Morphine, an opiate medication, is prescribed to alleviate moderate to severe acute pain unresponsive to other treatments or chronic pain lasting beyond a few days. Many people prescribed this medication wonder, “How long does morphine last.”

When orally ingested, the effects of morphine typically become noticeable within 30 to 60 minutes, with peak concentrations of morphine in the bloodstream achieved roughly 60 minutes after oral ingestion.

Read on to learn more about the following issues:

• What does morphine do to you?
• How long do the effects of morphine last?
• How long does intravenous morphine last?
• How to engage with morphine addiction treatment.

How Long Does Morphine Stay in Your System?

How long does morphine last in your system varies depending on several factors, including the dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and the type of drug test being conducted. Here is a general overview of how long morphine can be detected in different parts of the body:

• Urine: Morphine can be detected in urine for 2 to 3 days after the last use. That said, chronic or heavy use may extend this detection window.
• Blood: Morphine is typically detectable in blood for about 12 hours after the last use. Blood tests are often used for short-term detection or during medical emergencies.
• Saliva: Morphine can be detected in saliva for 1 to 4 days after the last use. 
• Hair: Morphine metabolites can be found in hair for a longer period, generally up to 90 days after use. Hair tests are less commonly used for detecting recent use and are more suitable for assessing long-term patterns of substance use.

Individual factors can influence the detection window, and the information provided here is a general guideline. The presence of morphine in drug tests may also depend on the specific testing methods employed. If you have concerns about the detection of morphine in your system, consult with a healthcare professional or testing expert, and they can provide more accurate information based on your specific situation.

What Does Morphine Do to The Body?

Morphine is a potent opiate analgesic that interacts with the body’s CNS (central nervous system) to relieve pain. When administered, morphine binds to mu-opioid receptors located in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. This interaction leads to a range of physiological and psychological effects. 

Pain relief

Morphine blocks pain signals from reaching the brain, reducing the perception of pain and providing relief to those experiencing moderate to severe pain. 

Euphoria and relaxation

Morphine’s interaction with opioid receptors can induce a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and well-being. This effect contributes to its potential for misuse and addiction. 

Respiratory depression

One of the significant risks of morphine use is respiratory depression, where the drug slows down the respiratory rate. This effect can be dangerous, particularly at high doses or in individuals with respiratory conditions. 

Sedation

Morphine often causes drowsiness and sedation, leading to feelings of sleepiness and reduced alertness.

Constipation

Morphine can slow down bowel movements, leading to constipation. This effect is due to the drug’s impact on the gastrointestinal system. 

Nausea and vomiting

Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting as side effects of morphine use. 

Pupil constriction

Morphine use can lead to pinpoint pupils (miosis) due to its effects on the muscles that control pupil size. 

Circulatory effects

Morphine can cause a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to its sedative effects. 

Tolerance and dependence

Prolonged use of morphine can lead to the development of tolerance, meaning that higher doses are required to achieve the same effects. It can also result in physical dependence, where the body adapts to the presence of the drug. 

While morphine is effective in managing pain, its potential for misuse, dependence, and side effects necessitates careful medical supervision and adherence to prescribed dosages.

How to Get Morphine Out of Your System

If you have been prescribed morphine under medical supervision and are seeking information on naturally clearing it from your system, here are some general guidelines: 

• Drinking plenty of water can help flush out substances from your body, including metabolites of morphine.
• Consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients supports the body’s natural detoxification processes.
• Engaging in regular physical activity can promote circulation and metabolism, which may aid in the elimination of substances.
• Morphine’s effects typically wear off within a few hours to a day, and its metabolites are gradually eliminated over time.

If you have concerns about morphine use or its presence in your system, consult your prescribing healthcare provider. They can offer personalized guidance based on your medical history and situation. If you have been using morphine under medical guidance, you do not need to expedite its elimination from your system. If you suspect misuse or addiction, seeking professional help is recommended to address the issue safely and effectively. Additionally, attempting to accelerate the removal of morphine from your system should only be done under medical supervision to ensure your well-being.

Treatment for Morphine Addiction

Addressing morphine addiction requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses medical, psychological, and behavioral interventions. Effective evidence-based treatment strategies can help individuals break free from the grip of addiction and work toward lasting recovery. Some key components of treatment for morphine addiction include: 

• Medical detoxification: Managed under medical supervision, detoxification helps individuals safely navigate withdrawal symptoms and manage physical dependence on morphine. How long does morphine withdrawal last will vary depending on the extent and duration of use.
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment): Certain FDA-approved medications like methadone or buprenorphine can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the recovery process.
• Behavioral therapies: Therapies like CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), CM (contingency management), and MET (motivational enhancement therapy) can help individuals modify harmful behaviors, cope with triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Counseling: Individual and group counseling provide a supportive environment for exploring underlying emotional issues, building resilience, and fostering a sense of community.
• Dual diagnosis treatment: Addressing co-occurring mental health disorders alongside addiction is vital for comprehensive recovery.
• Support groups: Participating in support groups or 12-step programs offers peer support, encouragement, and a platform to share experiences.
• Relapse prevention: Learning strategies to identify triggers, manage cravings, and prevent relapse is beneficial for long-term recovery.
• Holistic approaches: Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, art therapy, and meditation can complement traditional treatments and promote overall well-being.
• Aftercare planning: Transitioning from formal treatment to daily life requires a well-structured aftercare plan that involves ongoing therapy, support groups, and monitoring.
• Family involvement: Engaging family members in therapy and education can help mend relationships and create a supportive environment.
• Professional guidance: Seeking guidance from addiction specialists, therapists, and medical professionals ensures a tailored treatment plan.
• Long-term support: Maintaining recovery often involves ongoing engagement in therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes to prevent relapse.

Morphine addiction treatment is a journey that requires commitment, patience, and a multidimensional approach. Professional guidance and a strong support system are essential for successfully overcoming morphine addiction and achieving lasting recovery.

Get Treatment for Morphine Addiction at California Detox

Opiate addiction can disrupt all areas of life, but evidence-based treatment typically delivers positive outcomes. At California Detox, we specialize in inpatient rehab in Laguna Beach, CA, providing the most structured and supportive route for individuals to overcome addiction to morphine and other substances. 

Begin your recovery the right way with our supervised medical detox program. Access medications and continuous care to help you address the issue of dependence on morphine. After a week or so of flu-like symptoms, you can move directly into residential treatment. 

All our treatment programs offer personalized addiction treatment that blends evidence-based interventions and holistic treatment for whole-body healing from opiate addiction. Therapies include: 

• Psychotherapy (CBT and DBT)
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Group therapy
• Individual counseling
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Aftercare

Call admissions today at 949.694.8305 and begin your recovery tomorrow.