By and large, withdrawing from morphine should not be a life-threatening experience. The Addiction journal notes that while the symptoms of withdrawal can be very unpleasant, they can be successfully navigated with adequate care and supervision. “However, if the patient has certain pre-existing health conditions, it is likely that the withdrawal will cause emergency complications, and it is possible that those complications can be lethal.” An example of this is in the case of dehydration and malnutrition arising as a result of opioid withdrawal. When patients experience diarrhea and vomiting, they lose vital nutrients and fluids that lead to the development of dehydration and malnutrition; this may result in a weakened immune system, elevated blood sodium levels, and even heart failure if instant action is not taken. In a proper treatment setting, this can easily be accounted for. A patient will be put on an intravenous drip to ensure they have the right nutrients and fluids, and they will be given antidiarrheal and antihistamines to reduce the vomiting and diarrhea, and thus stave off dehydration and malnutrition. The Addiction journal warns that “people can, and do, die from opiate withdrawal” (which includes morphine withdrawal). However, these fatalities are generally preventable. A medical detox program can provide the highest level of care during morphine withdrawal. When seeking a detox center, it is important to understand exactly what it is offering. Comprehensive medical detox programs are typically inpatient where a person will remain on-site for five to seven days while morphine safely processes out of the body. Outpatient detox programs may provide substitute medications once per day or so. A detox center should perform a detailed assessment before admission to tailor the program to the individual. Any co-occurring disorders will need to be addressed, and integrated care, as well as simultaneous treatment, will need to be arranged. Staff at a detox center should be highly trained, licensed professionals and the center itself should also be licensed and accredited. Personalized care is important. Addiction is a disease that impacts each person in their own way, and treatment should address this level of individuality. The goal of detox is not just for morphine to safely process out of the body, but also to provide a strong foundation for recovery. In this way, a detox program should be followed with a complete addiction treatment program focused on minimizing relapse and providing tools for doing so. Detox programs that are seamlessly integrated into comprehensive treatment programs can offer a full continuum of care. In a safe and secure environment, morphine withdrawal can be completed, helping to pave the way to recovery.