Millions of people in the United States use prescription medications to manage pain after surgery, during treatment of medical conditions, and for chronic pain. Some of the medications people take to treat pain may have the potential for addiction.

Morphine is a commonly prescribed painkiller with the potential for drug abuse and addiction. People who use morphine long term or who abuse it may develop opioid use disorder. Many people with opioid addiction require treatment to quit and prevent relapse.

This article will explore morphine addiction treatment. You will learn:

  • The effects and risks of morphine abuse
  • The signs of morphine abuse and addiction
  • What happens in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
  • Where to find morphine addiction treatment programs

If you or someone you love struggles with morphine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find compassionate, evidence-based treatment options and support at First Step Behavioral Health. Learn more about our programs or schedule an intake by contacting our specialists now.

What is Morphine?

Morphine is a potent opiate drug derived from opium poppy seeds. Morphine works by binding to opioid receptors in areas of the brain related to pain management, pleasure, and emotional regulation.

Street names for morphine include:

  • M
  • Miss Emma
  • Roxanol
  • Monkey
  • White stuff

Doctors may prescribe IV or oral morphine to help patients manage pain after surgery or other medical treatment. In addition to relieving pain, morphine can cause pleasurable side effects, such as relaxation and euphoria.

Doctors may prescribe morphine for short-term use to reduce the risk of abuse or addiction. However, people may still abuse it and become addicted to it. Long-term morphine abuse can change how the brain and body work. These changes can make it very challenging for someone to stop taking morphine when they choose. They may experience intense cravings and other withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it.

Morphine abuse can also lead to tolerance, meaning people need to use higher doses to get the desired effects. Using larger doses increases the risk of overdose and physical dependence.

People must only take morphine under careful medical supervision. It is critical to know the signs of abuse and addiction and take action as soon as you recognize a problem.

Morphine Abuse

Morphine is a highly addictive drug. People using it to manage pain may experience pleasurable side effects, including euphoria and relaxation. These drugs can cause people to want to use them differently than prescribed.

Abusing morphine can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Appetite loss
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Changes in libido
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dehydration
  • Headache
  • Sleep apnea
  • Respiratory problems
  • Reduced circulation

People who abuse morphine are at risk of a lethal overdose and other serious health complications. Those who become addicted to morphine may require intensive treatment to stop using it.

Recognizing Morphine Abuse and Addiction

Morphine abuse can change how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. Prolonged abuse can lead to addiction.

Recognizing the signs of morphine abuse is the first step toward life-saving treatment. Some common signs of morphine abuse and addiction include:

  • Euphoria
  • Poor judgment
  • Spending a lot of time getting and using morphine
  • Doing dishonest or illegal things to get more morphine
  • Being secretive or lying about morphine use
  • Continuing to use morphine even when it causes significant problems
  • Appetite loss leading to weight loss
  • Needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking morphine

People who become addicted to morphine typically require treatment to stop using it. People may also require significant support in recovery to avoid relapse.

What to Expect in Morphine Addiction Treatment

Morphine addiction can develop after a prolonged period of abuse. People who develop physical dependence on morphine may experience intense, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Dilated pupils
  • Diarrhea
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Cravings
  • Runny nose
  • Body aches
  • Chills 
  • Sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Yawning

These and other symptoms can make it very hard for people to quit “cold turkey” on their own.

Morphine addiction recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. People who become addicted to morphine require individualized treatment. There are several levels of treatment to choose from, including both inpatient and outpatient programs.

Before beginning treatment, a doctor or addiction specialist will assess each person’s unique needs. This assessment will determine which level of care is most likely to be effective.

Many treatment programs begin with a medical detox program, which consists of:

  • Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety
  • 24/7 supervision and access to treatment
  • Emotional support
  • Holistic therapies like massage, yoga, mindfulness, and nutrition support

Detox may take several days or weeks, depending on a person’s health, the severity of their addiction, and other factors. After completing detox, people must continue in a comprehensive treatment program that includes:

  • Assessments and screenings
  • Supervision
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Medical care and medication management
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Counseling and education for family members
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Exercise, mindfulness, expressive arts therapies, and other holistic practices
  • Aftercare planning and support

After completing a comprehensive treatment program, people must remain active in their recovery. An aftercare plan is essential to helping people stay on track in recovery and may include:

  • Additional treatment programs
  • Mental health and medical support
  • 12-step meetings or other group support
  • Sober living

Overcoming morphine addiction can be very challenging. Having the right kind of treatment and support is essential.

Find Morphine Addiction Treatment in Florida

If you or someone you love struggles with morphine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the addiction treatment specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our programs, verify insurance, or schedule an intake appointment.

References:

  1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Morphine
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Morphine
  3. NIH: The Mechanisms Involved in Morphine Addiction: An Overview

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