How To Detox From Hydromorphone

Much like other drugs, recovering from an addiction to hydromorphone begins with detox. Detox is a gradual process designed to remove all traces of the drug from your body. This helps your body overcome its physical dependency on the drug, reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and let the healing process begin.

How to detox from hydromorphone

Medically managed detox is the most effective way of successfully overcoming a dependence on hydromorphone. You will work with an experienced team of physicians who will strive to make the experience as safe and comfortable as possible.

Although the specifics of detox programs vary, they will follow similar steps, which we’ve outlined below.

Consultation

You will have a consultation with an addiction recovery specialist, who will assess your health, underlying conditions, medications, and addiction history. They will use this information to build a detox plan that is most effective for your needs.

Beginning of your program

If you’re getting treatment at a traditional center, you will arrive at the center and begin your detox program. If you’re getting in-home detox, a medical professional will arrive at your home at the beginning of your program.

Monitoring your progress

Detox generally takes 7 – 10 days, but sometimes more depending on the severity of your addiction and the type of drug you are dependent on. During this time, your medical team will monitor your progress through the detox program and prescribe and/or adjust medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

After completing detox, patients are encouraged to sign up for counseling, therapy, and/or coaching to help reinforce drug-free lifestyles and prevent relapse. Aftercare programs are designed to help patients develop healthy coping mechanisms and identify drug use triggers, empowering patients to prevent relapse long after their program has ended.

Do detox drinks work?

Yes and no. Detox drinks are advertised as being a fast solution to completely cleanse your body of toxins and any traces of the drug, often within hours of drinking them.

However, detox drinks don’t actually accelerate how quickly your body processes the drug in your system; instead, they dilute the amount of the drug remaining in your body so you can pass a drug test.

Although detox drinks may help you pass an upcoming drug test, drinks and other DIY remedies are NOT a replacement for a complete detox program. Addiction is a chronic disease just like diabetes or heart disease and is most effectively treated under the supervision of a licensed clinician.

drink in a red bottle, labeled as drug detox drink

DIY remedies do not address drug use triggers or teach you healthy coping mechanisms, treat co-existing mental health conditions, or fully cleanse your body from the drug. Without a comprehensive approach to addiction, it’s likely that you will relapse.

Symptoms of hydromorphone overdose

As with other opioids, your body builds up a tolerance to the effects of hydromorphone over time. This means that you need increasingly larger and/or more frequent doses to achieve the desired effect. If you take too much hydromorphone, you can overdose on this drug.

The symptoms of hydromorphone overdose include:

  • Bluish-colored fingernails and lips
  • Slow, shallow, or no breathing
  • Cold and clammy skin
  • Confusion, dizziness, or lightheadedness
  • Severe drowsiness or fatigue
  • Low blood pressure and/or weak pulse
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pinpoint pupils

It’s important to call 911 immediately if you think you or someone you know has overdosed on hydromorphone so they can receive prompt treatment.

What’s the timeline of hydromorphone detox?

The exact timeline of hydromorphone detox is a little different for everyone because it can be affected by the length and severity of the addiction, as well as individual health factors.

In general, though, here’s what you can expect…

  • The onset of hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms may begin within 12 hours of your last dose
  • Your medical team will prescribe medications to help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve your comfort
  • Your physician may recommend counseling or coaching during detox to help manage the emotional aspects of detox and addiction recovery
  • Detox takes between 7 – 10 days to complete

Detox is only the first step of addiction recovery and only addresses your body’s physical dependence on hydromorphone.

hands touching in sign of support

Psychological dependence may last for months or years, which is why aftercare therapy programs can help patients learn to manage addiction and prevent relapse.

Hydromorphone withdrawal symptoms

Stopping hydromorphone use causes withdrawal symptoms because your body relies on its effects in order to continue functioning normally. The symptoms of hydromorphone withdrawal are similar to those of other opioids and include:

  • Anxiety and/or restlessness
  • Blurred vision or dilated pupils
  • Changes in sleep
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Heart palpitations
  • Muscle aches and cramps
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Tremors

In-Home Hydromorphone Detox With Elite Home Detox

Whether you have recently developed an addiction to hydromorphone or have been struggling with it for years, Elite Home Detox can help you make a full recovery. Our program begins with in-home detox that is customized to your needs, all in the comfort of your home. One of our team members stays onsite 24/7 during detox to monitor your progress, provide support, and adjust any medications that have been prescribed to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Give us a call for a consultation or book an appointment using the button below. We’re confident we can help you make a complete recovery that lasts.



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