How to talk to somebody with a morphine addiction?

@gseaborn, I moved your question to Addiction & Recovery support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/addiction-recovery/

You ask a good question. Is your goal to maintain safe and friendly conversations with your neighbor?

Thank you for putting the discussion in the right support group. I'm trying to start a dialogue with my neighbor on the what to expect with morphine treatment.

You’re a good person for wanting to help your neighbor as long as your facts are correct and the person wants help if they’re addicted. There are many programs available to help with addiction and here is a resource to start with.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/health-care-or-support/support-group-or-local-program
If the neighbor is using morphine for pain relief they need to begin with their treating pain physician who may be able to help by switching medications to something that can still control the pain and help treat the addiction. Buprenorphine and its different formulations can accomplish this.
But you as a non relative of your neighbor it really rests on them if they’re want or need treatment. You need to step cautiously on how to approach the topic and good luck. One key factor to consider is the user needs to want to stop using the offending drug. Good luck.

My oncologist started me on Morphine IR & ER for cancer pain.
I was very hesitant to use it.. But now my body is more tolerant of it and it feels like, Morphine could be the right medication for some patients.
It is easy to abuse anything.
So, watch it and talk to your Dr who set you up w it for the first time.
There are new drugs, but they are not as good as Morphine. I am 75 yrs old w multiple medical issues.
VJ

It has to come from the person who is taking this powerful drug. Otherwise, all talking is a waste of time.
VJ

@vijay26 so I would like to add to this. I have chronic pain from Slipping Rib Syndrome. I was given tramadol, hydrocodone and oxycodone with zero to minimal benefit. So I had DNA testing with Clarityx and found that my DNA enzymes/alleles do not metabolize those drugs. I was gotten given morphine, as I metabolize that normally, and the pain relief was effective. I would highly recommend DNA testing if you are having trouble with pain control. There may be a genetic treason for certain medications. Just my 2 cents. Hope this may help someone.

@crbarefoot
Definitely.

But insurance may not cover DNA testing. It can be expensive.
Sublocade is a med that they use to beat Morphing addiction.
Check it out.
VJ

Hi @gseaborn, inquiring about resources and looking for feedback about this really tough topic is extra neighborly of you! You and your neighbor must have a very special relationship.

You have gotten some great feedback from members of the community, @jenatsky provided a great resource, the SAMHSA treatment locator.

As @vijay26 mentioned, there are several different medications that can be prescribed to help aid in Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Sublocade is an injectable form of Buprenorphine. Using a medication assisted treatment, like Buprenorphine, to help with cravings and physical withdrawals combined with counseling and psychosocial support to help people with long term recovery.

@gseaborn, have you talked with your neighbor about treatment?

@vijay26 Regarding DNA testing and insurance coverage.

This is how I would handle getting that approved by the insurance company. Have your pain specialist write a rationale for why you need this testing.

And if the specialist won't or can't do it, find another specialist who will.

@slarson14
This is what the professionals call as part of Precision Medicine. My insurance has a network that I have to select the Drs from. Most of them know each other well and they will not write a note for DNA
related testing.
These Drs work for insurance companies and not for patients.
Thank you for your reply though.
VJ