Morphine Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Detox Treatment

The country has been dealing with a devastating opioid crisis in recent years, with opioids accounting for nearly 75% of overdose deaths in 2020, resulting in almost 69,000 deaths in that year alone. These deaths are caused by both illegal opioids and prescription medications such as morphine. While these powerful painkillers are initially prescribed to relieve severe pain, they frequently lead to crippling addiction.

Aside from the difficulties of addiction, the process of Morphine withdrawal and detox can be complex. While deciding to stop using morphine is a positive step, the early stages of recovery can be challenging. Withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable and frightening, require seeking help from specialized facilities to detox safely and effectively.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Morphine withdrawal symptoms, We Level Up Treatment Centers can help. Speak with our hotline specialists and discover the support and professional-accredited addiction treatment programs we offer.

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Dehydration, which can be fatal, may result from many of these symptoms. Temperature swings can also hinder seeking treatment, although medications can alleviate withdrawal discomfort. While Morphine withdrawal symptoms aren’t typically life-threatening, they can be highly intense.

The discomfort of withdrawal sometimes leads users to relapse. A Morphine treatment program with medical detox can assist users through the withdrawal process, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

• Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): Some individuals may experience lingering symptoms known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). These symptoms, which can include mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, may persist for an extended period and pose challenges to ongoing recovery.
• Social and Environmental Factors: Withdrawal from morphine may be accompanied by social and environmental challenges, including strained relationships, employment issues, and legal problems. These factors can contribute to stress and complicate the recovery process.

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How Opioids Affect the Body

Opioids adhere to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and digestive system, exerting their effects when attached to these receptors.

The brain naturally produces its opioids, which are responsible for various effects such as reducing pain, regulating respiratory rate, and even alleviating feelings of depression and anxiety.

However, the body’s natural production of opioids isn’t sufficient to address severe pain like that from a broken leg. Additionally, the body doesn’t generate opioids in quantities that would lead to an overdose. Opioid medications and recreational drugs replicate these naturally occurring opioids.

These drugs can affect the body in several ways:

• They may impact the brainstem, regulating functions like breathing and heart rate, potentially slowing breathing or suppressing coughing.
• They might act on specific brain areas, like the limbic system controlling emotions, causing feelings of pleasure or relaxation.
• Opioids reduce pain by affecting the spinal cord and transmitting messages between the brain and the body.

Causes of Opioid Withdrawal

Long-term opioid use results in the body becoming less responsive to the drug’s effects. With time, more of the drug is needed to achieve the same impact, raising the risk of accidental overdose.

Extended use alters nerve receptor function in the brain, leading to dependence on the drug for these receptors to operate.

If stopping opioid medication causes physical illness, it may suggest physical dependency on the substance. Withdrawal symptoms are the body’s reaction to the absence of the drug.

Many individuals become reliant on these drugs to evade pain or withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, people don’t recognize they’ve developed a dependence, mistaking withdrawal for flu-like symptoms or another ailment.

Morphine Addiction – Related Statistics

Despite declining prescription rates, opioid overdose deaths remain a significant public health concern. Many opioid-related deaths are attributed to the misuse of prescription opioids or illicit opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl. Unfortunately, Norco hydrocodone is included in the problem.

There is a need for increased access to evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapies, to address the addiction crisis effectively.

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Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which a drug or substance is absorbed into the bloodstream or becomes available at the site of action after administration. It measures the amount of the administered dose that enters the systemic circulation and can produce an effect.

Morphine Withdrawal Detox

Detoxifying from Morphine can be an uncomfortable process due to the range of physical and mental symptoms that define Morphine withdrawal. To ease the intensity of these symptoms, individuals are encouraged to undergo a medical detox program.

During medical detox, doctors oversee the individual’s health and create a tailored treatment approach to remove the drug from their system. The method of quitting, either abruptly stopping (“cold turkey”) or gradually reducing the dosage (tapering), is determined based on the person’s specific needs. Tapering off is often preferred as it typically results in milder withdrawal symptoms.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involving drugs like Naltrexone or Buprenorphine (Suboxone) can be employed to alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal. Methadone, a less potent opioid, might also be used as a substitute during the detox process.

Once the detox phase concludes, their physician assesses the individual’s health to determine readiness for discharge. If detox takes place in a treatment facility, the following steps often involve counseling and therapy to address the psychological aspects of their Morphine addiction. For those detoxing in a hospital or clinic setting, the subsequent phase may involve enrolling in an inpatient rehabilitation program or outpatient addiction treatment.

Morphine Addiction Treatment

Upon completing detox, individuals may undergo various therapies and treatments as part of an extensive treatment plan. Rehab after detox is crucial for addressing underlying addiction causes. Rehab occurs in different settings:

1. Residential or Inpatient Rehab: This involves residing onsite throughout treatment, receiving constant care, and participating in diverse therapies. Suited for severe addiction cases or those lacking supportive home environments.
2. Outpatient Rehab: Requires traveling to the facility for treatment and returning home afterward. Suitable for individuals with supportive environments and reliable transportation.

Ongoing medication maintenance is integral for maintaining sobriety and averting relapse. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone may be part of this maintenance. Naltrexone, functioning as an opioid antagonist, blocks opioid effects, preventing highs if opioids are used again.

Treatment for opioid use disorder encompasses diverse therapies and supports:

• Counseling: Addresses addiction-related issues.
• Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management (CM), or motivational interviewing foster positive behavioral changes.
• Family Therapy: Repairs relationships affected by addiction.
• Vocational Training: Assists in employment post-rehab.
• Case Management: Aids with social services such as securing basic needs and legal aid, allowing individuals to focus on recovery.

Aftercare is essential for ongoing recovery. Post-treatment, participating in individual counseling, mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP), attending support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), utilizing recovery apps, or engaging in recovery management checkups with treatment providers are beneficial.

Comprehensive treatment should address substance use and associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal issues tailored to individual needs.

Why Choose We Level Up Treatment Center?

At We Level Up Treatment Center, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to guiding you through every step of your recovery journey. We prioritize your well-being and provide a nurturing environment conducive to healing and growth.

Take the first step towards recovery today. Contact us to begin your journey to a drug-free life. You don’t have to face addiction alone—we are here to help you reclaim control and achieve lasting sobriety.

How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System?