Morphine is a type of opioid which is used to treat pain that ranges from mild to extreme. Its formulations are designed to act rapidly, which has made it popular among soldiers who use it to treat wounds sustained on the battlefield. Morphine differs from other pain relievers in that it is not designed for the treatment of short term pain, and is instead used for pain which is long term or chronic.
Morphine is an extremely powerful substance that must be taken with care. The drug can become habit forming even when it is administered at normal doses. Morphine is usually taken orally, and users should never break or grind the pills, as consuming them in this manner could lead to a fatal overdose. Those that suffer from acute or chronic pain as a result of illness or disease must be extremely cautious when using this substance as they are highly susceptible to addiction.
Warning Signs of Morphine Addiction
An individual who abuses this substance may give off a number of signals, all of which should be a cause for concern. Addicts may have difficulty breathing, and their tongue, face or neck may swell. Like other opioids morphine can slow down a user’s heart rate. Breathing may become shallow, and heavy users may develop an unusual pain in their chest, as well as heart beats which are either rapid or pounding. Those who abuse morphine have reported increased drowsiness as well as fainting. Other warning signs consist of:
- Headache or dizziness
- Constipation or stomach ache
- Severe fatigue or exhaustion
- A moderate amount of itching
- Vision becomes blurred
- Crawling or tingling feeling on the skin
- Reduced ability to see certain colors
- Disorientation or Confusion
Side Effects of Morphine Abuse
Those who abuse morphine may experience a considerable number of side effects, some of which may be life threatening. Morphine addicts may experience a decrease in urination, as well as feeling lightheaded whenever they sit or lay down. Both their heartbeat and pulse may be irregular, and a rash may also develop on their skin. Heavy morphine users may also notice an increase in the amount of sweat they produce, as well as a greatly reduced appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Other side effects are:
- Pounding within the ears
- Unusual nervousness or anxiety
- Swelling around the eyelids
- Legs and arms may tremble
- Stools may appear black or tarry
Because morphine is a legitimate drug used in many settings, anyone who uses it, even at regular dosages, is vulnerable to addiction. Pain, especially which is chronic, can greatly reduce one’s quality of life, and people will do anything to get a substance which will alleviate it. It is this dynamic that leads to morphine addiction. Overcoming a dependence on this substance is possible, but it will often take professional help in the form of addiction treatment programs.
Addiction treatment services can be designed to assist those who are addicted to morphine or other substances. Patients will be evaluated to determine the level of care needed, and there are many types of treatment programs available. Rehab can be costly but there are many modes of payment available for those who cannot handle self-payment.
Contact us today at NeuroPsychiatric Addiction Clinic, where we can get you started on the path towards total recovery.