Morphine addiction is a serious and potentially devastating condition that can develop from prolonged use of this medication. When someone becomes dependent on morphine, it often leads to addiction.
Morphine withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous if not managed properly. It is important for individuals struggling with morphine addiction to seek help from a professional treatment center to safely overcome their dependence on the drug.
Potential for Abuse
Morphine has a high potential for abuse due to its powerful opioid effects on the central nervous system. Abuse of morphine can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction, as individuals crave the euphoric effects produced by the drug.
When used in higher doses, more frequently than prescribed, or illicitly, morphine becomes highly addictive and difficult to stop using.
Risk Factors for Morphine Abuse
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of morphine abuse, including:
- History of substance abuse
- Mental health disorders
- Family history of substance abuse or mental health disorders
- Chronic pain conditions
- Co-occurring conditions
- Those with easy access to this medication
- Social influence to use drugs recreationally and illegally
- A history of unresolved trauma
Dangers of Long-Term Morphine Use
Long-term use of morphine can pose several potential dangers and risks. Individuals can develop tolerance to morphine, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Next, long-term use leads to physical dependence, where individuals need to use it just to function. If they quit or attempt to cut down on their usage, it causes withdrawal symptoms.
Ongoing morphine misuse or abuse eventually leads to addiction. This causes a host of other addictive behaviors that occur regardless of any negative consequences. In addition, the risk of overdose increases as tolerance builds, which can lead to respiratory depression and failure.
The prolonged use of morphine has been associated with cognitive issues, such as memory problems, impaired decision-making, and difficulty concentrating. People are also at risk of increased accidents and injuries from impaired coordination. Furthermore, morphine addiction suppresses the immune system and increases the risk of illnesses and infections.
Morphine Uses
Morphine is commonly used for the management of severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery, injury, or advanced cancer. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and providing relief. Because of this feeling, those suffering chronic pain can grow a tolerance and become addicted.
Signs of Morphine Addiction
Signs of morphine addiction can vary from person to person, but often include:
- Increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects
- Compulsive use of morphine despite negative consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using morphine
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining and using the drug
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drug use
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, anxiety, or aggression
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Financial issues
- Physical signs, such as fatigue, slurred speech, dizziness, nausea, hallucinations, pinpoint pupils, and flushed skin
Morphine Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Morphine withdrawal symptoms vary in intensity and duration, depending on the duration of use, amount used, and frequency of use. The morphine withdrawal timeline generally follows several stages.
Early Withdrawal:
Within the first 6 to 12 hours after the last dose, anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, and insomnia are common.
Days 1 to 3:
During this time, morphine withdrawal symptoms usually peak. Withdrawal symptoms include Intense cravings, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dilated pupils, goosebumps, and increased heartbeat.
Days 4 to 7:
At this stage, most of the physical withdrawal symptoms will have lessened in intensity until they fully subside. However, many people continue to experience psychological withdrawal symptoms like cravings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
Weeks 2 to 4:
The psychological symptoms continue, including anxiety, panic attacks, cravings, and sleep disturbances. For some people, these symptoms can persist for months or even longer. However, with continued addiction treatment and support, they do eventually subside.
What to Expect During Morphine Detox
During morphine detox treatment, individuals can expect a combination of medical and psychological support. This helps manage withdrawal symptoms and underlying factors contributing to addiction. Detoxing from morphine can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. So, it is important for individuals to undergo detox under medical supervision, where their vital signs can be monitored regularly.
Some individuals may benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT), where medications are prescribed to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings during detox. Individual and group therapy sessions are also often included as part of personalized morphine detox programs. These help individuals recognize triggers for drug use, develop coping strategies, and learn healthier ways of managing pain.
Other detox programs even incorporate holistic therapies, such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy. As detox nears completion, the individual works collaboratively to create an aftercare plan. This plan often includes transitioning to a residential or outpatient rehab program.
Start Morphine Addiction Detox Treatment in Nashville, TN Today
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