Morphine and heroin are both strong opioid drugs with strong addiction and overdose metrics; however, there is a significant difference in their use, potency, and legality. While morphine is a prescription medication that is often used to treat severe pain, heroin is an illicit substance that has been deemed illegal across the nation, as it poses a much higher risk of addiction and overdose.
According to a recent study, there were almost 600,000 deaths resulting from overdoses around the world. A closer look reveals that the use of opioids directly caused 80% of these deaths.ChoicePoint, the top-rated drug rehab in NJ, offers multiple levels of care depending on the severity of morphine and heroin addiction. Contact us at 844.445.2565 or complete the form for an initial free online drug evaluation.
Table of Contents
Highlights
- Heroin is more potent and faster-acting than morphine, significantly increasing the risk of addiction and overdose.
- Morphine and heroin dependency require early intervention, and you should seek help at the first sign of addiction to prevent serious health consequences.
- ChoicePoint drug rehab in NJ serves patients nationwide, offering personalized addiction treatment with major commercial insurance plans and private pay options available.
- Long-term use of either drug can cause tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and opioid use disorder.
What Are Morphine and Heroin?
Morphine is a naturally occurring opioid that is derived from the opium poppy plant and is often used as a strong pain relief medication. Morphine has been the go-to drug to treat severe pain after surgery or in case of a serious injury. However, being an opioid, it is still a carefully controlled drug that can only be administered by professionals to ensure effectiveness and safety, as it still carries a significant risk of morphine addiction and is highly addictive.
On the other hand, heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid made illicitly by modifying morphine. This modification process increases the potency of the drug and allows it to reach the brain more quickly. This makes heroin a much more deadly substance, which can quickly form a dependency and carries a large risk of heroin overdose.
4 Key Differences: Morphine Vs Heroin
Understanding the main difference between the two substances can help identify why one of them is used in medicine while the other is considered a highly illegal and dangerous substance.
1. Legality
Morphine is a prescription-only drug that is regulated by doctors for medical use. On the other hand, heroin is a classified illegal substance in most countries around the world due to its high-abuse potential and lack of medical applications.
2. Medical Use
When it comes to medical use, morphine plays a vital role in pain management during modern-day surgery, especially in palliative care. Unfortunately, heroin has no accepted medical use, making any use outside of research explicitly illegal.
3. Potency and Speed
As heroin has more substances added to it, it is a lot more potent than morphine. The rapid onset caused by heroin manifests itself as an intense rush that significantly increases the addictive potential, considering that heroin can stay in your system for 50-60 minutes with each use.
Suggested Read: How long does morphine stay in your system
4. Method of Use
Morphine is typically administered via injections or tablets in controlled doses under medical supervision. Heroin, on the other hand, is mostly used recreationally through injections, smoking, or snorting. These methods also add a significant risk of overdose and disease transmission.
Ask an Expert!
Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint
Can you use heroin for chronic pain management?“While both morphine and heroin act on the same opioid receptors in your brain, the main difference lies in the control and predictability of the drug. When prescribed, morphine is closely monitored and can prove to be an effective medical tool. However, heroin introduces significant unpredictability to the equation based on its composition and potency, dramatically increasing the risks of abuse and overdoses.”
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The Similarities Between Heroin and Morphine
However, there are a few important similarities present between the drugs as they both belong to the same opioid family.
Both of these substances:
- Bind to opioid receptors in the brain
- Reduce the perception of pain
- Produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation
- Can lead to tolerance and dependence
- Causes withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped
Because of these shared characteristics, misuse of either one of these drugs can lead to the development of an opioid use disorder, especially if used without medical supervision.
Morphine and Heroin Abuse: Effects on the Brain and Your Body
Opioids like morphine and heroin affect the brain by attaching to the opioid receptors responsible for regulating pain and breathing. Once activated, these receptors help the brain release dopamine, creating a sense of pleasure.
Short-Term Effects
- Intense euphoria
- Pain relief
- Relaxation and drowsiness
- Slowed breathing
- Reduced heart rate
Long-Term Effects
- Changes in brain chemistry
- Increased tolerance
- Physical dependence
- Increased risk of addiction
- Respiratory issues and organ damage
One of the most common dangerous effects of these drugs is respiratory depression, where your breathing becomes slow or stops entirely. If you or someone you know might be developing a dependency on opioids or addicted to them, it might be time to get professional help. Before things get out of hand, reach out to ChoicePoint and get an initial drug evaluation so our team of addiction experts can determine the level of care required, i.e, Inpatient detox, outpatient treatment, or medication-assisted treatment. Contact us at 844.445.2565 or complete the form to schedule your appointment.
A Detailed Comparison of Effects and Dangers
Treatment Options for Morphine or Heroin Use Disorder
Fortunately, recovery from opioid addiction is very possible with the right combination of medical care and support. ChoicePoint is a top morphine addiction recovery center in NJ. You can get access to personalized treatment plans that are designed based on the needs and requirements of every individual. The treatment options present for opioid addiction treatment are:
1. Medically Supervised Drug Detox
Detox is considered the first step in recovery, and it helps eliminate the traces of drugs left within your body. This helps individuals to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and begin the healing process properly.
Recommended Read: Heroin Rapid Detox
2. Inpatient Opioid Rehab
Inpatient treatment for opioid addiction provides patients with a structured environment designed to provide them with a supportive environment and 24/7 care. This level of care is most suitable for individuals with severe addiction.
Recommended Read: Inpatient heroin treatment
3. Outpatient Opioid Treatment
Finally, there is outpatient opioid treatment that helps individuals seek help with their opioid dependencies without having to compromise in their daily lives. This level of care is most suitable for people with mild severity or who are just getting out of inpatient treatment and need help with withdrawal management.
4. Opioids Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment combines the use of medicines such as Suboxone, Subutex, Buprenorphine, and more to help with therapy and reduce cravings. This treatment is quite effective in maintaining and improving long-term recovery outcomes.
5. Therapy and Counseling
Behavioral therapy treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group counseling, helps individuals understand the underlying root cause of addiction. This enables them to develop healthier coping strategies backed by counseling.
Review from a Satisfied Patient at ChoicePoint
A workplace injury left me taking prescription painkillers after a surgery, but it quickly turned into something I couldn’t control anymore. Thanks to ChoicePoint, I was able to detox safely, and I got back the structure in life I needed to rebuild it
“Heroin took everything from me, my job, my relationship, everything. The team at ChoicePoint not only treated me with the respect I thought I didn’t deserve but also gave it their all to help me overcome the addiction I was suffering from. I believe the team is the difference that made my recovery at ChoicePoint effective.”
Is Morphine and Heroin Addiction Treatment Covered By Commercial Insurance Plans?
In most cases, opioid addiction treatment, such as morphine and heroin abuse, is covered by commercial insurance plans. Although the coverage levels may vary depending on the provider and policy, most patients can access all levels of care with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
ChoicePoint works with most major commercial insurance providers nationwide to help make treatment more accessible and affordable for everyone. As long as your plan provides coverage, you can access proven therapy and treatment plans specialized for your needs. Verify your insurance benefits and guide you through the process, so you can focus on your recovery.
Access Professional Opioid Use Help Across the Nation With ChoicePoint Drug Rehab In NJ
ChoicePoint provides comprehensive morphine and heroin addiction treatment services, including
- Safe rapid detox
- Inpatient care
- PHP care
- Virtual IOP
- IOP programs,
- Outpatient therapy,
- Opioid medication-assisted treatment
- Therapy and counseling
Backed by compassion, our DEA-certified professionals design personalized, evidence-backed treatment, dedicated to helping individuals achieve and maintain long-term recovery. So whether you are someone who feels like they are forming a dependency on morphine after an injury or someone who has been struggling with heroin use disorder, we have programs designed to help you. Call us today at 844.445.2565 or fill in the form to schedule a free drug evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Morphine Lead To Heroin Abuse?
Although unlikely, continuous misuse of prescribed opioids like morphine can often increase the chances of an individual transitioning to other stronger substances, such as heroin or fentanyl.
2. How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?
Heroin withdrawals often begin within a few hours of last use and can last for several days, though the craving might persist for even longer.
3. Can Opioid Addiction Be Treated Successfully?
Absolutely, based on statistics and medical history, opioid addiction is extremely treatable. Regardless of the extent of addiction, if an individual is willing to seek help, with the right combination of medical care, therapy, and support, long-term recovery is achievable.
Suggested Reads
Resources
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0376871686900797
- https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/bulletin/bulletin_1953-01-01_2_page004.html
- https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3843/index.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6450a3.htm
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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