Hydromorphone or hydromorphone hydrochloride is the generic name for the brand name drug Dilaudid. Hydromorphone is a full opioid agonist medication, one that affects the central nervous system similar to potent illicit drugs like heroin. The truth is, however – hydromorphone is far more potent than most opioid drugs, both illicit and medically prescribed. Hydromorphone is most commonly used to treat the acute pain that occurs after a significant surgery (postoperative pain). This specific medication has a short half-life, meaning that it begins to work quickly and the effects do not last for a significant amount of time. For these reasons, amongst others, this drug is almost always prescribed to be taken short-term. The other reason that it is only taken short-term is its high potential for abuse. If an individual begins taking hydromorphone other than as prescribed, he or she will likely develop a substance abuse disorder in a shockingly short amount of time. If you believe that you may be struggling with a hydromorphone addiction, there are several ways to tell. First of all, you are likely suffering from a severe dependence if you have developed a tolerance over time, meaning that you require more hydromorphone to experience the same physical and psychological results. The second indication that you need professional help is experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon ceased use. 
Hydromorphone Withdrawal Symptoms
When it comes to the length and severity of hydromorphone withdrawal, it will be largely dependent on the individual – on the length of use and frequency of use. Other variables include whether or not other drugs were being abused simultaneously and whether or not the individual who was abusing hydromorphone suffered from any co-occurring physical or mental health conditions. Something else to consider is the method of ingestion. For example, an individual who took the medication orally will generally experience less severe and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms than someone who injected the medication intravenously.
Overcoming Hydromorphone Detox
Generally speaking, because of the half-life of the drug, withdrawal symptoms will begin to set in during the first 12 or 24 hours after the final use. Those with severe addictive disorders might begin feeling some symptoms of withdrawal within the first four to eight hours, however. These symptoms could include severe nausea and vomiting, profuse sweating, low-grade fever, headaches, muscle spasms, aches and pains throughout the body, an inability to sleep, and psychological symptoms like anxiety or depression. It is not uncommon for those in the early stages of hydromorphone withdrawal to feel immensely depressed – even suicidal. For most people, the symptoms of hydromorphone withdrawal will peak in two or three days. The above-listed symptoms will begin to intensify. If these symptoms are not treated in a medical detox facility, they can result in serious, health-related complications including seizures, coma, and death. If you or someone close to you has been experiencing symptoms of hydromorphone abuse, addiction, or withdrawal, seeking professional medical care immediately is of the utmost importance. Fortunately, at Evoke Wellness at Miramar we have extensive experience treating prescription drug abuse and addiction of all kinds.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar and Hydromorphone Detox
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we specialize in treating the symptoms of hydromorphone withdrawal as part of our medical opioid detox program. Our team of experienced medical professionals works together to ensure that our clients are as comfortable as possible during the withdrawal process. We understand that when it comes to detox of any kind, comfort is of the utmost importance. If you or someone close to you has been abusing hydromorphone or any other potent prescription medications and you are unsure of how to help, please feel free to give us a call. We have a team of admissions counselors standing by to help get you or your loved one into drug detox as quickly as possible.
