Morphine withdrawal: The signs and treatment

Morphine is a powerful opioid used for pain relief. It works on the central nervous system, reducing the feeling of pain and producing a sense of euphoria.

Morphine is addictive due to the euphoric sensation it provides. The body develops a tolerance, requiring more morphine for the same effect. This leads to dependency. Short-term effects of morphine include pain relief, drowsiness, and decreased breathing. It can also cause nausea and constipation.

The greatest danger of morphine is the risk of overdose, which can cause respiratory problems and even lead to death.

Detoxing from morphine requires medical support and behavioral change. Withdrawal symptoms of morphine include extreme restlessness and physical pain. These symptoms can be very intense. It is crucial to seek a safe environment and professional help.

According to Een Vandaag, more than 600,000 Dutch people use strong painkillers such as oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, and buprenorphine. Research by the Institute for Responsible Drug Use shows that a quarter of these users are unaware that these medications are intended for short-term use and that there is a significant risk of addiction and severe side effects.

Why is morphine dangerous?

Morphine is dangerous because it is a potent opioid that can cause severe side effects. These range from rashes and urinary tract infections to extreme breathing problems. In higher doses, morphine can slow down breathing, which can lead to severe complications in people with asthma. Overdose is also possible and can result in slowed breathing, unconsciousness, and even death.

According to Zenz (1991), morphine is a very safe medication when prescribed correctly for chronic pain therapy. However, Caspi et al. (2019) report that morphine administration is associated with a significant dose-dependent risk of hospital mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation. This shows that while morphine can be useful in pain treatment, it also carries potentially lethal risks if not used carefully.

An addiction to morphine can be fatal. Opioid abuse increases the risk of overdose, especially if the user takes a higher dose than prescribed. In the case of a morphine overdose, naloxone, an opioid antidote, is administered to reverse the effects of morphine. If done promptly, the person almost always survives. However, if timely medical help is not provided, the overdose can be fatal.

What are the signs that someone is addicted to morphine?

Recognizing a morphine addiction is challenging, but there are clear signs. Psychological symptoms include a strong preoccupation with morphine, even though it causes or worsens problems. The addict may withdraw from social circles and family, neglecting personal responsibilities. The craving for morphine becomes so strong that the person seeks out risky situations to obtain the drug.

Physical signs include an increased tolerance for morphine, leading to higher intake. The inability to stop or reduce intake, despite attempts, is a key indicator of addiction.

Behavioral changes may also point to an addiction. The person may spend more time acquiring and using morphine at the expense of normal activities. There may be a reduced ability to work or study. The individual may feel isolated and withdraw from regular social interactions.

How to wean off morphine addiction?

Detoxing from a morphine addiction is a complex process that requires professional help. It involves steps such as detoxification, behavioral therapy, and aftercare.

Detoxification is the first step, where the body removes morphine. This requires medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort. Medications like naltrexone can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Behavioral therapy is the next step, where individuals learn how to cope with their addiction. This involves identifying triggers and developing strategies to manage them.

Aftercare is an ongoing process that provides support after rehabilitation. This may include support groups like Narcotics Anonymous, which offer a sense of community and a safe space to share experiences and struggles.

Helping someone detox from a morphine addiction on your own is difficult. Treatment in a clinic yields the best results. This approach combines medical and behavioral therapy to manage the addiction.

How to help someone detox from morphine?

Helping someone detox from morphine starts with acknowledging the problem.

1. Step 1: Encourage the person to seek medical help. Detoxing from morphine is a difficult journey that requires medical guidance.
2. Step 2: Provide emotional support. Listening to the person and showing understanding for their ups and downs is crucial in their recovery process.
3. Step 3: Offer guidance. It’s important to help the person adopt healthy habits and educate them about the risks of morphine addiction.
4. Step 4: Provide care during withdrawal symptoms. This is a necessary step in the process and can be difficult for the person.

Finally, improving the person’s overall health is an ongoing effort. It helps them recover better and reduces the chances of relapse.

What happens during the treatment of morphine addiction in a rehab center?

In a rehab center, morphine addiction is professionally treated. The treatment typically involves a combination of medical detoxification and behavioral therapy. Medical detox helps individuals safely and comfortably withdraw under the supervision of professionals. Medications are used to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral therapy is an important part of the treatment. This may range from individual therapy to group therapy. The therapy helps manage stress and develop skills to prevent relapse.

There are rehab centers in both the US, UK and abroad that treat morphine addiction. These centers offer a supportive environment and a variety of services to promote recovery. Treatment is typically structured and involves a holistic approach.

Key features of these centers include offering individualized treatment plans, maintaining a safe environment, and providing aftercare. Aftercare is essential in helping the recovered addict maintain sobriety.

Can international clinics help with morphine detox?

Yes, international clinics can help you detox from morphine. They offer professional support, are equipped with specialized programs, and often have shorter waiting times compared to national centers.

It’s important to note that not all clinics are the same. Some are better equipped to treat people struggling with morphine addiction. Therefore, it’s advisable to do thorough research before making a choice.

International treatment centers provide a wide range of services, including medical and behavioral support, aftercare, and holistic treatments. They offer specialized care and support, and often have shorter waiting times.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of morphine?

The most common withdrawal symptoms of morphine are both physical and emotional in nature. Physical symptoms include excessive tearing, a runny nose, goosebumps, muscle aches, loose watery stools, stomach issues, and vomiting. Additionally, there may be autonomic symptoms such as dilated pupils, light sensitivity, sleep problems, increased nerve activity, tachycardia, hypertension, elevated body temperature, rapid breathing, and excessive yawning.

It’s important to emphasize that morphine withdrawal symptoms may differ from those associated with other drugs.

How does detoxing from morphine differ from other drugs?

Detoxing from morphine differs from other drugs in several ways. It involves a higher risk of overdose, particularly if the person relapses and uses the same dose as before. The withdrawal symptoms are also unique, with signs like lacrimation (tearing), pupil dilation, and autonomic reactions such as slowed breathing.

The approach to treating morphine addiction is also different from detoxing from other drugs. Individuals typically need both medical and behavioral support, along with a personalized treatment plan. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with drugs like naltrexone can help manage cravings.