How to Detox from Morphine Safely
Morphine is a non-synthetic opioid listed as a Schedule II narcotic, meaning it has recognized medical benefits when taken as prescribed.
Derived from the opium flower, morphine is a legal prescription medication and is administered intravenously or by mouth in liquid or tablet form. Still, it can also be highly addicting if misused.
Morphine detox and addiction treatment is a complicated process that can be uncomfortable, especially regarding the initial withdrawal symptoms.
For your physical and mental health, participating in a morphine medical detox can make your recovery journey a bit easier.
If you or someone you love is suffering from morphine addiction, Zinnia Health can help. Our caring team can answer your questions — call us at (855) 430-9439 to have a confidential conversation about your treatment options.
What is a Morphine Detox?
When someone has taken a powerful opioid like morphine multiple times, the body can become physically dependent on the drug. Changes in brain chemistry mark physical dependence.
Once these changes happen, quitting “cold turkey” simply isn’t an option.
Recovering from morphine use after physical dependence forms mean going through the unavoidable symptoms of withdrawal.
Physical dependence can form in anyone taking morphine, including those taking it as prescribed.
However, because morphine can cause feelings of elation and euphoria, psychological dependence (also known as addiction) can form.
If someone is suffering from morphine addiction, which is officially classified as opioid use disorder (OUD), the withdrawal process also involves psychological symptoms.
Because the symptoms of morphine withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and even life-threatening (like if intense cravings lead to relapse), seeking medical care to help you through the withdrawal process is important.
When the withdrawal process is overseen by professionals, like the staff members of a residential treatment facility, it’s known as a medical detox.
If you have questions about the available treatment options, Zinnia Health can provide answers. Contact our team at (855) 430-9439 for more information.
How Long Will a Morphine Detox Last?
Morphine quickly binds to receptors in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood, well-being, and pain sensations.
Without the drug, withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as six hours after the last dose of morphine was taken.
Within the first five days, symptoms of morphine withdrawal will peak, and for most people, symptoms begin to gradually ease up within two weeks after cessation.
Some people will experience lingering depression after quitting morphine, and it is critical for these people to get help from medical professionals.
Without it, the risk of suicide, self-harm, and addiction relapse is high. Most people who’ve quit using an opioid will experience long-lasting cravings for the drug. Ongoing maintenance is a must for any recovering opioid addict.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms During a Morphine Detox?
Morphine, like other opioids, can cause several withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Flu-like symptoms, including runny nose
- Lingering drug cravings
- Sweating
- Depression
- Mood swings
Depending on how long you’ve been using morphine and how much you typically take, these withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe and even unbearable if you’re trying to face them alone.
What Types of Treatment Are Used During a Morphine Detox?
Morphine is a powerful opioid, and the withdrawal symptoms experienced during the detoxification process can be very severe.
If you work with the right treatment center, they can help minimize the effects of morphine withdrawal.
Deciding where you wish to receive substance abuse treatment is the first step in finding the right treatment program. Your options include:
- Inpatient recovery at a hospital supported by full-time medical staff
- Inpatient recovery at a residential facility supported by medical and clinical staff
- Outpatient recovery at home, where you attend therapies and meetings
It’s tough to manage opioid withdrawal in an outpatient program, so you will most likely go through the detox process in an inpatient facility.
If you go through detox at a hospital, you will typically be discharged to a residential facility or outpatient program in 1-2 weeks.
If you go through detox at a residential facility, they can help you connect with the treatment services you need to transition back home on your own schedule.
Another factor to consider for opioid detox is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This process is when addiction centers give individuals special medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
While a MAT detox is not common with outpatient treatment, your treatment provider can discuss your options and explain how suboxone, methadone, or another medication could help you through recovery.
Can You Detox from Morphine at Home or Not?
This isn’t recommended. Long-term addicts have become physically dependent on the drug, and without it, they can experience dangerous and sudden changes in blood pressure and breathing rate.
A lack of gradual cessation in a medical detox can cause depression and make any symptoms of withdrawal much worse.
In medical detox, doctors can prescribe replacement drugs or gradually taper patients off morphine to lessen withdrawal symptoms.
How to Find a Morphine Detox Center Near Me
Zinnia Health has made it easy to find a morphine detox center near you. We offer addiction treatment programs at facilities around the country.
To find one near you, click here and type in the kind of treatment you’re looking for and your state.
Some considerations you should keep in mind when finding a morphine detox and treatment facility include:
- Ask about the substance use disorders they are experienced with
- Discuss how treatment plans are structured
- Check if they accept your insurance provider or if they offer payment plans
- Inquire about behavioral therapy, individual therapy, and other supports available
- Have them walk you through the admissions process
- Confirm that they have accredited medical professionals on staff
The best treatment facilities have a 24/7 helpline to call if you have questions.
They should also have abundant resources available online to help explain the recovery process and the specific therapies, techniques, and methodologies they can offer you during treatment.
Recovering from morphine addiction takes personalized treatment. Zinnia Health can help. Contact us at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about morphine addiction and recovery.
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