When morphine was first developed during the Civil War, it was viewed as a miracle. Soldiers dealing with unimaginable pain from battlefield injuries were able to find some relief, and conditions that were unmanageable before were able to be overseen because of morphine. However, in the modern era, while morphine is still a useful medicine in some cases, the strong potential for abuse and addiction makes it a drug of last resort for doctors. The dangers of morphine abuse are now clearly understood, and long-term use of the drug is known to carry the potential for severe and dangerous side effects.
Physical Effects of Morphine Use
Can morphine be addictive? Since morphine is an opioid or a painkiller and attaches to specific receptors in the brain, it’s determined that morphine is addictive. Short-term use carries the risk of side effects, and long-term use is life-threatening. Depending on the dose and the duration, the chances of overdose increase after every use.
Some of the physical effects of morphine use are:
- Depression or other psychiatric symptoms
- Loss of consciousness, coma, and even death
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or inability to pay attention
- Difficulty breathing, asphyxiation, and respiratory failure
- Constipation, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Increased tolerance, or needing more of the drug to feel the same effects
When a person is addicted to morphine then dopamine, or the feel-good chemicals, spikes in the brain are manipulated to only activate when the drug is consumed. This leads to physical dependency and intense cravings. If a user is experiencing these effects then a medical morphine detox is highly advised.
What Are the Dangers of Using Morphine?
Although morphine is sometimes prescribed by doctors, doctors understand that it can be dangerous to patients with certain underlying conditions. As with all the other opioid drugs, morphine has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Individuals with certain mental health conditions or a history of substance abuse are at particularly high risk of morphine abuse.
Individuals who use morphine are also at a higher risk of overdosing. Morphine is a central nervous system depressant, which means that the drug slows down the body’s systems, which control breathing, heart rate, and alertness. When a person is not very alert, they may accidentally consume more of the drug than they should, and with a drug like morphine, that mistake can lead to a dangerous and potentially even fatal overdose.
Morphine Addiction and Withdrawal
When the body has become acclimated to the constant presence of morphine, changes take place to reflect that process. This is the physical process of addiction. In order to reverse those changes, the body must go through withdrawal. For morphine users, withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to endure without help. Plus, users who are addicted to being high on morphine will experience intense cravings. Many people who want to stop using morphine choose to enter a morphine detox program, where doctors and other care staff can monitor and assist them. Although going through withdrawal from morphine is difficult, utilizing the services of a morphine detox program can make the process much more manageable.
Morphine withdrawal has a psychological component since the mind also becomes acclimated to the perceived need for the drug. This can also be helped by attending a morphine detox program or treatment program. Even though the physical aspect of morphine addiction can be difficult to manage, the psychological aspect also needs attention in order for the drug to be successfully discontinued.
Overcome the Dangers of Morphine at PINES RECOVERY LIFE
If you or someone you care about have been struggling to stop using morphine, please reach out to a morphine detox program at Pines Recovery Life in South Florida. We are committed to helping our clients regain control of their lives and health from morphine or other painkiller abuse. We offer treatment for other opioid addictions as well, such as a codeine detox or an oxycodone detox.
Contact our caring and compassionate staff today by completing our online form or calling 855-981-8935 to find out how we can help. Ask about our inpatient services and wellness programs to get started today!
Related Readings:
