Morphine Abuse Treatment
What is Morphine?
Morphine is often considered to be the original opioid painkiller, which dates back as far as 1805. It is commonly used today by doctors for relief of pain associated with surgeries, cancers or for ongoing pain management. Morphine can absorb into the body quickly and, like other opioids, changes the way the brain responds to pain. Just like other opioid painkillers, tolerance happens quickly which leads to abuse and dependence. Unfortunately, morphine is a powerfully addictive narcotic and has become widespread on the streets.
Many doctors are unfortunately uneducated in the dangers of opioids, or, how to safely monitor and prescribe them. In our over medicated culture, pain killers tend to be handed out like candy, with little education. When dependence or addiction sets in, many general doctors are not properly equipped to help.
How Morphine Addiction Develops
Like other opioids, individuals will develop a tolerance over time, which turns into a need for more and that propels them into dependence. Once dependence has started,the pain of withdrawal, or the inability to cope without the substance takes on a full blown addiction. Most people do not even realize that they are developing the tolerance that sets the whole chain reaction into motion.
A lot of times, the fault lies in the general doctor or healthcare provider. Commonly, patients will run into the following problems or experience with their MD:
- They don’t have experience recognizing the signs of morphine dependence
- Doctors don’t realize that their patients are developing morphine tolerance
- They do not properly wean the patient off of morphine and then on to non-narcotic medications or provide relief therapies
- Doctors are over prescribing or giving longer prescriptions than they should
- Have not worked in a residential or intensive outpatient (IOP) substance abuse detoxification and rehabilitation treatment center for at least 1 year
The last note is a best case scenario – but it is very helpful for medical professionals to understand exactly what the drugs they are prescribing do and how to help them!
Side Effects of Regular Use
Therapeutic use of morphine for a very short period of time in people with no history of substance abuse isn’t usually associated with opioid addiction. Regular side effects of morphine use may include:
- Cramps
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
- Constricted pupils
- Fever
- Elevated blood pressure
- Thirst
- Swelling
- Muscle spasms and pain
Morphine Misuse
Morphine is a Schedule II drug that is abused orally, snorted, smoked or injected. When broken down and processed, morphine becomes heroin. Due to be so chemically similar, they share very similar risks when it comes to addiction and withdrawal. Due to being the original painkiller, with a long history of use and misuse, it is often the standard when it comes to understanding other opioids.
- Hydrocodone = morphine
- Oxycodone is 1.5 times stronger than morphine
- Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine
Side Effects of Abuse
Morphine misuse is associated with relaxation and euphoria. It’s like alcohol in a pill. Morphine brand names include: Avinza, Kadian, Ms Contin, Morphabond. There are also many street names for morphine including: Dreamer, Emsel, First Line, God’s Drug, Hows, M.S., Mister Blue, Morf, Morpho, Unkie.
Overusing and abusing morphine can result in some dramatic effects:
- Face swelling
- Finger swelling
- Elevated blood pressure
- Fever
- Impaired Focus
- Difficulty breathing
- Blue nails
- Blue lips
During severe overdose to morphine or any similarly powerful opiate, your breath will become increasingly shallow and you will begin to lack oxygen. This creates a nearly bluish tint to your skin, nails and lips. If you ever see a friend or loved one get to this point, it is vital to call 911 immediately.
Behaviors
Morphine dependent people compulsively seek morphine or any suitable opioid substitute. Despite the health, legal and social consequences often associated with their addiction. Many times this leads to using street narcotics, or seeking multiple doctors to get as many prescriptions as possible. If you see any erratic behaviors, financial difficulties or reduction in health, there is a chance that an opiate addiction is present. Due to the harsh nature of opioid withdrawal, we recommend medically assisted detox from a licensed and professional facility, such as Royal Life Detox.
Morphine Detox
The first stage of recovery from any drug is the detox phase. Detoxing from powerful opiates is a challenging process without medical assistance. Medical detox typically lasts 5-10 days, though some side effects of the withdrawal may persist. Although it is severely unpleasant, withdrawal is not usually life threatening as it is with Valium or alcohol. Serious side effects, such as seizures or hallucinations may occur if quitting cold turkey which is why it is advised to always work with a medical team.
Withdrawal
Many factors will affect the severity and duration of withdrawal, even when you choose to medically detox. Your age, overall health and how much you’ve been abusing will all change one person’s experience from another. Symptoms of withdrawal can start as early as 6 hours after the last dose and persist for 10 days or more (in more serious cases).
Symptoms of Withdrawal:
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Dilated pupils
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Delusions
Recovery
Once medical detox has been complete, it is important to start regular ongoing treatment and therapy to better understand morphine and drug dependence. In doing so, you will continue to learn coping mechanisms and tactics to prevent relapse. The programs offered at Royal Life Detox helps to promote a lasting, sober lifestyle through sobriety and beyond. Our addiction specialists are dedicated to providing the best case available. Our holistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy incorporates individual and group sessions. We use other holistic methods, such as art, music and animal therapy to help our guests to learn to express themselves and communicate. At Royal Life Detox, we believe that emotional healing is just as important as physical healing. Our treatment features state-of-the-art activity, movement, and adventure therapies to create one program that treats mind, body, and spirit.
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