Morphine is a potent opiate pain medication that is highly effective for managing moderate to severe pain. Morphine is widely used in clinical settings, including post-surgery and for cancer treatment. While the clinical benefits of morphine cannot be denied, its powerful effects also make it highly addictive and subject to misuse and abuse.
Recovery Ranch PA is a leader in mental health and addiction treatment. Our location in southern Pennsylvania along the picturesque Susquehanna River provides an ideal setting for reconnecting with yourself to heal and grow. Our opiate addiction treatment program offers comprehensive, holistic treatment in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Call 717.969.9126 or reach out to us online to learn more about opiate addiction treatment options.
Is Morphine an Opioid?
Most people use the terms opioid and opiate interchangeably, but they are different. While all opiates are opioids, not all opioids are opiates.
Opiates are naturally derived from the opium poppy plant and include codeine, morphine, and semisynthetic drugs like heroin. Opioids are a broader classification of drugs that includes opiates and synthetic and semisynthetic drugs designed to mimic opiates. Methadone, oxycodone, and fentanyl are opioids. Therefore, morphine is both an opiate and an opioid.
Both classifications of drugs interact with the body’s opioid receptors and are highly effective at relieving pain. However, both also have an intense euphoric effect and a high risk of abuse and addiction. Opioids are also much more potent than opiates.
Central Elements of Morphine Abuse
Morphine abuse refers to using it in any way other than how it is prescribed. Many people mistakenly believe that, because it’s a prescription, they cannot become addicted to morphine and are caught off guard when it happens.
While opiate addiction is complex, the central elements include:
- Physical dependence – Chronic use of morphine can cause physical dependence, even when taken as prescribed. Physical dependence occurs when the body becomes reliant on the presence of morphine to function and goes through withdrawal symptoms when morphine use is reduced or stopped.
- Psychological dependence – Morphine triggers the release of dopamine, creating a sense of euphoria. Over time, morphine use overrides the brain’s natural dopamine delivery system. The absence of morphine creates psychological cravings for the drug to feel any sense of pleasure.
- Tolerance – Prolonged morphine abuse also leads to tolerance, meaning that higher and higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effects. Increased tolerance contributes to the cycle of addiction and the risk of overdose.
Morphine abuse and addiction have severe consequences for physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health, both short- and long-term.
Addressing Morphine Abuse in Treatment
Overcoming morphine abuse or addiction is complex and rarely successful without professional intervention. At Recovery Ranch PA, opiate addiction treatment begins with a medically supervised detox to help safely manage withdrawal symptoms in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Following detox, the real work of recovery begins. Through a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies, clients work to address morphine by:
- Uncovering the underlying issues that contributed to addiction
- Becoming educated about addiction and its effects
- Developing new habits and coping strategies
- Fostering interpersonal and communication skills
- Repairing damaged relationships
- Learning to establish healthy boundaries
- Nurturing self-esteem and self-worth
- Learning relapse prevention skills
Opiate addiction can have devastating consequences, including death. Many people struggling with addiction have co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and personality disorders. Recovery Ranch PA offers integrated care to address co-occurring conditions for more successful and lasting recovery outcomes.
Call Recovery Ranch PA Today for Opiate Addiction Treatment
Addiction can feel lonely and isolating. One of the most significant benefits of addiction treatment is the support of peers with shared experiences. At Recovery Ranch PA, we believe that clients who come to opiate addiction treatment with an open mind and commitment to healing can successfully break the cycle of addiction and lay the foundation for a lifetime of recovery.
If you or a loved one needs help, the experienced, compassionate treatment professionals at Recovery Ranch PA are here to support you. Call 717.969.9126 or contact us online to enroll in opiate addiction treatment today.
