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Drug Addiction
Morphine is an alkaloid narcotic medication derived from opium, the drug is highly addictive and tolerance on a physical and psychological level develops quickly. A morphine addiction activates the brains reward center and the user experiences feelings of euphoria and pleasure. Once the brain experiences the effects of morphine, the reward center spurs the body by producing intense and powerful cravings.
Morphine was first used medically as a painkiller, cough suppressant, and mistakenly as a treatment for opium addiction. Some physicians thought morphine would be a beneficial drug to use for people with an alcohol addiction, however, when the harmful and dangerous side effects of chronic use were discovered the idea was abandoned.
There are several adverse and dangerous side effects associated with a morphine addiction, which includes but are not limited to the following:
Morphine is a narcotic and Schedule II controlled substance under the Federal Controlled Substance Act. Much the same as with any type of narcotic medication, morphine is highly addictive and users can develop serious psychological and physical dependence on the drug. A person who has taken morphine for a prolonged period of time needs to be gradually withdrawn due to the likelihood of harmful side effects associated with withdrawal.
Short-term morphine addiction studies have indicated the tolerance rate of morphine is similar to that of heroin. When compared to other opioid drugs such as fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydromorphone former drug addicts show a marked preference for morphine and heroin, suggesting that the drugs are particularly susceptible to addiction and abuse. Tolerance to morphine develops rapidly and there are several hypotheses currently being evaluated to provide clues and answers.
The withdrawal symptoms associated with a morphine addiction occur quickly, most often before the next dose is even scheduled. Early withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, watery eyes, runny nose, body aches, severe headaches, restlessness, body aches, severe vomiting, tremors, abdominal pain, yawning, diarrhea, and intense physical cravings. As the more intense cravings present, severe depression and vomiting increases, during acute withdrawal the blood pressure and heart rate both increase followed by several other uncomfortable symptoms.
The psychological dependence associated with a morphine addiction is complex and difficult. Long after the physical cravings have subsided, an addict will continue to experience coping difficulties, and think and talk about doing morphine. Combating the psychological dependence and withdrawal are a long and arduous process, and if not treated correctly can last for a lifetime. There is a high relapse potential for users who do not address the situation as a whole, making environmental and lifestyle changes. Sadly, an addiction to morphine is one of the most difficult to overcome.
An addiction to morphine can be deadly if left untreated. For a user who is trying to discontinue morphine abuse, treatment can include detoxification, rehabilitation; therapy and counseling, which are oftentimes the only way to successfully circumvent an addiction to morphine.
If you or someone you love is facing an addiction to morphine, there is help available. Please contact us today for more information.
