For those considering detox from morphine, they may ask how long it takes to detox from it. A substance many drugs are modeled after or made from, morphine is a non-synthetic prescription opioid marketed in oral, injectable, and tablet forms. In addition, morphine is a powerful painkiller and produces a euphoric high when abused. However, tolerance to morphine quickly builds, followed by the brain and body being dependent in a short time. Finally, detox from morphine generally lasts 5 to 10 days.
What is Morphine?
“More than 60% of Morphine addicts admitted to getting the drug from friends or relatives.” Morphine is the standardized treatment for those who manage pain and become tolerant to other opioids. In addition, the DEA classifies morphine at the highest level of controlled substances, Schedule II.
Furthermore, there is a high likelihood of abuse because of physical and mental dependency development. Above all, the question of the desirability of the drug states The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) claims morphine starts working within 155 minutes and lasts for 4 to 6 hours.
Brand names of morphine include the following:
- Kadian
- RMS
- MSIR
- Oramorph SR
- Roxanol
- MS-Contin
Street names for morphine include the following:
- Dreamer
- MS
- God’s Drug
- Mr. Blue
- First line
- Emsel
- Emma
- China White
- Unkie
- Morpho and Morf
Effects of Morphine on the Mind And Body
In determining how long it takes to detox from morphine, there are determinants to consider, just like any other drug detox. For example, morphine can be in pill form, smoked, snorted, or injected. In addition, dosages and length of addiction are essential factors in detox time. Finally, dependency on morphine changes the chemistry of the brain. Flooding the brain with dopamine causes a drastic effect on heart rate, respiration levels, blood pressure, and body temperature.
The desired effect of morphine, when used for illicit reasons, is an immediate sense of euphoria, mellow feelings, and relaxation. But, first, the brain becomes accustomed to the altered chemistry. In addition, being accustomed to high levels of morphine to induce happiness, the belief forms that increasing the dosage of morphine, the happier you become. However, this impaired level of thinking can lead to tolerance, dependence, overdose, and possibly death.
Signs and Symptoms of Morphine Addiction
Before a morphine user can think about how long it takes to detox from morphine, a medical or treatment professional needs to make an assessment. First, deciding on how the intentional or unintentional addiction began is vital. For example, researchers have already found that overprescribing opiates and medications to control chronic pain is a driving force. In addition, the person abusing morphine may have a chronic pain problem to consider.
For those who began using morphine as a prescription to resolve pain, the following signs and symptoms can indicate a morphine addiction:
- Increased dosage of morphine: Normally, doctors prescribe the lowest dose possible to control pain. Taking a more significant amount is an indication of tolerance.
- Doctor shopping occurs: Doctors are responsible for keeping accurate records to support the prescriptions they write. Therefore, when doctors do not give out additional medication, patients go to other doctors to receive drugs elsewhere.
- Health problems can develop: signs and symptoms of morphine abuse result in physical side effects from high dosages, higher blood pressure, respiratory distress, and overdose.
- Mixing with other drugs or alcohol: mixing substances is a sure sign of drug abuse or addiction. This is also a sign that drug use is no longer medically based but has become recreational.
Morphine Withdrawal
Morphine withdrawal begins when morphine stops being effective in the bloodstream. In addition, it is challenging to predict how long it takes to detox from morphine because each user has individual factors that influence detox. However, fast-onset drugs like morphine have early withdrawal signs and symptoms soon after the last dose, generally 6 to 12 hours later. Subsequently, the initial symptoms can include the following early withdrawal.
Early withdrawal signs and symptoms can include:
- Runny nose or the sniffles
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Tearing up
A general description of how long it takes to detox from morphine includes the peak withdrawal signs and symptoms occurring 48 to 72 hours from the last dose. Consequently, the physical side effects represent similar feelings from a horrible case of the flu. As a result, medically monitored detox is completely necessary to be safe. Finally, in some cases, medication may be needed to lessen the severity of the symptoms, which will last 7 to 10 days.
The following symptoms are more severe during withdrawal from morphine:
- Chills, goosebumps, and restlessness
- Heightened blood pressure and heart rate
- Depression, anxiety, irritability, and drug cravings
- Inability to feel pleasure, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and insomnia
- Muscle pain, tremors, and sneezing
- Extreme emotions
The Morphine Detox Timeline
The morphine detox timeline can offer insights into how long it takes to detox from morphine. But, first, the detox process is individual. Secondly, factors such as length of addiction, dosages, physical condition, and if any other drugs were used are a consideration. Finally, the most general timeframe is five to seven days for most people.
The following stages describe how long it takes to detox from morphine:
- Stage 1: The first 12 hours after the last dose of morphine, includes the first day of strong cravings producing extreme anxiety and agitation.
- Stage 2: From 12 to 48 hours, in the first 2 days, the physical withdrawal symptoms from opioids begin. The most unpleasant physical symptoms can be overwhelming. These symptoms are a sign of detoxification. There is a high possibility of relapse in this stage.
- Stage 3: Peak physical symptoms occur from 48 to 120 hours. The length depends on addiction and physical health. Medical supervision is essential. The brain begins to refigure its chemistry, and emotions run very high through this stage.
- Stage 4: A successful detox is over 120 hours. The drug should be out of the body’s system.
Treatment continues after detox to learn healthy coping mechanisms for relapse prevention. First, individual therapy will help understand why the addiction happened. Then, triggers are identified, learning how to counter-act triggers with positive coping mechanisms. Finally, group therapy is incorporated into the plan, but a treatment plan must be securely placed after detox.
Find Help Detoxing from Morphine in Tennessee
Detox is a challenging process. When looking into treatment options, facilities, centers, and even outpatient programs, Detox West in Tennessee offers specialists in detox to design your treatment plan. In addition, we understand the intensity of breaking an addiction through detox and provide compassionate care. Our goal is your goal—finding a clear path to living a sober lifestyle.
Finally, our center invites you to contact us to discuss any questions and move forward with the treatment process.