What is Morphine?
Morphine is a potent opioid painkiller, one most commonly used in a hospital setting for the treatment of moderate or severe pain. Morphine is extremely habit-forming, and will never be prescribed as a long-term solution for pain-related disorders because of this. The US National Library of Medicine published an in-depth article that describes the ways in which morphine works, and why the drug should never be taken repeatedly or used as a long-term solution. “Morphine extended-release tablets and capsules are only used to relieve severe (around-the-clock) pain that cannot be controlled by the use of other pain medications. Morphine extended-release tablets and capsules should not be used to treat pain that can be controlled by medication that is taken as needed. Morphine is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain,” the article reads. In addition to being prescribed in an extended-release tablet form, morphine can be administered intravenously in a liquid form. Even those who have been taking this powerful opioid medication for a short amount of time may need to be gradually tapered off of the drug. If you have been prescribed morphine by a medical professional, he or she will keep a close eye on administration, and will taper you off of the drug if any withdrawal symptoms begin to occur when use is ceased abruptly.
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What Tree Does Morphine Come From?
Morphine occurs naturally in a number of plants. However, the primary source of morphine is the poppy straw of the opium poppy. Morphine is derived from opium, a naturally occurring painkiller that has been used medicinally – and recreationally – for centuries. Morphine is extremely potent and highly addictive, and is typically only utilized to treat the following health-related concerns:
- Pain relief for individuals who are suffering from chronic cancer-related pain
- The treatment of acute, post-surgical pain
- Pain relief after a serious accident, major trauma or significant injury
As soon as the medication is ingested orally or injected intravenously, morphine enters into the bloodstream and makes its way to the brain, where it interferes with opioid receptors and blocks all pain-related signals. When taken in high doses the drug can produce feelings of euphoria and intense relaxation, making it a target for abuse. If you believe that you or someone you love has been suffering at the hands of a morphine abuse disorder, there are several physical and behavioral signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for.
Morphine Addiction – Signs and Symptoms
Opioid abuse and addiction claims hundreds of lives on a daily basis. The American Society of Addiction Medicine reported that in the year 2016 alone, there 20,101 overdose deaths throughout the US that were directly linked to prescription opioids like morphine. 20.5 million Americans over the age of 12 suffered from a diagnosable substance abuse disorder, and over 2 million suffered from a prescription painkiller abuse disorder. Between the years 1999 and 2008, written painkiller prescriptions, treatment admissions linked to prescription opioids and opioid-related overdose death rates all increased significantly. The problem persists – which is why seeking professional addiction treatment for any opioid abuse disorder (regardless of the severity) is absolutely essential. When left untreated the symptoms of addiction progressively worsen; they never resolve on their own.
Physical Symptoms of Morphine Addiction
There are many physical symptoms associated with morphine addiction. These include (but are not limited to):
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Flu-like symptoms, including watery eyes, a runny nose, a low-grade fever, chills and night sweats, and gastrointestinal issues
- Nausea, vomiting and chronic constipation
- Insomnia and other sleep-related issues
- Severe stomach cramping
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Loss of appetite, which can lead to noticeable weight loss
- The building of a physical tolerance over time
- Withdrawal symptoms that occur when use is abruptly stopped
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Behavioral Symptoms of Morphine Addiction
There are many behavioral symptoms associated with morphine addiction. These include (but are not limited to):
- Repeated attempts to quit or cut back on morphine intake, coupled with an inability to cut back for any significant length of time
- A lack of interest in hobbies and activities that were previously enjoyed
- Isolation from close friends and family members/more need for privacy
- Visiting multiple doctors in a short time period, attempting to obtain more than one morphine prescription at a time
- Financial and legal issues, which could result in activities like stealing money from family members or neglecting to take care care of personal consequences (leading to more significant consequences in the long run)
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Interpersonal issues/problems in relationships
- An avoidance of personal obligations
- Significant and noticeable mood swings, typically marked by increased agitation and irritability coupled with fleeting feelings of euphoria
If you believe that your loved one has been struggling with a morphine addiction, seeking professional care from a medical detox facility is always a necessary first step.
Entering into Medically Monitored Detox
An article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information explains that Withdrawal Management – the physical and psychological care of individuals who are undergoing the symptoms of morphine withdrawal – is an essential part of the continuum of long-term addiction treatment. The symptoms associated with morphine withdrawal are typically harshly uncomfortable, both physically and mentally, and while they are not generally life-threatening they must be treated as soon as they arise in order for complications to be successfully avoided. At Guardian Recovery our experienced and compassionate team of medical professionals, licensed therapists and psychiatrists and dedicated case managers works together to provide an unmatched level of integrated addiction treatment, one that cannot be found in any state-funded detox facility. We take the comprehensive well-being of each individual client into careful account, developing personalized and effective treatment plans while laying a lasting foundation for long-term sobriety. If your loved one has been struggling with a morphine addiction of any severity, we are available to help.
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At Guardian Recovery we believe that quality clinical care should be available and accessible to anyone who has been suffering at the hands of a morphine abuse disorder. We work with many major insurance providers to ensure that the cost of treatment is covered partially or in full and that you and your loved one are left with very few out-of-pocket expenses. We understand that the financial component of addiction treatment can seem overwhelming, and we never want coverage to act as a barrier between you and the quality care you both need and deserve. As soon as you make the decision to seek professional treatment and give our admissions counselors a call, they conduct a free, no obligation insurance benefit check and a brief initial pre-assessment over the phone. This pre-assessment helps us determine which level of clinical care is the most appropriate for your unique case. If it is determined that Guardian is a good fit, we set to work developing viable travel plans and setting up a date and a time for intake. When it comes to active morphine addiction there is truly no time to wait. Give us a call today and get started on your own personal journey of long-term healing. We look forward to speaking with you soon and answering any additional questions you may have.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
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