Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) addiction has grown in recent years in Philadelphia. Many people do not realize they need to go to rehab in order to get off this dangerous opioid drug. But the reality is that it is highly addictive, and treatment is necessary in order to recover.
When it comes to prescription drugs like this one, a lot of people do not realize how addictive they can be. But once they start taking them regularly, it can be hard to stop without professional help. We want to assist people in understanding more about hydromorphone addiction and what types of options are available to them in Philadelphia for rehab and recovery.
What is Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?
Hydromorphone is an opioid painkiller that is only available by prescription. It is much more potent than other types of opioids, so it is usually given in a hospital setting. Doctors use this medication to treat moderate to severe pain.
Hydromorphone is sold under the brand names Dilaudid and Exalgo. It comes in an extended release formulation ghat can help treat pain around the clock. This drug is also widely available on the streets under a few different street names. They include:
- Dillies
- D
- Footballs
- Juice
- Smack
What Makes Hydromorphone So Addictive?
Hydromorphone is much stronger than many other opioid medications that are available to treat pain. Because it is stronger, it carries a higher risk of addiction. It can help to know how opioid painkillers work in order to understand how people can get addicted to them.
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When a person takes hydrocodone, it attaches to the opioid receptors in their body. This, in turn, sends a signal to the brain and they experience pain relief. They also experience a euphoric high that is the direct result of excess dopamine being released in the brain.
As a person continues to abuse this drug, their brain is no longer able to produce dopamine on its own. It gets to the point where the individual no longer feels like themselves unless they are high on hydromorphone.
Opioid Addiction Statistics in Pennsylvania
The opioid epidemic rages on in Pennsylvania, and there are a lot of people who are suffering as a result. According to the state’s Opioid Data Dashboard:
- Between January 2018 and October 2020, there have been more than 45,000 doses of Naloxone administered by EMS to prevent overdoses.
- During that same timeframe, there have been close to 29,000 emergency room visits because of opioid drugs.
- There have also been close to 43,000 Help Now Hotline calls because of opioid drugs.
- There have been more than 5,000 cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome reported.
- In 2019, more than 4,000 people in Pennsylvania died because of drug overdoses.
- In the vast majority of these cases, opioid drugs like hydromorphone were to blame.
Philadelphia Area Rehab Options for Hydromorphone Addiction Recovery
People who are addicted to hydromorphone should seriously consider getting professional treatment. They should talk with a specialist to help determine the right level of care to meet their needs.
Drug Detox
Drug detox will be necessary to help with withdrawal symptoms for someone with hydromorphone addiction. Stopping the use of this drug can be problematic and it is likely to result in severe withdrawal that can be hard to manage without treatment.
Medication assisted treatment is there to provide FDA-approved medications and behavioral therapy to help people recover. MAT medications for opioids include Suboxone and Methadone. Behavioral therapy can help people change their destructive behaviors in a positive way.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab offers short-term residential treatment for addiction that lasts 28 days. Many inpatient programs have detox services in-house, which is very convenient for the patients. Those that do not should always offer referrals.
During inpatient rehab, patients participate in group, individual and family therapy sessions. They work on the underlying cause of the addiction and treating it appropriately so that self-medication is no longer an option.
Long-Term Rehab
Long-term rehab programs are usually for those who have not done well with inpatient treatment in the past. These individuals may have a long history of relapsing and they need a higher level of care. This way, they get the help they need over an extended period of time.
Outpatient Rehab Programs
There are a few different types of outpatient rehab programs available for people in Pennsylvania.
- Outpatient therapy – Outpatient rehab programs typically only involve individual therapy sessions. Though some therapists may also offer group therapy as well. They are best for people who do not need a higher level of care.
- Intensive outpatient programs – IOPs offer a higher level of care during recovery. They are run during the evening hours and clients come to appointments 3-5 times every week. This is a more flexible option that allows people to continue to work or attend school during the day.
- Partial hospitalization programs – PHPs are day treatment programs that provide support for addiction recovery and mental health. Clients come during the day as often as 5-7 days per week while they receive therapy.
Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes are there to help people by providing them with a place to stay while they recover. These are safe spaces with roommates who are all recovery-minded. Residents must attend outpatient treatment and pay rent every month.
Pennsylvania Dilaudid Rehab, Addiction and Overdose – FAQs
Dilaudid is an opioid drug that can easily lead to addiction or even an overdose if a person takes too much at one time. Rehab programs are available in Pennsylvania for those who need them. But there are many people who are hesitant to get clean in a professional setting.
We want to help by answering some frequently asked questions about Dilaudid addiction, overdose and rehab in Pennsylvania. We hope that by learning more, people will be more likely to get the help they need to recover.