Medically Assisted
Morphine Detox

Are you or someone you love considering a morphine detox? At Guardian Recovery’s Tampa Addiction Center we understand how agonizing morphine withdrawal can be — the hot-cold flashes,  gooseflesh, restlessness, twitchy legs, stomach cramps, body aches, mental anguish — the symptoms make quitting feel impossible. The key to overcoming this obstacle is a medication assisted medical detox. At Guardian Recovery we make morphine withdrawal as pain-free and comfortable as possible. Clients detox in a serene, supportive, homestyle environment. Beyond physical stabilization, Guardian Recovery emphasizes the importance of developing a hopeful path forward in recovery. At our Tampa Addiction Center we first and foremost provide a safe, pain-free detox, then we get to work putting together a plan for longterm sobriety. We perform an in-depth initial evaluation and tailor a treatment plan unique to each clients needs and recovery goals. We introduce our clients to the 12-steps, begin therapy and offer holistic treatments like acupuncture, meditation and yoga. Every client leaves with a firm foundation on which to build their ongoing recovery.

The Opioid Epidemic

Over the course of the past decade, rates of opioid abuse and overdose have been on the rise. Both heroin and prescription opioids are fueling what has become widely known as a nationwide epidemic – one that is responsible for roughly 130 deaths every single day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The same report suggests that the number of overdose deaths was four times higher in 2018 than it was 1999, and that in 2018 there were a total of 67,367 overdose deaths throughout the country. Of these fatalities roughly 70 percent were directly linked to opioid narcotics like morphine. Morphine is a prescription medication most commonly prescribed to treat severe and chronic pain. Morphine is potent and habit-forming, and even men and women who take this medication exactly as prescribed are at risk of physical and psychological dependence. This specific medication is rarely prescribed outside of a hospital setting, where it is administered under the guidance of an experienced team of medical professionals. However, morphine dependence is still a fairly common occurrence, and it can lead to severe personal consequences when not adequately treated in a medically monitored detox facility.

What is Morphine?

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, morphine is a non-synthetic narcotic opioid that is derived from opium, and can be administered in a variety of ways – either orally (in a tablet form or tincture form), intravenously (injected directly into the veins) or as a suppository. (2) Morphine is extremely potent and habit-forming, and taking more than the recommended dose or combining the substance with alcohol or other drugs can easily result in overdose. Symptoms indicative of a morphine overdose include excessive sleepiness, a slowed pulse, respiratory depression, cold and clammy skin, coma and potential death. Despite all of its side effects (including the risk of physical and psychological dependence), this medication is considered irreplaceable by most medical professionals when it comes to the treatment of chronic cancer-related pain.

If you believe that you or someone you love has been struggling with a morphine abuse disorder, there are several signs and symptoms to look for that indicate professional addiction treatment has become necessary.

Morphine Addiction
Signs & Symptoms

The most common warning signs and physical/behavioral symptoms associated with morphine abuse and addiction include:

• Taking morphine in higher doses than intended, and for longer periods of time than intended 
• Continuing to use morphine despite the accumulation of personal consequences 
• An inability to cut back on use or quit using morphine entirely 
• Spending a great deal of time obtaining the drug, using the drug and recovering from its physical effects 
• Experiencing intense morphine cravings 
• Compromised functioning at work, school or at home as a direct result of excessive morphine use (day-to-day responsibilities are being neglected)
• An increase in risk-taking and otherwise dangerous behaviors, like using morphine before getting behind the wheel of a car or continuing to use despite medical advice to stop use entirely 
• Experiencing negative physical and psychological effects as a direct result of overuse
• Experiencing a range of consequences that might be legal, financial or interpersonal 
• Developing a physical morphine tolerance over time, with repeated use 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when morphine use is stopped abruptly 

What to Expect From Morphine Withdrawal

The symptoms associated with morphine withdrawal are not typically dangerous or life-threatening, but they can be very uncomfortable when not adequately treated in a medically monitored detox facility. Many people continue using morphine simply to avoid withdrawal symptoms, seeing as they can be so unpleasant. Withdrawal symptoms can be broken down into two categories – early symptoms and late symptoms.

The early symptoms generally begin within the first 24 hours after the final dose, and include:

• Restlessness
• Agitation and irritability 
• Runny nose and watery eyes 
• Profuse sweating 
• Excessive yawning 
• A disrupted sleep schedule 
• Minor muscle aches and pains

The late symptoms of morphine withdrawal are significantly more severe, and can include:

• Dilated pupils 
• Chills and goosebumps
• Severe abdominal cramping 
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• High blood pressure 
• Increased heart rate 

Symptoms associated with the later stage of withdrawal generally only remain severe for around 72 hours before they begin to subside. However, it is important that detox is never attempted in an at-home setting, and that professional, medically monitored detox is always sought. For more information reach out to Guardian Recovery today.

Is Medically Monitored Detox Necessary For Morphine Withdrawal?

Medically monitored detox is always necessary when it comes to morphine withdrawal. With a combination of medication assisted treatment, intensive therapy and proven holistically-based detox methods, symptoms can be effectively alleviated and a safe, pain-free morphine withdrawal can be achieved. The symptoms associated with morphine withdrawal can also be extremely unpredictable, and because of this they must be closely monitored. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the substance abuse disorder, the frequency of use and the presence of any underlying physical or mental health conditions. At Guardian Recovery we work towards much more than physical stabilization — though this is a priority. We also ensure that each and every one of our clients is prepared to take the next logical step on the road to recovery — which is often inpatient residential, or intensive outpatient addiction treatment.

Morphine Detox
Treatment Options

Treating symptoms in a controlled environment as soon as they arise leads to a more comfortable morphine withdrawal, and allows for a greater chance of success following detox. The treatment options we utilize depend heavily on the severity of associated symptoms. Mild morphine withdrawal symptoms can often be treated with a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers, sleep aids and therapeutic intervention. Anti-nausea medications and drugs like Imodium are also frequently used to treat gastrointestinal distress. Rest is also extremely important. In moderate or severe cases we utilize medications like clonidine, which has been shown to alleviate withdrawal symptoms by as much as 75 percent. We also frequently utilize Suboxone and/or Subutex.

Our Simple Admissions Process

At Guardian Recovery we believe that effective and comprehensive medical detox should be accessible and readily available to all men and women who are suffering at the hands of morphine addiction. In order to achieve this goal we have developed an admissions process that is simple and straightforward from start to finish. The moment you or your loved one gives us a call we begin by conducting a brief pre-assessment over the phone, which helps our clinical team determine which methods of morphine detox are going to be the most effective for each unique case. We ask a series of non-invasive questions about personal history with substance abuse, family history, pre-existing physical and mental health conditions and whether or not any medications are being taken. Once the pre-assessment is complete we delve into potential coverage options, which might include partial or full health insurance coverage, self-pay or private pay. We understand just how  devastating morphine addiction can be, and we know that many of our clients come to us with limited financial capability. Our main priority is ensuring that effective treatment is received regardless. Once coverage is determined we set a date and a time for intake and help arrange transportation to our facility whenever necessary. To get started or learn more contact us today.