Opioids are a type of drug that relieves pain, but because they also cause euphoria, they have a high potential for addiction. Some of the most common of these drugs are morphine and its illicit cousin, heroin. If you are living with an addiction, a morphine and heroin addiction treatment program can help you find your sobriety once more.
What is the difference when it comes to morphine vs. heroin, and what impact can each drug have on your well-being? Learn more about these two types of opioids, why they can be so deadly, and how a treatment center like Promises Behavioral Health can make recovery possible.
Morphine vs. Heroin: Understanding the Difference in Potency
Often, people think these two types of opioids are the same, but there are significant differences to keep in mind.
Morphine Side Effects and Potency
Morphine is the oldest man-made opiate, and it comes directly from opium, which, in turn, is made from poppy seeds. Morphine is still an important medication, and it’s generally reserved for hospital settings. Addiction is possible, however, because of the way it impacts the brain.
Morphine side effects include feelings of euphoria as well as an overall sense of well-being. You can experience:
- Reduced anxiety
- Sleepiness
- Feelings of relaxation
- Pain relief
- Slowed reflexes
- Slowed breathing
It’s a potent drug, but it’s not as strong as opioids like oxycodone, fentanyl, or even heroin.
Heroin Side Effects and Potency
Heroin is an opioid made from morphine. It doesn’t have any medical uses, which is why it’s an illegal substance. It’s more powerful than morphine, too, which means it’s more addictive and more dangerous.
Some of the effects of heroin include:
- Nausea
- Euphoria
- Dry mouth
- Pain relief
- Slowed reflexes
- Sleepiness
- Slowed breathing
Although many of the effects of heroin are the same as those of morphine, they are much more pronounced. It’s much easier to experience an overdose with heroin than it is with morphine.
The Dangers of Morphine and Heroin Addiction
Both of these drugs are opioids, so they bind with the opioid receptors in the brain, which is what results in pain relief and the sensation of well-being. It’s also what leads your brain to crave the drug again and begin the cycle toward addiction.
The more you rely on the drug, the more impact it has on your brain chemistry. That’s when tolerance develops and can lead you to consume more of the drug to reach that same sense of euphoria. Morphine and heroin can then become very dangerous since you may not notice when you consume too much for your body to handle.
Treating Morphine or Heroin Addiction
Treating an opioid addiction requires turning to professionals who can guide you through the process safely. The treatment process begins with detoxification, which requires medical supervision to ensure you’re safe. Only once you’re physically stable can you start the process of uncovering what led to the addiction.
By relying on behavioral therapies, treatment centers can help you recognize your triggers and understand whether there may be mental health concerns to address, as well. Once you complete treatment, you can participate in long-term care and transition to sober living to give yourself the best chance at sobriety.
Find Your Path to Recovery with Heroin Addiction Treatment at Promises Behavioral Health
Despite their differences, morphine and heroin are both serious drugs that can put your life in danger. If you’re living with an addiction, getting help is possible. All it takes is a phone call.
At Promises Behavioral Health, our team offers comprehensive treatment programs that can help you address your exact needs. From inpatient to long-term care services, we provide the support that can encourage long-term sobriety. Contact us at Promises Behavioral Health by calling 844.875.5609 or completing our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.