Do you think that you or a loved one uses too much morphine? If you do, then there’s a good chance that there is a problem at hand.
If you’re unsure of what an addiction to Morphine is, continue reading below as we’ll discuss what it is, what signs and symptoms to look out for and what can be done to treat it.
What is Morphine?
Morphine is a powerful and highly addictive narcotic drug commonly used to relieve of pain.
Morphine affects the central nervous system directly and forms part of the chemical compound class known as alkaloids.
Because Morphine is so highly addictive, people may easily become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug as well as developing a higher tolerance to the drug, meaning using more of the drug to achieve an effect that was once produced through smaller dosages.
Having a higher tolerance to the drug increases the chances of an overdose occurring as the body might not be able to cope with the amount of drugs needed to satisfy a craving.
Signs and Symptoms of Morphine Addiction
There are various physical and psychological signs and symptoms that can be identified on someone who is addicted to Morphine.
Finding things such as needle marks and unexplained rashes on an individual may be suspected as a link to an addiction to the drug.
Impaired vision, speech and movement, strange activity of the eyeball, fluctuating body temperatures and the inability to defecate or urinate can also be linked to Morphine addiction.
From a psychological point of view, symptoms such as stress, depression, irritability, hallucinating, behaviours such as seclusion from loved ones and going through a prescription rapidly are all indicators of an addiction to the narcotic substance.
Morphine Addiction Treatment
If any of the signs and symptoms are visible on you or a loved one, then help needs to be sought after immediately.
As addiction is defined as a disease, medical attention will need to be done in order to begin the recovery process.
The best form of treatment available is inpatient treatment, which involves a residential stay in a rehabilitation center.
The length of treatment may vary from person to person depending on the nature of the addiction.
In treatment, a medical detoxification will be done in order to remove chemicals from the body and to lessen or prevent any withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced.
Therapy and counselling methods will also be administered to help educate the individual about Morphine addiction and what can be done to prevent a relapse in the future.
Once inpatient treatment has been completed, attending regular outpatient meetings is advisable, which serves as a continuation of the counselling and therapy methods taught in rehab.
Outpatient treatment is key as the threat of a relapse is most prevalent once discharged from a rehabilitation center.
Tertiary care is also available for those needing further treatment and counselling, which helps in keeping the individual focused on living a sober and happy life.
For more information regarding rehabilitation, please call us now and our addiction counsellors will gladly assist you.