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Our Washington Location
Our inpatient facility is located in Washington, and will serve Washington state. It will provide a safe & therapeutic environment for both our staff and patients.
- Edmonds
7416 212th St SW,
Edmonds, WA 98026
Hydromorphone Addiction Rehab: Detox and Addiction Treatment Programs
Hydromorphone, also known as Dilaudid, is a potent prescription opioid that has a fairly high potential for abuse. It’s often prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. A hydromorphone addiction is very serious, and those who are addicted will face some serious consequences. If you have an addiction to hydromorphone, you need to find a way to overcome the addiction. Rehab and the right support can aid you in your journey to recovery.
“In 2015, about 2 million Americans suffered from substance abuse disorders related to hydromorphone and similar medications.”
America is one of the top consumers of prescription opioids. About 29% of those who are prescribed prescription opioids will misuse them. A further 12% will develop an opioid use disorder. 80% of those who are addicted to Dilaudid and similar drugs will abuse heroin, as it is a cheaper and more easily accessible alternative.
Hydromorphone has become one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in hospital settings. As a result, its abuse is on the rise, and more people are becoming addicted to it than ever before.
If you are battling an addiction to this medication, help is available. It’s important for you to understand that you’re not alone in this fight. You can get the help you need to beat your substance abuse problem once and for all. Learn more about hydromorphone rehab programs from this guide. We’ll walk you through everything that you need to know.
Detox from Hydromorphone Is the First Step
Although 1 in 7 Americans will face addiction, only 10% of these individuals will seek professional help. One of the reasons why some drug users refuse to get help is because they want to avoid opioid withdrawals. Withdrawals are caused by fluctuating chemical levels in the body. They are not only incredibly painful, but also overbearing.
Detox is key to restoring balance in the body. It plays a key role in almost all hydromorphone rehab programs.
Upon getting admitted into a drug rehab program, you’ll find that the first phase of almost all drug addiction treatment programs will be detox. Detox cleanses the body of all harmful toxins, and will reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
Patients who do not undergo detox are at risk of experiencing life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are mainly caused by neurochemical imbalances within the body.
Detox programs usually last anywhere from 7 to 14 days depending on the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. It will also depend on the length of the hydromorphone abuse, the dosage of hydromorphone that was taken and more. Each hydromorphone user will need a different type of detox plan. There are many different types to choose from.
Medical detox is perhaps the most well-known type of detox out there. It’s almost always necessary when it comes to treating opioid withdrawals. This is because opioid abuse leads to significant changes in one’s brain chemistry levels. Drug detox services will stabilize fluctuations to prevent opioid withdrawals from getting dangerous.
Medical detox is also known as medication-assisted treatment. For opioids, some medications can also be classified as medications for Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT). ORT medications substitute strong opioids, like hydromorphone, for weaker alternatives.
The type and dosage of the hydromorphone treatment medications prescribed will depend on the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. It will also depend on the type of withdrawal symptoms that opioid abusers experience.
We’ll explore some of the various options below.
Lofexidine Hydrochloride
Lofexidine hydrochloride, also marketed as Lucemyra, is a new drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are a lot of high hopes for this prescription medication, as it is not addictive. It is also not a narcotic.
Lucemyra can lessen the severity of hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms, but it may not completely prevent them. This prescription drug used by most drug rehab centers will simply make withdrawal symptoms appear a lot bearable. This drug is only approved for treatment for up to 14 days.
While it is not necessarily a treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs), it can be used as a part of a long-term treatment plan for managing these conditions. Those who have tried this type of treatment have raved about the results. So far, it seems as if Lucemyra is a hit among those recovering from an opioid addiction.
Methadone
Methadone is a well-known ORT medicine. It is a full opioid agonist, which means that it has an effect similar to hydromorphone. Methadone will attach to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), and stimulate the opioid receptors in a similar manner. This stimulation causes recovering hydromorphone addicts to avoid intense withdrawal symptoms.
While methadone is a popular drug, it does come with a potential for abuse. Since it acts in the same way as hydromorphone, it is possible to get addicted to this drug. Those who abuse methadone can develop a secondary addiction that will be equally as difficult to treat.
Another interesting thing to note is that methadone is often used in medication maintenance therapy (MMT). Some recovering addicts will need to take methadone for years before they are able to wean off the drug. In some instances, some people have relied on methadone for over 10 years.
Suboxone
Suboxone contains two ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It has a higher affinity to opioid receptors in the CNS, and will attach to these receptors in order to stimulate them. This action offers release from intense withdrawal symptoms. The main benefit of buprenorphine is that it has a “ceiling effect”, which lowers the drug’s potential for abuse.
It’s almost impossible for drug users to get addicted to Suboxone thanks to the buprenorphine. After a certain dosage, the drug will no longer have an effect on the body. Those who abuse these drugs will not get a stronger or more potent high. This prevents many people from abusing Suboxone
The naloxone found in Suboxone is there to prevent abuse. It can also prevent overdoses. With that said, there have still been some instances of abuse. Those who take Suboxone will need to slowly taper from this prescription drug.
Another alternative to Suboxone is Subutex. Subutex is equally as effective, but it contains only buprenorphine.
Vivitrol or Naltrexone
Vivitrol, also known as naltrexone, is a unique type of ORT medication. It is an opioid antagonist, which means that it will attach to opioid receptors and prevent them from getting stimulated. This drug is also a non-narcotic and cannot be abused. Patients who opt for this type of medical detox treatment will receive a once-a-month intramuscular injection.
The dose for naltrexone is the same for all patients. This makes it easier for doctors to prescribe this drug. They do not need to worry about customizing the dose to the needs of each patient.
Before anyone can take Vivitrol, they must be free of opioids or alcohol for a minimum of 7 days. Those who do not heed this warning may experience Sudden Opioid Withdrawal.
If you choose a professional opioid detox program, you may also receive holistic treatments. Holistic detox services rely on natural approaches to restore the body to its normal state. It does not rely on any medications or chemicals at all. Some common practices of holistic detox programs include:
- Incorporating more exercises and physical activities in one’s schedule. This includes learning how to use gym equipment or developing a schedule that permits more exercise. Many hydromorphone rehab programs will offer therapeutic yoga services, hiking opportunities, Reiki and Tai Chi classes and more.
- Eating healthier and learning more about how to have a healthy diet. Many addicts don’t consume healthy diets. In fact, they don’t even know where to begin. Holistic detox services often include nutritional therapy and classes on diets. Patients will learn more about the vitamins and supplements that they should take. They will also stay away from fast foods and processed foods.
- Learning how to relax and relieve stress. Mindfulness-based activities, yoga and other relaxation tactics and strategies are often taught at hydromorphone rehab facilities. Patients find healthier outlets for relieving stress.
- Staying hydrated. Most people don’t drink enough water. Those who are going through withdrawals may lose a lot of fluid. They need to stay hydrated to be in tip-top shape.
- Getting enough sleep. 8 hours of sleep is crucial to better health. Patients will learn how to get a better night’s rest.
It’s important to note that not all patients may be able to opt for holistic detox only when it comes to recovering from a hydromorphone addiction. With that said, holistic detox services can be a great supplement. They help remove toxins from the body in a more natural way. Holistic detox will help addicts get healthier in every aspect of their lives.
Attempting to detox from drugs at home is very common. People will often try this approach before they commit to a professional detoxification program. The problem is that at-home detox solutions are not very safe.
You can find a lot of information online about various supplements, herbs and vitamins to use during detox. These vitamins and supplements may not be effective in reducing the intensity of hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms or preventing relapse.
Similarly, drug detox kits can also be quite dangerous. While their marketing makes them sound like a great alternative to professional treatment, they do little if anything at all to help people manage their hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms.
It’s always a good idea to seek professional hydromorphone rehab first. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with an expert on our team. Don’t try any at-home drug detox kits until you’ve received an approval from licensed healthcare professionals.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Detox Programs
Like with rehab, detox comes in various levels of care. There are both outpatient and inpatient detox programs. Here’s the difference:
- Inpatient detox programs can only be completed at a rehab facility. Patients may be hooked into an IV while receiving treatment. They may also be prescribed medications that are more addictive, so they need to be under close supervision. Patients who choose inpatient detox services receive the most amount of care. Each patient’s vitals will be carefully monitored.
- Outpatient detox programs usually involve just taking medications as prescribed or getting Vivitrol injections. Those who receive outpatient detox services are usually more disciplined, struggle with a mild addiction or are further along in their recovery. These patients will only need to travel to the addiction rehab center to get a new prescription.
Both inpatient and outpatient detox programs work! The type of program that is most suitable for each patient will depend on the patient’s needs and expectations.
Hydromorphone Withdrawal
The main goal of detox is to avoid withdrawal symptoms, so we should touch upon expected withdrawal symptoms and the withdrawal timeline. Withdrawal symptoms happen because the drug addict’s body has gotten used to the presence of hydromorphone. It relies on this substance to provide it with the artificial boost that it needs. The body starts making fewer chemicals in the meantime, as it relies on the artificial source.
The two main neurochemicals affected by hydromorphone are dopamine and serotonin. Hydromorphone induces a huge influx of both chemicals. These chemicals are responsible for the euphoric effects that result in abuse and addiction.
When there is no more hydromorphone in the body, both the brain and the body don’t know how to respond. It cannot maintain and regulate important bodily functions. This results in hydromorphone withdrawals.
The intensity of the hydromorphone withdrawals will vary from one patient to another. Many factors are at play. For example, the intensity may depend on the length of the abuse, as well as the dosage taken. Each person’s biological makeup will also play a role.
Hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms are known for being utterly unbearable. They’re horrible, and those who are going through withdrawals are often miserable. This misery causes many people to relapse.
Some of the more common hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms that people experience include:
- Severe agitation, irritability or anger
- Severe stomach issues, including nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or other digestive problems
- Body aches and pains
- Painful and even debilitating headaches
- A high or low-grade fever
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Excessive sweating
- Feelings of restlessness
- The onset of chills
- Muscle spasms
- Trouble sleeping at night
- Anxiety and/or depression
- A decreased appetite and possible weight loss
Most hydromorphone abusers will not experience all of these symptoms. They’ll usually only experience several. The intensity of the symptoms will also vary from one individual to another. As it’s difficult to gauge which withdrawal symptoms addicts might experience, it’s important for them to seek inpatient detox services.
Withdrawal symptoms for hydromorphone abuse are very difficult to manage on your own. Many people will experience more serious symptoms of withdrawal when they stop taking hydromorphone. For example, seizures have been known to happen. This is why it’s best to recover in a professional setting.
It’s also important to note that physical withdrawal symptoms will tend to subside first. Psychological withdrawal symptoms, like cravings and depression, can linger around for quite some time. Some people may even experience psychological withdrawal symptoms seemingly out of nowhere years after recovering.
It shouldn’t take long before you begin to experience withdrawals. Within about 4 to 8 hours after your last dose of hydromorphone, the withdrawal symptoms should begin. At first, they will probably be relatively mild. You may only feel a little anxiety and some cravings. However, they will become more intense.
Most people experience the peak of withdrawals within 12 to 48 hours of their last dose. It is possible for symptoms to continue for as long as three days in those with severe addictions.
After the 72-hour mark, you should begin to feel better. Many of the symptoms you’ve experienced will disappear altogether. Others may linger, but be milder.
It doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods just because you feel better than before. There are some individuals who will continue to experience physical and emotional issues for several weeks, or even months. It’s also common for people to have rebound symptoms, which can feel as though they’re starting all over again with their recovery.
Hydromorphone has a very short half-life. That means that it stays in your system for a shorter period of time than other drugs. The IV form of the drug has a half-life of only 2.3 hours.
It can be detected in urine and saliva for up to four days after the last dose. In blood tests, it can be found for about 24 hours. In hair tests, it can be detected for as long as 90 days, but these tests aren’t as common.
Of course, this isn’t an indication of how long it will take you to feel better once you quit. It only tells you how long the drug can be found in your system from a medical standpoint.
What Happens After You Detox From Hydromorphone?
After you have detoxed from hydromorphone, you’ll be ready to go to rehab. This is a step you shouldn’t skip because it’s important to work on the mental part of your addiction too.
During your time there, you will participate in many different forms of therapy. You’ll work with a therapist in a one on one setting, and you’ll also have group sessions.
Addiction Treatment Services Included in Hydromorphone Rehab Programs
Although medical detox may seem like the most important part of rehab, it won’t work unless you receive other types of addiction treatment services. Look for rehabs that offer evidence-based treatment approaches, as these treatments have been studied extensively. They offer higher success rates, and have helped many people in their journey to sobriety.
Each drug rehab program will offer different types of substance abuse treatment services. Some treatments used by addiction treatment providers for drug abuse include:
- Behavioral therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- One-on-one, family and group counseling sessions
- Drug education classes that explore polysubstance abuse and hydromorphone abuse
- Independent living classes that help patients learn how to live on their own
- 12-step facilitation programs and other types of support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous
- Relapse prevention planning
- Other types of therapy, like art therapy, music therapy and equine therapy
- Relaxation techniques, like mindfulness and yoga
Each addiction treatment center will offer a different combination of evidence-based approaches. Make sure that you find something that works for you or interests you if you are addicted to hydromorphone.
Types of Hydromorphone Rehab Programs
When looking at rehab programs, you’ll find that there are two different primary levels of care: inpatient care and outpatient care. Each level of care has something different to offer. Not everyone recovers in the same way, so it’s important to understand the differences between the two. This will allow you to make the most informed choice possible.
Many people find that going to an inpatient rehab program is the best solution for them. Inpatient treatment programs offer you a high level of support because you’ll actually be staying in a facility. You won’t have the opportunity to relapse, and someone will always be available to talk with you at all times. These types of programs usually last around 28 days, and they include the time you spend in detox. You’ll also be under constant supervision, so addiction treatment specialists can act quickly if your situation changes at any time.
Northpoint Washington offers a 28-day drug rehab program for those who are recovering from hydromorphone addiction. Patients will get everything that they need at the facility. There are in-house chefs that cook delicious, nutritious meals, laundry services and housekeeping services. Our state-of-the-art facility is fully stocked, so you only have to worry about one thing -- your recovery!
Inpatient treatment programs are most suitable for those who:
- Are likely to experience dangerous or incredibly intense hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms
- Are trying to recover from an addiction to hydromorphone for the first time
- Need more support and care during their recovery
- May struggle with serious effects of hydromorphone
- Need a new environment and need to get away from loved ones while seeking treatment for Dilaudid addiction
Residential treatment programs are one step up from inpatient treatment programs. This type of rehab program allows you to stay for several months while you get the help you need. This type of long-term care is also appropriate for people who have attempted inpatient rehab without success.
A lot of people need to go to an outpatient rehab program, and there are some great ones available. Unlike inpatient treatment programs, outpatient treatment programs do not require patients to stay at the rehab facility. They live at home instead, and only need to travel to the treatment center when they need therapy or counseling.
There are many different types of outpatient programs. Each offers a different level of care. Our sister location, Northpoint Seattle, is able to offer three different types of outpatient treatment programs. They include:
- Standard outpatient programs. These programs require a weekly commitment of about 6 hours. They’re the least intense type of outpatient care out there.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs). These are one step up from standard outpatient programs, and are also one of the most popular forms of outpatient care. Patients will agree to 10 to 16 hours of rehab each week.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs). These programs are the most intense type of outpatient care. Patients will receive anywhere from 5 to 6 hours of therapy each day for 5 days a week. They need to make a minimum commitment of at least 30 hours a week.
Northpoint Seattle is also located in Washington. Our patients can easily transition from our inpatient rehab program to our outpatient rehab program. Patients who choose outpatient care will still have access to a lot of therapists and group therapies, among other activities.
A more traditional outpatient treatment facility might not be appropriate for someone new to treatment. However, it is a great option for someone as a form of follow-up care.
The Benefits of Hydromorphone Rehab
Going to an opioid rehab offers you so many great benefits. You’ll learn more about addiction as a disease, and you’ll also find out why you became addicted. Unless you uncover the root cause of your addiction, your recovery is unlikely.
Your therapist and the other staff members will be great sources of support for you. You’ll always have someone to talk to, and you’ll also learn a lot from the other patients in rehab. It helps to know that you’re not alone, and that it’s possible to overcome your addiction.
This is also a good way to recover from polydrug abuse. If you’ve abused more than one substance at a time, like alcohol and hydromorphone or synthetic marijuana and hydromorphone, you may experience some unexpected side effects or withdrawal symptoms when trying to get sober. If you need to deal with an alcohol addiction at the same time, you’re going to need extra support.
Going to rehab can change your life if you allow it to. You have to be willing to recover, and it’s crucial to follow every step of the program. If you do that, you should experience success long-term.
Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
A large majority of those struggling with a substance use disorder will also struggle with a co-occurring mental health disorder. The two disorders can happen independently from one another, but will be exacerbated by fluctuating neurochemical levels in the body.
One of your therapist’s jobs is to assess you for a potential co-occurring disorder. You may think that you have been taking hydromorphone only for pain relief. The fact is that there could be an additional underlying reason. For example, you may be taking hydromorphone to relieve anxiety and depression. The brain chemistry changes will only worsen any mental health disorders you may struggle with.
Many people abuse drugs like hydromorphone for a number of reasons. At times, addicts may use hydromorphone to self-medicate and to treat symptoms of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic disorder
- PTSD
- ADHD or ADD
Your therapist will find out if you suffer from one of these or from another co-occurring disorder. If you do, the appropriate treatment will be given to you during rehab. This is going to improve your chances of having a successful recovery. It is just as important to treat the psychological aspects as the physical aspects.
Paying for Opioid Addiction Rehab
How much does drug rehab really cost in Washington? The price point will vary from one patient to another. It all depends on the types of addiction treatment services that each patient needs. With that said, inpatient treatment for Dilaudid addiction can cost about $30,000 a month, and outpatient rehab programs can cost about $10,000 a month.
That’s quite a lot for the average Joe. Many people may believe that they cannot afford to go to rehab, but that’s not true. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, substance abuse treatment is now considered one of the ten elements of essential health benefits. Anyone with private health insurance will have some coverage for addiction treatment services.
The amount of coverage, however, can vary from one health insurance plan to the next. To get a better idea of whether you have coverage, verify your insurance information with us today. We will look into the logistics of everything and even deal with the paperwork, so that you don’t have to.
Some health insurance plans may limit the number of calendar days that policyholders can seek inpatient treatment for. Others may have a coinsurance or copayments for specific addiction treatment services.
Even if you do not have health insurance, you might still be covered if you have Medicare or Medicaid. Once again, we can also verify the type of coverage that you have to see whether or not you will have any out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Pay for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
In the off chance that you will have out-of-pocket expenses, you can pay for these expenses with cash, a credit card, a debit card, a money order, a wire transfer or a cheque. Most addiction treatment facilities are more than happy to accept various forms of payment.
If you do not have the funds available, you can always see if there are any scholarships or government grants that will cover the rest of the expenses. Some rehab facilities are happy to offer sliding scale fee discounts to clients based on their income level or come up with a feasible monthly payment plan with clients. Some addiction treatment facilities will even waive all out-of-pocket expenses.
Find the Hydromorphone Treatment Services You’re Looking for at Northpoint Washington
Northpoint Washington offers addiction treatment services for all types of substances. We are also a hydromorphone rehab facility, which means that we can custom-tailor your addiction treatment plan for a hydromorphone addiction. An individualized treatment plan will likely offer you more success. All of your needs will be accounted for and taken cared of.
Realizing that you have developed an addiction to a drug you’ve been prescribed can be scary. This is especially true if you’ve been taking the drug as prescribed. It’s possible that you never really thought of yourself as someone who would need rehab. Now that you’re considering it, you might not be sure where you can turn to for help.
When you choose Northpoint Washington to help you, you’ll get all the support you need to be successful. You can check out our testimonials to see what past clients have said about our services.
Have we answered all of your questions about hydromorphone detox, withdrawal and rehab? Do you need to talk with someone about your options for treatment? Please contact us today to learn more.
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