Morphine addiction has been a major public health problem worldwide. Misuse of morphine-containing medicines has also exacerbated addiction rates. If you or a loved one are dealing with addiction and want to learn more about this substance and the best morphine addiction treatment options, this article has all you need to know.

What is Morphine, and why is it addictive?

Morphine, a potent pain reliever derived from the opium poppy plant, is classified as an opioid analgesic. Morphine drug side effects appear in the brain and nervous system by attaching to opioid receptors. Morphine is commonly administered for patients experiencing excruciating pain, or as a result of surgery or other medical procedures.

By binding to opioid receptors, morphine reduces pain and triggers the reward center of the brain, which results in euphoria. Tolerance develops with repeated usage, requiring greater doses to achieve the same results. But, when someone tries coming off morphine without being under morphine dependence treatment, they are likely to get addicted as the brain compensates by producing withdrawal side effects of morphine addiction.

What are the symptoms and signs of Morphine addiction?

Signs of addiction include:

  1. Elevated tolerance to the drug and intense morphine cravings make the task of self-control when weaning off morphine nearly impossible
  2. Withdrawal effects when the drug is not used are one of the major symptoms of addiction
  3. Persistence towards drug usage despite the negative effects of morphine, like mood swings
A doctor gets ready to inject morphine into a patient. Patients may chase the use of the drug following use after surgeries.

Signs of addiction behavior

  1. Being fixated on acquiring and consuming the drug
  2. Display of suspicious behavior
  3. Changes in social gatherings and routines
  4. Abandonment of responsibilities
  5. Increased tolerance with each usage
  6. Abrupt and ineffective attempts of coming off morphine.

Symptoms of drug use

A few symptoms of morphine use include:

  1. Constriction or dilation of pupils
  2. Mood swings
  3. Fluctuating appetite and gain or loss of weight
  4. Disregard for personal hygiene
  5. Changes in sleeping patterns
  6. Damaged coordination may cause slurred speech

What are the side effects of Morphine addiction?

A person can be severely impacted and may face morphine adverse effects by the many potential physical and psychological morphine drug side effects.

Short-term effects of Morphine dependence

  1. Alleviation from extreme pain
  2. Constipation is one of the common liquid morphine side effects because of the effects of morphine addiction on the digestive tract
  3. A sense of euphoria
  4. Morphine abuse can trigger nausea
  5. Consumption of high doses can induce impairment of respiration
  6. Sedation and drowsiness give rise to morphine drug side effects on cognitive functions

Long-term impact of Morphine addiction

  1. Gradually requiring higher doses of the drug
  2. Significant risk of infections in respiratory and gastrointestinal systems
  3. Isolation from social circles and negligence of their responsibilities
  4. Anxiety, mood disorders, and damage to cognitive functions
  5. Tolerance increases the risk of accidental overdose, which can be fatal
An infographic showing the morphine withdrawal symptoms an addict will have over time.

Symptoms of Morphine overdose

  1. Constricted pupils are one of the most common morphine adverse effects of opioid overdose
  2. Shallow and strained breathing
  3. Feeling weak and sluggish
  4. Reduced blood flow can cause the skin to turn pale, chilly, and damp
  5. Extreme drowsiness or inability to maintain wakefulness
  6. Diminished consciousness and unresponsiveness
  7. Dissociation or inability to think clearly and respond rationally
  8. Low blood pressure can cause lightheadedness or fainting

How and why does Morphine addiction start?

Physical and Psychological factors both play a role in how someone develops an addiction. Different people have different experiences with the transition from experimentation to addiction, and several circumstances play a role in the emergence of morphine dependence. Dependence on morphine frequently begins with the drug’s legal use to treat chronic pain.

By attaching to opioid receptors, morphine effectively alleviates pain and also causes the release of dopamine, which in turn induces a state of calm and pleasure. As morphine is consistently present in the system, physical dependence develops, and the negative effects of morphine withdrawal from abruptly coming off morphine can reinforce persisting reliance.

The answer to whether is morphine physically addictive and why the addiction starts in individuals also lies in certain genetic and environmental factors. Certain people may have a higher propensity to become addicted to opioids like morphine due to a genetic predisposition.

Also, morphine use can be influenced by factors such as being exposed to a drug-using environment, lacking moral support, or experiencing high amounts of stress.

What is the treatment for Morphine abuse?

Treatment for morphine addiction can be done in several ways, including:

  1. The withdrawal symptoms associated with morphine dependence treatment can be managed with medications like naltrexone, methadone, or buprenorphine.
  2. Various morphine-dependence treatment approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, target the psychological components of addiction, helping patients create coping mechanisms and reduce disruptive behaviors.
  3. After the initial addiction treatment period ends, it is essential to provide continuous assistance and monitoring. Regular follow-up care, counseling, and involvement in support networks are often necessary for long-term morphine dependence treatment.

How to start treatment of Morphine addiction?

  1. A complete assessment of the patient’s addiction, physical condition, and the presence of any co-occurring psychological issues should be performed by a healthcare specialist to initiate the addiction treatment.
  2. Participate in Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or other similar programs to help you through your recovery from liquid morphine side effects. Having people you can confide in and share your experiences with is a great way to stay motivated and connected while you heal from morphine drug side effects.
  3. Engaging friends and family in the morphine dependence treatment process is another practical approach.
  4. Try a more holistic approach to improve your well-being and joy in the long run, including meditation, physical activity, and creative expression.

Cost of Morphine Addiction Treatment

Morphine dependence treatment can range in price significantly based on factors like the unique services required, the duration of stay required, and the type of morphine rehab chosen. Call us now to get more information about the costs of inpatient addiction treatment in our clinic, which also includes outpatient programs after the first part of treatment is complete.

Doctors

At the Dr Vorobjev clinic, our medical professionals, who are highly trained will promptly evaluate the patient’s level of addiction and carry out extensive examinations for diagnosis to offer the most favorable outcomes possible for the addiction treatment.

Patents and certificates

In 2018, our medical center for morphine dependence treatment took home gold at the International Quality Summit Award ceremony held in New York. In 2020, we received the Rose of Paracelsus award in Brussels for our ongoing contributions to health care in addiction treatment.

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“At a young age, I almost gave up my life and aspirations to my morphine addiction and nearly lost all hope of recovery. I hesitated to seek help as there is a deep stigma attached to addiction. My experience at the Dr Vorobjev Clinic, where I just finished my morphine dependence treatment, was life-changing and vital in my fight against addiction. I was given the help I needed by the caring staff in weaning off morphine, a personalized morphine addiction treatment plan, and a peaceful atmosphere that I so desperately needed.”

Kristian K.