Morphine addiction, substance abuse & prescription drug abuse are very difficult to overcome on your own. Contact a professional rehab specialist today to start the detox process and be on your way to a successful recovery!
What is Morphine?
Morphine is often used in hospitals to relieve severe pain from ailments or following surgery. It is an opioid found naturally in the opium poppy plant and is the most abundant and potent. However, not many people realize that morphine is often illegally obtained and consumed recreationally. Unfortunately, morphine addiction is very real and very dangerous. The term ‘morphine’ comes from the Greek god, Morpheus, the god of dreams. The reason behind this is that when consumed, morphine causes a feeling of euphoria and puts a person in a dream-like state. It can come in the form of a tablet, syrup, or injection, and in some cases can even be smoked.
How Does it Work?
Morphine, when used illegally, is most commonly injected into the bloodstream via a syringe. The drug is then absorbed into the blood and dispersed to other organs and systems in the body, namely receptors in the nervous system. These receptors will trigger different responses according to what they do in the body. Some of the receptors that morphine triggers are the m1-receptors, which decreases pain in the body, and m2-receptors, causing euphoria, drowsiness, and mental clouding. They also influence the k-receptors which may lead to dysphoria and mild respiratory depression, as well as the d-receptors, causing delusions and hallucinations.
What is Morphine Abuse?
When a person uses morphine either A) without a prescription, or B) purposefully takes more than the dose they were prescribed, it is considered morphine abuse. Possession of morphine without a prescription is a criminal offense and will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws in your state.
With morphine, there is a big risk of overdosing because of the drug’s effect on the central nervous system. It is possible to slow the system to a complete standstill, resulting in death. Signs of an overdose include:
- Slurred speech
- Inattention
- Intense drowsiness
- Fever
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased thirst
- Lower back or side pain
- Decrease in responsiveness
- Extreme sleepiness
- Swelling of the face and extremities
- Lack of movement
- Slowed breathing
- Muscle cramps/spasms
- Pain/stiffness
Is Morphine Dangerous?
Morphine is highly dangerous, not only because of the high propensity for overdose, but because of the side effects it creates in the body. Some of the side effects listed above are mild, but there is always a risk of experiencing some of the more intense side effects that can pose a serious risk to one’s health, even leading to irreparable damage. Since 2000, the Center for Disease Control has seen an increase in opioid-related overdoses of 200 percent.
Should I Stop Taking It?
If you believe that you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, do not try and take matters into your own hands. Under no circumstances should you attempt to detox alone. This is extremely dangerous and will likely end in relapse, or worse. You absolutely should make a commitment to cutting the substance out of your life, but there are certain steps you can take to make the process go much smoother and safer for yourself. Entering into a recovery center for professional treatment is the best way to approach detox. Treatment centers have 24/7 medical professionals and counselors on staff to help guide you through the process of withdrawal and the journey to sobriety.
Who Abuses Morphine?
Anyone is susceptible to developing an addiction to morphine, but the most likely victims are those who have undergone surgery or have an ailment that requires a prescription for the drug. Repeated exposure/consumption of the drug often leads to addiction.
Quitting Is Possible
Detoxing from morphine is a process of incrementally decreasing dosage under medically supervised staff members that are specifically trained on how to deal with the withdrawal symptoms of the drug. The rapid withdrawal brought on by morphine detoxification can be dangerous, so it is important to lower the dosage according to the current mental and physical condition of the patient. After detox has been successfully completed, behavioral therapy is the next step on the road to substance abuse recovery. In behavioral therapy you will learn to cope with the emotional root of your addiction with both group & individualized therapy time. There are many great and affordable addiction treatment options available, such as outpatient rehab Arizona & group therapies. Get help overcoming a morphine or prescription drug addiction today.
