic https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html
  4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—About the Epidemic https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html

Written by Spring Hill Recovery Editorial Team

© 2024 Spring Hill Recovery | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

Prefer Texting?
We've got you covered.

Receive 24/7 text support right away.
There is no obligation and you can opt out at any time.
chat-header

Sign up for text support

Receive 24/7 text support right away.
There is no obligation and you can opt out at any time.
chat-header
Let us walk you through the treatment process. We're here to help.
For 24/7 Treatment Help:
100% Free & Confidential. Call (978) 321-2696
(978) 321-2696