Morphine Addiction & Treatment

Morphine Detoxification

Morphine is an opiate analgesic pain medication used for the treatment of moderate or severe pain. Because this particular painkiller is so potent, it is typically only utilized when other, less habit-forming medications have been rendered ineffective. Even individuals who take the medication exactly as prescribed are at risk of developing a physical dependence. Those who use the medication recreationally are at risk of a host of serious complications and personal consequences, including the development of a morphine use disorder and the potential of a lethal overdose. If you or someone you know has been struggling with morphine misuse or dependence, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help.

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Morphine is exceedingly difficult to quit without professional intervention and dedication to a longer term treatment plan. This is predominantly because symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal can be so severe. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we effectively treat symptoms of morphine withdrawal as soon as they develop, providing clients with a safe and comfortable detox and actively preparing them to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. Contact us today to learn more.

Morphine is a potent painkiller utilized as a short-term treatment option for moderate or severe pain. Because morphine is both potent and habit-forming,  it is generally used in moderation and only when the use of other pain medications has been unsuccessful. 

Morphine works by attaching to pain receptors within the brain, affecting the way pain signals are transmitted to the central nervous system. This changes the way the brain perceives pain while simultaneously producing a euphoric effect. When used as prescribed by a licensed physician, morphine is generally safe and effective. It is most commonly prescribed for acute pain either during or following medical procedures, following invasive surgeries, or directly after an individual has sustained a serious injury. Even when used as directed by a medical professional, morphine can be habit-forming when taken for an extended period of time. 

Individuals who are using morphine recreationally or other than as prescribed are liable to develop a physical tolerance, meaning that a higher dose of the drug is required in order to produce the same effect. As soon as tolerance begins to develop, the individual is at increased risk of developing a diagnosable substance use disorder.

Taking more morphine than prescribed or taking the medication without a legitimate prescription can lead to overdose. Symptoms associated with prescription painkiller overdose include shallow breathing, respiratory depression, bluish lips and fingernails, loss of consciousness, coma, and stroke. It is crucial that emergency medical care is sought immediately in the case of a morphine overdose. 

Common side effects associated with morphine use include:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness. 
• Nausea and vomiting. 
• Constipation. 
• Confusion and difficulty concentrating.
• Dry mouth. 
• Persistent headaches. 

More serious side effects can occur. If you have been taking morphine as prescribed by a medical professional and you have been experiencing side effects, contact your prescribing physician as soon as possible. If you believe you have developed a physical dependence and you have been exhibiting symptoms associated with a diagnosable morphine use disorder, we are available to help. 

Those who have been misusing morphine will begin to experience the following symptoms shortly after the final dose. 

• Watery eyes and a runny nose, along with other flu-like symptoms.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Muscle aches and cramping.
• Joint pain.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.
• Insomnia and other sleep-related issues.
• Disorientation and confusion.
• Suicidal ideation. 

The symptoms associated with morphine withdrawal can lead to life-threatening complications when not closely monitored by a team of licensed medical specialists. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we have extensive experience treating morphine withdrawal symptoms of all severities, and we offer around-the-clock care to ensure symptoms are treated as soon as they develop. 

What should you expect from the morphine detox process? When you make the decision to seek professional help, you will be guided through the process every step of the way. The first step is undergoing an initial assessment, which will help our clinical team determine whether or not our program is the best fit for you. On the day of your arrival you will undergo a more detailed evaluation, and you will be given the opportunity to relax in your bedroom until you feel well enough to participate in the addiction treatment services we provide as part of our comprehensive program. Your vitals will be checked regularly, and symptoms will be treated as soon as they develop. Over the course of your stay you will work directly with a case manager who will help you develop an aftercare plan and ensure all of your personal needs are being met. 

At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we offer a combination of proven treatment modalities, delivering an integrated program of recovery that concerns more than physical stabilization and alleviation of withdrawal-related discomfort. For those suffering from a moderate or severe morphine use disorder, the following treatment options typically come recommended.

• Medical detox. In medical detox a person undergoes a safe and comfortable morphine withdrawal under the close supervision of a team of medical and therapeutic professionals. 
• Residential inpatient treatment. This is the most intensive treatment option; residential programs typically last for between 30 and 90 days depending on the needs of the individual. Most inpatient programs incorporate individual, group, and family therapy, 12 Step program education and involvement, and holistic treatment modalities to provide a comprehensive treatment experience. 
• Partial hospitalization. This level of care is a step down from inpatient treatment, and includes full days of intensive therapeutic care (usually 7 days a week) with the freedom to return home in the evenings. 
• Intensive outpatient treatment. Also known as IOP, this level of care is ideal for those who have completed a short stay in medical detox and are looking for a flexible treatment option with an ample amount of personal freedom. IOP is ideal for those with a short-lived substance use disorder and no co-occurring issues. 

• Outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment, or OP, is one more step down from IOP, with group sessions typically only meeting between 2 or 3 times a week for several hours. This level of care is often recommended after IOP, and is ideal for those who are full-time caretakers or who work full-time and require flexibility. 

• Aftercare. Because substance use disorders are chronic health conditions, ongoing treatment is necessary to longer term recovery. Most aftercare plans consist of ongoing involvement in a peer support group (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Recovery Dharma), ongoing individual therapy, and ongoing psychiatric intervention when necessary. Aftercare plans also include a transition into the next appropriate level of care, whether that is residential rehab, PHP, or IOP. 

• 12 Step program involvement. While many recovering individuals choose to participate in a 12 Step recovery program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, there are numerous other options available. Peer support is often an important part of most aftercare plans. 
• Individual therapy and/or ongoing psychiatric services. Because many individuals who suffer from a morphine use disorder simultaneously struggle with co-occurring issues, ongoing therapy and/or psychiatric care often come recommended.

Addiction recovery is a multi-staged process and should include more than a short stay in a medically monitored detox. While morphine detox is an important first step on the road to recovery, it should always be followed by a comprehensive program of treatment and aftercare in order to be effective long-term. Once a client has been physically stabilized we work with them closely to determine which subsequent treatment option is the best fit. We then help them smoothly transition into the next appropriate level of care. Transitioning from detox directly into an inpatient rehab center has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse significantly. 

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a morphine use disorder of any severity, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our medically monitored drug and alcohol detox program was designed with client comfort in mind. We provide our clients with a safe, pain-free opioid withdrawal in a therapeutic setting, actively preparing them to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. As soon as you make the decision to reach out for help you will be put in contact with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors, who will help you determine whether or not our morphine detox program is right for you. If we believe our program is a good fit, we will proceed with a brief pre-assessment and a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check. We accept coverage from most major national health insurance providers as well as most regional providers throughout New Jersey and surrounding areas. To learn more about morphine addiction and treatment or to begin your own personal journey of morphine addiction recovery, contact us today.