According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, as many as 29% of patients who receive opioids from their doctors will misuse them. An estimated 12% will become dependent on them to the point of disorder. So knowing the answer to “is morphine an opioid?” may, therefore, impact how you work with your doctor when you have pain.
That’s especially true if you’ve had dependency challenges in the past.
Below, we’ll answer your questions about morphine. And additionally, if doctors do need to administer it for acute pain and you do develop dependency, we’ll help you understand your prescription drug addiction rehab options. To learn more about morphine addiction and morphine addiction treatment, read on.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are drugs that bind to the opioid receptor in your brain. These receptors help transport messages from the brain to different parts of the body and back. Some of these bodily functions include:
- Breathing
- Heart rate
- Digestion
- Pain relief
Your body typically uses hormones called endorphins to help regulate these functions. Endorphins are feel-good hormones that your body produces when you exercise or do something pleasurable. But when opioids connect with these receptors, they alter these functions by simulating the effects of endorphins.
This may cause euphoria, especially if a person takes more than the prescribed amount.
Is Morphine an Opioid?
Some opioids come from opium, a sticky substance found in the seeds of an opium poppy plant. Morphine and Codeine fall into this naturally-derived opioid class.
Others like Demerol, fentanyl, and sufentanil are synthetic (made by people). That means they use chemistry to create a substance with the same composition and impact as the natural stuff. These are found in many prescription drugs.
So is morphine an opioid? Yes, it is. It’s the original, most natural one. But that doesn’t mean morphine is not addictive. In fact, unlike oral opioids, morphine is often given through an IV or injection. That means it reaches the brain faster and in higher doses. That makes it more like heroin than say a pill-based opioid.
Morphine is an opioid. And it is highly addictive.
How Do Doctors Use Morphine to Help Patients?
Is morphine an opioid? Yes. But does it help patients? Yes, it can do that as well. And often it’s the only medicine that helps. Doctors use IV morphine to ease pain in the hospital. Or they may prescribe injections that you can take at home for chronic pain.
If your doctor suggests morphine, you should always tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home is/was a heavy drinker. Additionally, they need to know if someone in your family has used and/or abused street drugs or prescription drugs in the past. In these cases, your doctor may suggest another option or help you take extra precautions to keep you and your family safe.
Is morphine an opioid that’s worth the risk? That’s between you and your doctor. But what if you’ve already developed a dependence? Naturally, It’s time to seek morphine addiction treatment.
How Crestview Recovery Helps Those with Morphine Dependence
Crestview is conveniently focused on the Pacific Northwest and dedicated to helping people in the region. In addition to shorter stays, we offer an extended 90-day program for those who need extra time and support to overcome their morphine dependence and learn to live without it.
Living without morphine often means understanding ways to overcome pain naturally through things like improved diet, exercise, and mindfulness meditation. So we take a holistic approach to healing.
Our Joint Commission accredited center believes that rehab can be an enjoyable experience. In fact, we believe that through fun activities with others, you gain renewed love for life and develop the skills you need to stay on the recovery path. So in addition to evidence-based treatments, we engage in activities like white water rafting, white water rafting, skiing, and snowboarding.
We treat all addictions using a personalized approach in our various programs and levels of care, such as:
Women’s or Men’s Rehab
The needs of men and women may be difficult during recovery. In gender-specific treatment, a more open environment is possible to allow for an enhanced experience during rehab.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
A PHP typically involves a combination of group therapy, individual counseling sessions, and educational classes. A PHP can offer many benefits to those in recovery from addiction, including increased accountability, enhanced support networks, and greater access to treatment resources.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment is a specialized form of mental health care that addresses the complex needs of people with both substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety. This treatment focuses on addressing the symptoms and problems associated with both disorders in order to achieve a successful recovery.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program for addiction, or IOP, is a structured treatment program that involves regular therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional. These programs typically include group counseling, individual counseling, and family therapy. They can help people manage the symptoms of addiction while continuing to live at home and maintain their daily responsibilities.
Aftercare Programs
These programs offer support and guidance to help people stay on track with their recovery goals and avoid relapse. They can take a variety of forms, including group therapy, individual counseling sessions, sober living homes, 12-step meetings, and more.
Take Back Your Life From Morphine Addiction
If morphine or other opioids have taken your life over, it’s time to take it back. Call us at 866.262.0531 to learn more about our programs.
