The Benefits and Risks of Morphine vs Fentanyl for Cancer: Opioid Drug Treatment Centers in Baltimore

Baltimore is a big city in Maryland and an integral part of the Baltimore-Washington area. Its position makes it essential for business, culture, and travel. Baltimore has a unique history and culture that makes it different from other U.S. cities. It’s famous for its varied neighborhoods, tasty seafood, and vibrant arts. Despite progress, Baltimore still faces alarming problems with opioid abuse. The Baltimore City Health Department wants to stop people from dying of drug overdoses in the city. In 2021, there were 1,079 deaths from drug and alcohol overdoses in Baltimore. Out of those, 973 were because of fentanyl. This is almost three times the number of people who were killed in homicides in the city during the same year. [1]

Many cancer patients feel pain, so drugs like fentanyl and morphine are crucial for relief. Research suggests fentanyl is safer and works better than morphine. Plus, fentanyl causes fewer side effects like constipation, drowsiness, confusion, and dry mouth compared to morphine. [2] However, their analgesic effectiveness and safety are different among pain patients and are still controversial. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a potent painkiller mainly used for severe pain, especially in advanced cancer. It is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and is given as patches or lozenges. However, in the U.S., many cases of harm, overdose, and death related to fentanyl are caused by illegally made versions. It’s sold in illegal drug markets, often mixed with heroin or cocaine to make it more powerful, sometimes without the user even knowing.

Drug treatment centers in Maryland have specialized programs tailored to address addiction to opioids such as morphine and fentanyl. These drugs, while effective in managing severe pain, carry a high risk of addiction due to their potent nature and impact on the brain’s reward system. The dedicated team of addiction treatment professionals utilizes evidence-based approaches to provide comprehensive care, including medically assisted detoxification, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and holistic interventions aimed at addressing the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction. Baltimore drug treatment facilities also understand that addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue, and their compassionate staff is committed to providing personalized support throughout every step of the recovery journey. With proper guidance and support, you can break free from the grip of addiction and reclaim your life.

What Is the Drug Addiction Rate in Baltimore?

According to early data from the Maryland Department of Health, there were 2,773 accidental deaths involving drugs and alcohol in Maryland in 2020. This marks a 16.6% rise from 2019 when there were 2,379 similar deaths. This increase contrasts with 2019, which was the first year Maryland saw fewer drug-related deaths since the start of the opioid crisis over ten years ago.

Baltimore County almost surrounds Baltimore City but is politically independent of it. During the same year, there were 954 reported opioid-related intoxication fatalities in Baltimore City and 353 in Baltimore County, indicating a distressing surge in opioid-related deaths within these regions. [3]

Addressing opioid addiction requires specialized interventions, primarily focusing on medication-assisted treatment and closely monitored detoxification processes. Given the common co-occurrence of alcohol abuse alongside opioid misuse, it becomes crucial to extend attention to this widely available substance as well. Seeking support from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings can provide a vital complement to formal treatment programs. These AA meetings in Baltimore offer a supportive setting where individuals struggling with addiction can share experiences, receive encouragement, and develop coping strategies under the guidance of peers who understand the challenges firsthand. By engaging in both professional treatment programs and attending support groups, people can access a comprehensive support network tailored to their specific needs, fostering a holistic approach to recovery from substance use disorders.

What Is Fentanyl Used For?

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, serves various medical purposes. Its potency demands careful administration and monitoring to ensure pain relief and safety.

Pain Management:

• Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin.
• It effectively manages severe pain, especially in cancer patients and those recovering from painful surgeries.
• For individuals already receiving opioid medication, fentanyl helps with breakthrough cancer pain.
• It aids in long-term pain management for people with persistent, moderate to severe chronic pain.
• Anesthesia: During heart surgery or for individuals with heart conditions, fentanyl is used as an anesthetic.
• Transdermal Patch: The fentanyl patch provides continuous pain relief by slowly delivering the drug through the skin and into the bloodstream over 72 hours. Doctors prescribe it to those already tolerant of opioids of similar strength.

Misuse and Risk:

• While healthcare professionals consider fentanyl safe when used in a monitored medical setting, it has a high potential for misuse.
• Street names for fentanyl include Apache, China Girl, Goodfellas, Great Bear, and Tango & Cash.

Is Morphine Better Than Fentanyl for Cancer?

Morphine and fentanyl are both potent opioids used for managing cancer pain, but they have distinct characteristics. Let’s explore their differences:

• Potency: Fentanyl is more potent than morphine. Due to its potency, fentanyl is often reserved for patients with severe pain or those who have developed tolerance to other opioids.
• Administration: Morphine can be taken orally or intravenously and has been used for cancer pain relief since the 1950s. Fentanyl, particularly in its transdermal patch form, is absorbed through the skin and provides continuous pain relief.
• Side Effects: Both drugs may cause side effects such as constipation, drowsiness, nausea, and itching. Fentanyl’s potency increases the risk of misuse, mainly when used illicitly.
• Individualized Approach: The choice between morphine and fentanyl depends on the patient’s specific needs, pain severity, and tolerance. Some patients may respond better to one drug over the other.

While both morphine and fentanyl play crucial roles in cancer pain management, the decision should be tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances and pain profile.

Morphine vs Fentanyl Table

Cancer Medication Morphine vs Fentanyl: Find Support at Drug Treatment Centers in Baltimore

In early 2015, Baltimore experienced a massive spike in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, with a 178% increase compared to the previous year. Surveys showed that people using the Health Department’s needle exchange vans didn’t know heroin was mixed with fentanyl, making overdoses more likely. While some cities and states have introduced innovative measures to stop deadly overdoses, ongoing support from state and federal levels is still crucial. In Baltimore City, initiatives like making naloxone more accessible have been helped by state laws and federal funding, but there’s still much more to do. Unfortunately, the cost of certain naloxone products has soared by up to 500%, making it harder for local areas to buy enough for paramedics and police officers to use effectively. [4]

Effective pain management through appropriate prescription of medications like fentanyl and morphine is also crucial in addressing the opioid crisis. However, it’s essential to ensure that patients who genuinely require these medications for pain relief are not denied access due to overly restrictive measures. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and regulatory bodies is paramount in achieving this balance. By working together, we can develop guidelines and protocols that prioritize patient safety while also preventing misuse and diversion of these potent opioid medications. 

If you or someone you care about is struggling with the challenge of overcoming opioid dependence, seeking assistance with detoxification from substances like fentanyl or morphine is a crucial step toward recovery. Specialized Maryland drug treatment centers offer comprehensive and medically assisted programs tailored to address opioid use disorders with professionalism and compassion. By exploring the resources available in Baltimore drug treatment centers, individuals can access expert guidance and support to navigate the complexities of detoxification and find healing. 

Resources: 

[1] Baltimore City’s Response to the Opioid Epidemic – Baltimore City Health Department (.gov)

[2] Manirakiza A, Irakoze L, Manirakiza S, Bizimana P. Efficacy and Safety of Fentanyl Compared With Morphine among Adult Patients with Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. East Afr Health Res J. 2020;4(1):8-16. Doi: 10.24248/eahrj.v4i1.617. Epub 2020 Jun 26. PMID: 34308214; PMCID: PMC8279272.

[3] Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center – 2020 Annual Report – Maryland (.gov) 

[4] Wen LS, Warren KE. Combating the opioid epidemic: Baltimore’s experience and lessons learned. J Public Health (Oxf). 2018 Jun 1;40(2):e107-e111. Doi: 10.1093/PubMed/fdx093. PMID: 28985362; PMCID: PMC6927887.