There are different prescription opioid medications used to treat painful conditions, such as hydromorphone. When taken responsibly and as directed, most people do not develop an addiction to the drug. 

However, when the drug is misused, there are risks of developing dependence and addiction. Whether taken short-term or long-term, there is always the risk of experiencing hydromorphone withdrawal. 

What Is Hydromorphone?

Hydromorphone is an opioid prescription medication similar to morphine but much more powerful. Like other opiates, the medicine attaches itself to the end of neurotransmitters in the brain to help block neurotransmissions between the central nervous system and the brain. 

Doctors commonly prescribe hydromorphone for post-operative pain. The medication reacts quickly to deaden pain to allow the body to heal. The duration of the effects of the drug is not long. Patients take their doses at specific intervals to minimize and manage pain. 

Dangers of Hydromorphone

For those in pain, the blockage of pain between the central nervous system and brain is what helps alleviate the discomfort. As such, it is easy to become dependent on the effects of the medication. 

Doctors prescribe hydromorphone for short-term use during the initial post-operative recovery. However, there are some situations where a person might take the drug longer. People usually take it orally in the form of tablets or liquid suspension. 

Since this medication is an opioid drug, hydromorphone’s addictive potential is possible. Furthermore, hydromorphone is a very potent drug that is approved as part of lethal injections. As you can imagine, the potency of the medication is a major concern when misused and could ultimately lead to accidental overdose and death. 

Is Hydromorphone Addictive?

The short-term use of hydromorphone often results in people not experiencing any addictive tendencies towards the drug. Although, when a physician prescribes it along with other opioid drugs, there is an increased risk of dependency and addiction. 

People will typically develop a physical dependence on hydromorphone before becoming fully addicted. Physical dependence occurs when a person takes the drug for a period of time. If the physician decreases or discontinues the drug dosage, they might have physical withdrawal symptoms.  

If the person begins to self-medicate and increase dosages as they build a tolerance to hydromorphone, they can develop both a mental and physical dependence on the drug. Addiction begins to take hold at this stage, and quitting the medication becomes even more challenging. 

The Hydromorphone Withdrawal Symptoms

For those with a dependence on the medication, hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms can consist of the following:

• Body Aches and Pains
• Lack of Energy
• Minor Constipation
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Insomnia

These undesirable effects help reinforce continuing to misuse hydromorphone to eliminate the withdrawal symptoms. As a result, one can find themselves on the path to addiction leading to even more severe hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms when they eventually seek treatment for their addiction. 

Withdrawal Timeline

The actual withdrawal timeline for hydromorphone depends on several factors, such as how long the person used the drug, how they misused it, and the size of the dosages. For example, those who snort or inject hydromorphone can experience more intense withdrawal symptoms than those taking the drug orally. 

Keeping this in mind, in withdrawal timeline, in general, is as follows:

• The First 4 – 8 Hours: The individual will begin to experience cravings for the drug accompanied by nausea, sweating, headaches, fever, and irritability. Some people also become overly anxious and restless. 
• 12 – 48 Hours: Hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms gradually intensify until they peak, usually by the end of the second day without the drug. Most people experience severe flu-like symptoms, including chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, headaches, dizziness, and fever. The cravings for the drug also intensify and can cause a person to become depressed. Some people also experience muscle cramps and generalized body aches and pains. 
• 48 – 72 Hours: The withdrawal symptoms begin to become less intense and severe. However, strong cravings for the drug can still be present, along with anxiety and depression. 
• Days 4 – 7: The withdrawal symptoms will gradually fade away. Although, people can continue to experience cravings for the drug for weeks or even months. Depression and anxiety can also continue, along with other emotional issues. 

Treatment for Hydromorphone Addiction

It is highly recommended and encouraged never to attempt to quit hydromorphone “cold turkey.” Like other opioids, severe withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening depending on how long the person misused the medication. 

Instead, the best treatment for hydromorphone addiction begins with medically supervised detox. During detox, the person is gradually weaned off of hydromorphone while using medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using medications that simulate the effects of opioids but are non-additive. 

The primary benefit of medically supervised detox with MAT is significantly reducing the risks of drastic side effects, lapses, and relapses. In addition, after detox, undergoing some type of rehab treatment plan can further ensure one’s success at overcoming their hydromorphone addiction. 

Safely Detox from Hydromorphone at Home in Beverly Hills, CA

Suppose you are struggling with hydromorphone addiction and want help. You can safely detox from hydromorphone at home in Beverley Hills and the Los Angeles area with help from MD Home Detox.

Our concierge-level at-home medically supervised detox programs are customized to fit your specific needs. They can also include the use of MAT to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Thanks to our extensive network of referred professionals, we can assist you in determining the next steps of your recovery after completing detox. 

To start at-home hydromorphone detox or to learn more about our other at-home medically supervised detox programs, please feel free to contact us today!