Morphine Addiction

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Last Updated:

May 7th, 2024

Morphine, renowned as one of the oldest and most effective opioids for severe pain relief, carries inherent risks due to its potent analgesic properties. Unfortunately, these same attributes render it highly susceptible to abuse, with dire consequences for health and well-being. Morphine abuse can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and, in severe cases, fatal overdose.

It is crucial that anyone taking morphine understands the risks of addiction and that anyone already caught in its grips understands that there is help available.

What is morphine?

Derived from the opium poppy plant, morphine is a naturally occurring opioid widely utilised in medical settings for its effectiveness in managing acute pain post-surgery and chronic pain in palliative care. Rather than targeting the source of pain, morphine modulates the brain’s perception of pain, offering profound relief. Its significance in palliative care extends compassion to those facing terminal illnesses, providing comfort in their final days.

Despite its therapeutic benefits, morphine is not without drawbacks. Users should be mindful of a spectrum of potential side effects, ranging from mild discomfort to severe health implications. These may include drowsiness, constipation, nausea, confusion, and, in extreme cases, respiratory depression and dangerously low blood pressure. Additionally, the euphoric effects of morphine, combined with its pain-relieving properties, heighten the risk of abuse and addiction. Thus, it is imperative to adhere strictly to prescribed guidelines and undergo medical supervision when using morphine.

What is morphine addiction?

Morphine addiction is one of the most common forms of opioid addiction, characterised by an inability to control morphine use despite negative consequences.

Morphine addiction often begins innocently, with the drug being prescribed for legitimate pain management. However, the line between therapeutic use and dependence can blur quickly, particularly if morphine is taken for longer or in higher doses than prescribed or used recreationally for its euphoric effects.

In either case, the compulsive use of morphine leads to physical dependence, where the body requires the drug to function normally and where unpleasant withdrawal symptoms emerge if morphine doses are reduced or stopped. This is coupled with a psychological dependence, driven by the desire to experience morphine’s pleasurable effects or as a way to cope with chronic pain or the stresses of life.

The combination of physical and psychological dependence is what creates a full-blown morphine addiction, with this complex dual nature requiring specialised treatment.

How to spot morphine addiction signs

If you are worried about morphine addiction, it is critical to assess how your usage of the drug may have evolved beyond its intended medical purpose. These questions can point to possible morphine addiction signs and help you to see whether your morphine use has crossed the line into addiction:

Have I been taking morphine in higher doses or for a longer duration than prescribed?
Do I take morphine without a prescription, either recreationally or for self-medication?
Have I been unsuccessful in my efforts to cut down or control my morphine use?
Do I spend a lot of time in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from morphine?
Do I feel strong cravings or urges to use morphine?
Is my morphine use interfering with my obligations at work, school or home?
Have I given up hobbies, neglected friends or family or lost interest in work due to morphine use?
Do I use morphine in situations where it could be physically hazardous, for example before driving?
Have I noticed an increase in my tolerance to morphine, needing more of it to feel the desired effect?
When attempting to reduce or cease using morphine, do I experience withdrawal symptoms?

If you answered “yes” to some of these questions, it may indicate the presence of morphine addiction symptoms and the need to seek professional advice.

What causes morphine addiction

Morphine addiction doesn’t happen in isolation or purely by chance. It is a complex condition influenced by a combination of factors that can vary greatly from one person to another. If you are concerned about morphine use, either for yourself or someone close to you, understanding what drives this addiction can be the first step towards seeking help:

Pain management history

Using morphine for an extended period or in high doses to manage pain increases the risk of developing a tolerance to its effects. Over time, you may find yourself needing more morphine to achieve the same level of pain relief or to experience feelings of euphoria, leading you down the path to dependence and ultimate addiction.

Biological predispositions

Genetics can play a major role in how susceptible you may be, as variations in the body’s opioid receptors or differences in how morphine is metabolised can make certain individuals more prone to developing a morphine addiction. This means that if addiction runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk yourself.

Environmental stressors

The context in which you live can significantly impact the likelihood of morphine misuse. Easy access to morphine, either through prescriptions or other means, combined with a high-stress lifestyle or environment, can facilitate the journey towards addiction.

Influence of social circles

The people you spend time with can also have a major influence on your behaviour and choices. Being around friends or family members who misuse opioids, including morphine, can increase your chances of using it in a non-medical context, especially if opioid use is normalised within your social group.

Emotional and psychological distress

Many turn to morphine not just for physical pain relief but for emotional or psychological comfort. Those dealing with mental health issues like depression, anxiety or trauma may use morphine to self-medicate. This can create a dangerous cycle of dependency as they rely more on its numbing effects to cope with their problems with morphine use ultimately making the underlying problems worse.

Addressing morphine addiction effectively requires a comprehensive approach that not only deals with physiological dependence but also considers all of these psychological and socio-environmental factors.

Morphine addiction symptoms and dangers

Understanding morphine addiction involves recognising its complex impact on both physical health and daily life. If you or someone close to you is navigating this challenge, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with prolonged use. Some of the most serious morphine addiction symptoms and dangers include:

Intense drowsiness: Chronic morphine use can leave you constantly sleepy, fatigued or in a state of sedation. This can make even daily tasks a struggle and some tasks like driving, incredibly dangerous.
Respiratory depression: Morphine use can slow breathing to a dangerous level, requiring urgent medical attention. This is one of the most serious morphine addiction side effects and a common result of morphine overdose.
Gastrointestinal discomfort: Gastrointestinal issues are common with morphine use. These can include chronic nausea and constipation, which may seem minor when compared to other morphine addiction effects but can profoundly impact your overall well-being.
Mood fluctuations: Emotional instability is an issue both when under the influence of morphine and when experiencing cravings and withdrawal. These mood swings can make life incredibly hard both for yourself and those around you and leave you isolated and without support.
Cognitive impairment: Morphine use can also make it hard to remember, make decisions or solve problems. This can make handling daily responsibilities more challenging, leading to stress and potentially further morphine use to cope.
Heightened depression and anxiety: It’s common for those struggling with morphine addiction to experience increased levels of depression and anxiety. This often complicates the path to recovery as more morphine is often used to self-medicate the issues the drug itself is causing.
Financial and legal problems: The financial burden of maintaining a morphine addiction can lead to significant stress, while illegal attempts to obtain the drug may result in legal issues.

Morphine addiction treatment

In morphine addiction treatment rehab, individuals undergo a multifaceted approach aimed at addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

The process typically begins with medically monitored morphine detox, which is crucial for breaking physical dependency and managing withdrawal symptoms safely. Medication-assisted treatment may be utilised during this phase to ease withdrawal discomfort and cravings, providing a smoother transition towards sobriety.

Following detox, individuals engage in a comprehensive morphine rehab programme tailored to their needs. This programme integrates evidence-based therapies and holistic healing practices to address the psychological and social dimensions of addiction.

As individuals progress through rehab, the focus shifts towards relapse prevention. Aftercare involves encompassing strategies to cope with triggers, ongoing support through therapy and support groups, and lifestyle adjustments to sustain long-term sobriety. By identifying triggers and developing healthy coping mechanisms, individuals are empowered to navigate challenges and maintain their commitment to sobriety over time.

Get help for morphine addiction today

At Sanctuary Lodge, we offer a comprehensive range of services, all specially designed to assist you in overcoming morphine addiction. From detox to evidence-based therapy and ongoing support, we are committed to helping you achieve lasting, lifelong sobriety. Take the crucial step towards a life free from morphine by contacting Sanctuary Lodge today. Your recovery journey begins here.

FAQs

What are other names for morphine?

Morphine is known by several brand names, including MS Contin (for controlled-release formulations) and Roxanol (for immediate-release formulations). All morphine-containing medications have a high potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose, so they should only be taken under the strict guidance and supervision of a professional healthcare provider.

How addictive is morphine?

The threshold for morphine addiction is not the same for everyone, as it can be influenced by the dose, frequency of administration and personal health factors. However, even at therapeutic doses for pain relief, morphine can lead to tolerance and dependence over time, particularly with prolonged use.

What is the risk of addiction when taking oral Morphine?

The risk of addiction when taking oral morphine is significant due to the drug’s potent nature and the potential for taking more pills than prescribed. Patch morphine addiction is less common as patches are specially designed to slowly release morphine in manageable doses. However, it is possible to develop an addiction to morphine regardless of the delivery method. This is why it is crucial for individuals and healthcare providers to closely monitor usage and adhere to prescribed guidelines.