Morphine is a powerful opioid medication often prescribed for pain relief, especially after surgery or for those living with chronic pain. While it can be effective, morphine also carries a high risk for opioid dependence. Over time, patients who are physically dependent may struggle when they stop taking opioids, experiencing what’s known as morphine withdrawal.
This article explores withdrawal symptoms, the timeline, and available treatment options for people facing opiate withdrawal. Whether the morphine was prescribed opioids for legitimate medical use or illicit opioids taken outside of medical care, the experience of withdrawal can be overwhelming—but help is available.
Understanding Morphine Withdrawal
When a patient regularly takes morphine over an extended period, the brain adapts to the drug’s presence. If the last dose is missed, the body reacts with withdrawal syndrome, a set of physical and psychological reactions.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the World Health Organization, opioid withdrawal is one of the hallmark features of opioid use disorder and substance use disorder. Importantly, while withdrawal can be highly uncomfortable, it is rarely life-threatening.
Still, unmanaged withdrawal can lead to health complications, an increased risk of relapse, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts. That’s why medical support and an individualized treatment plan are crucial.
Common Morphine Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people describe morphine withdrawal as feeling like a bad flu. The physical symptoms and other symptoms vary depending on the opioid dose, how long the person has been taking opioids, and whether other substances are involved.
Early withdrawal signs (first 6–12 hours after last dose):
- Anxiety and restless feelings
- Joint aches and muscle pain
- Increased blood pressure and rapid heartbeat
- Cold flushes and sweating
- Abdominal cramps
- Disturbed sleep or insomnia
Later withdrawal symptoms (after a few days):
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Depressed mood
- Intense drug cravings
- Dilated pupils and watery eyes
- Runny nose and chills
- Yawning, fatigue, and weakness
These are considered common withdrawal symptoms. However, not everyone will experience them in the same way. For some, the withdrawal signs mimic a severe flu; for others, the mental and emotional toll may be more intense.
Timeline of Morphine Withdrawal
Morphine is a short-acting opioid, which means withdrawal can begin quickly after the last dose.
- First 12 hours: Acute withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, sweating, runny nose, and muscle aches.
- A few days: Symptoms peak. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, disturbed sleep, and cold flushes are often at their worst.
- Up to two weeks: Physical withdrawal may ease, but psychological challenges—like depression, anxiety, and drug cravings—can linger.
- A few weeks and beyond: Some may continue to experience withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disturbances for an extended period.
While withdrawal syndrome is rarely life-threatening, untreated symptoms can feel unbearable and often drive people back to drug use.
Risk Factors for Severe Withdrawal
Certain factors can make opioid withdrawal more complicated. These include:
- Taking high doses of morphine for an extended period
- Mixing morphine with other opioids or other drugs
- A history of opioid overdose or repeated drug use
- Opioid dependent patients with co-occurring mental disorders
- Older adults or those with chronic health conditions
These patients face an increased risk of complications without proper withdrawal management.
Healthcare providers often use the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) to assess the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms. This tool measures factors such as blood pressure, sweating, restlessness, and pupil size to determine the severity of withdrawal.
By scoring a patient’s withdrawal signs, clinicians can design the right treatment plan and decide whether care should happen in an outpatient setting or a more structured program.
Treatment Options for Morphine Withdrawal
The most effective approach to opioid withdrawal management is medically supervised addiction treatment. Attempting to quit suddenly without help often leads to relapse, unsafe drug use, or other health complications.
Here is an overview of the treatment options used to treat morphine withdrawal.
Tapering plan
Doctors may gradually reduce the opioid dose over time, allowing the body to adjust. This approach can minimize withdrawal intensity and is especially useful for patients using prescription opioids for pain relief.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe other medicines to provide relief from specific symptoms:
- Anti-nausea treatments for nausea and vomiting
- Sleep aids for disturbed sleep
- Pain relievers for joint aches and abdominal cramps
- Blood pressure medications for spikes in blood pressure
Opioid medications for withdrawal
Certain opioid medications are used to address withdrawal, including:
- Methadone: A long-acting opioid that prevents withdrawal and reduces cravings.
- Buprenorphine: Helps stabilize patients who are opioid dependent.
- Naltrexone: Blocks the effects of opioids to prevent relapse after detox.
These treatments are considered standard of care and endorsed by the World Health Organization.
Other treatments
Behavioral therapy, counseling, and peer support groups are vital parts of a comprehensive treatment plan. Addressing the emotional challenges of opioid use disorder helps patients build resilience and avoid relapse.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient Withdrawal Management
Not everyone requires hospitalization. Some patients may safely detox in an outpatient setting, especially if withdrawal is mild and they have strong support at home.
However, inpatient or residential care may be recommended if the patient has a history of opioid overdose or severe opioid dependence. Inpatient care may also be required if a person is using other substances that complicate detox, or they live with mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
Each decision depends on the severity of withdrawal syndrome, the opioid dose, and the presence of other symptoms or medical issues.
Long-Term Recovery and Improved Outcomes
Managing withdrawal is only the first step. Without continued care, many patients relapse and return to opioid use. Long-term addiction treatment should include:
- Counseling and therapy to address the root causes of drug use
- Peer and community support programs
- Ongoing monitoring for other drugs or relapse triggers
- Access to other treatments for chronic pain that do not involve opioids
A comprehensive approach helps patients achieve stability, reduce the risk of relapse, and improve outcomes for recovery.
Find Treatment and Support
Morphine withdrawal can feel overwhelming—like a bad flu with added emotional struggles—but it is not something anyone has to face alone. While withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, the risks of unmanaged detox are serious. With medical guidance, symptomatic medications, and a supportive treatment plan, patients can safely overcome opiate dependence and move toward long-term healing.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid dependence, find treatment and support at Alamo Behavioral Health. Learn about your treatment options or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our specialists today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Morphine Withdrawal
1. Can morphine withdrawal cause long-term health problems?
For most people, withdrawal itself does not cause permanent damage. However, repeated cycles of withdrawal and relapse can strain the heart, digestive system, and mental health. The greater risk lies in returning to opioid use, which increases the chance of opioid overdose. Medical support reduces these risks.
2. How do doctors know if someone is ready to taper off morphine?
Readiness depends on several factors: stability of the patient’s chronic pain, emotional health, and ability to manage stress without relying on opioids. Clinicians may use tools like the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale and patient interviews to decide when tapering is appropriate.
3. Is it safe to quit morphine suddenly at home?
Stopping morphine “cold turkey” is rarely recommended. While withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, unmanaged symptoms can drive relapse or unsafe drug use. A doctor can create a tapering plan or recommend medications that make the process safer and more comfortable.
4. What role does counseling play during withdrawal?
Counseling helps patients handle the emotional challenges of detox. Many people struggle with depressed mood, cravings, or suicidal thoughts during withdrawal. Therapy provides coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and support for underlying mental disorders that may contribute to addiction.
5. Can other treatments for pain reduce the need for opioids?
Yes. Doctors may recommend non-opioid medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, or integrative approaches like acupuncture. Exploring other treatments helps patients manage pain relief without relying solely on opioid medications, reducing the risk of dependence.
