What is Hydromorphone?
Hydromorphone is approximately 7.5 times more potent than oral morphine, which is prescribed and often used by palliative care specialists. Being an opioid of very high strength, it is also highly addictive.
Available in the UK under brand names such as Palladone, the drug is available in both immediate-release and modified-release oral capsules. It is typically prescribed when first-line opioids like morphine or diamorphine are ineffective or not well-tolerated by patients.
If you find yourself with an addiction to Hydromorphone or other related opioids, you should seek help at the earliest opportunity.
Hydromorphone, also known by its brand name Palladone, is a potent opioid analgesic prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It is commonly used in clinical settings for patients experiencing acute postoperative pain, cancer-related pain, or chronic conditions where alternative treatments have proven ineffective.
Hydromorphone works by binding to the brain’s mu-opioid receptors, altering the perception of pain and triggering the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. The drug is much more potent than morphine, making it both highly effective as a pain relief capsule, but also particularly susceptible to misuse.
In the UK, Hydromorphone is classified as a Class A controlled substance, reflecting its high potential for abuse and the legal consequences associated with its unlawful possession or distribution.
Key Factors Leading to Addiction:
- Tolerance: Over time, users may require higher doses to achieve the same effect.
- Dependence: The body adapts to the drug, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped.
Misuse: Taking the drug in higher doses, more frequently, or via non-prescribed methods (e.g., crushing and injecting tablets) increases the risk of addiction.
How Hydromorphone Addiction Develops
As addiction specialists, we often meet people who never imagined they could become dependent on a medication like hydromorphone. Many of them started using it exactly as prescribed, for real pain, often after surgery, injury, or during cancer treatment. Hydromorphone is a very strong painkiller, and it works fast, which makes it helpful for severe pain. But because it’s so powerful, it also carries a high risk of dependence, even when used properly.
At first, the medication does what it’s supposed to do: it helps manage the pain. But over time, the body can get used to it. This means the same dose doesn’t work as well anymore, so the person may feel like they need to take more just to get the same relief. That’s called building a tolerance. Along with tolerance, the body can also become dependent, so if you happen to miss a dose, you may start to feel sick, anxious, or uncomfortable. These withdrawal symptoms can make it really hard to stop or even reduce the dose.
Sometimes, people start taking hydromorphone not just for physical pain, but also for emotional relief. It might help them relax, sleep, or feel less stressed. That’s when the risk of addiction increases. They might begin taking it more often than prescribed, or they may feel like they have to take it just to get through the day. This is because the brain has started to rely on the drug, and that’s something that can happen to anyone.
Addiction doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It means your body and brain have responded in a very human way to a very strong medicine. With the proper support, people do recover. We use a mix of treatments, including safe medications, counselling, and emotional support, to help you feel better, regain control, and heal.
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Asana Lodge is a leading UK-based expert in Private Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment. Find out how we can help by contacting our friendly team today.
Recognising the Signs of Hydromorphone Addiction
While addiction can affect anyone, recognising the symptoms early allows for timely intervention and support. Common signs of Hydromorphone addiction include:
- Constant cravings
- Mood swings, depression, or anxiety
- Withdrawal from responsibilities
- Decline in hygiene and personal care
- Doctor shopping or seeking illegal sources
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- Muscle pain and tremors
- Sweating and chills
- Insomnia and irritability
The Rehab Process at Asana Lodge
Overcoming Hydromorphone addiction is possible with the right care, structure, and environment. At Asana Lodge, we provide personalised, science-led rehabilitation programmes designed to address the underlying causes of addiction and support long-term recovery.
Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment
Upon admission, clients undergo a thorough physical and psychological assessment to evaluate the extent of addiction, mental health history, and any co-occurring disorders. This allows us to create a personal treatment plan.
Step 2: Medically Supervised Detox
Withdrawal from Hydromorphone can be intense and sometimes dangerous. We provide a 24/7 medically managed detox to ensure safety and comfort, using clinically approved medications to ease symptoms and prevent complications.
Step 3: Psychological Therapy
Once the body is cleared of the drug, we begin intensive psychological therapy to treat the root causes of addiction. Therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Family counselling and relapse prevention planning
Step 4: Holistic & Wellness Therapies
At Asana Lodge, we incorporate a range of holistic treatments to restore balance and promote healing. Clients benefit from:
- Nutritional therapy
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Art and music therapy
- Yoga and physical fitness programmes
Step 5: Aftercare & Ongoing Support
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment concludes. We offer a structured aftercare plan including ongoing therapy sessions, peer support groups, and relapse prevention strategies to ensure our clients maintain progress well into the future.
Get Help Today
Contact us today to take the first step towards a happier and healthier life free from addiction. Alternatively, call us on 01908 489 421.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rehab work?
Residential rehab is one of the most effective ways to overcome your addictive disorder for the long-term. However, as mentioned earlier, you need to be committed to the process of recovery for it to have the necessary impact. Without being prepared to change how you live at the moment, then you cannot hope to benefit from any form of addition treatment. Addiction treatment is based around making positive changes to your physiology and psychology, so without being ready to change you have little hope of achieving the necessary end result.
What is a medically assisted detox?
Drug or alcohol detox is the process of slowly and safely removing the harmful toxins from your body caused by substances. Medication is administered to help ease the worst of the withdrawal symptoms you will experience when detoxing. It is a safe process and gives you a much better chance at long-term recovery, rather than going cold turkey.
What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is when an addiction issue and a mental health condition are present at the same time. This is quite common and there can be a complex relationship between mental health and addiction, with each influencing the other. They can often be treated together with dual diagnosis treatment.
