Morphine is generally administered in hospitals to treat moderate to severe pain. It is known to be highly addictive because of the way that it decreases the body’s emotional response to pain, leading to the risk of morphine addiction. Morphine is actually what heroin is derived from.
Prescriptions of morphine in a non-hospital setting are not as common as other medication prescriptions. Yet, they are sometimes given. People suffering from morphine addiction likely developed their dependency following surgery or major injury.
Despite the increased potency and chemical effects on the brain, morphine addiction can be treated effectively and managed long-term with outpatient treatment.
Having chronic pain doesn’t automatically make you unsuitable for outpatient services. While it is true that you can’t maintain an opioid prescription while in opioid treatment, there are other options to help manage your pain effectively. Both methadone and buprenorphine can address pain to some extent, but the approach depends on individual needs, medical history and whether the primary treatment goal is pain relief or recovery from opioid dependence. This is just one example of why we coordinate our treatment services with other agencies.
What is Morphine?
Morphine is an opioid medication used to relieve moderate to severe pain, particularly after surgery or serious injury. Its strong pain-relieving properties make it one of the most effective pain medications. However, it also carries a high risk for addiction.
Morphine directly impacts the brain’s pain receptors, dulling both physical and emotional responses to pain. Because of its potent effects, morphine addiction can develop quickly. This is especially true when used outside of hospital settings.
Morphine Side Effects
Using morphine can result in several side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, nausea and respiratory problems. Prolonged use increases the risk of tolerance. This means larger doses are required to achieve the same relief. This can lead to dependency and make it difficult to stop using the drug without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Users may also experience severe side effects such as low blood pressure, difficulty breathing or an irregular heartbeat. All these are symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
Signs of Morphine Addiction
Morphine addiction manifests in various ways. This includes a compulsion to seek out the drug, taking higher doses than prescribed or using it for purposes other than pain relief. People with morphine addiction often display behavioral changes. They tend to withdraw from social interactions, neglect responsibilities and have mood swings. Physical signs of addiction may include persistent drowsiness, slurred speech and noticeable weight loss.
What to Expect in Morphine Addiction Treatment
In our morphine addiction treatment program, we provide a whole-person approach to recovery. Our program includes medications, which help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. We also offer counseling and therapy to address the psychological aspects of addiction. Our team assists individuals in developing strategies to avoid relapse and maintain long-term sobriety. At Crossroads, our approach to recovery promises that each patient receives the care and support they need on their journey to sobriety. If you or someone you know is struggling with morphine addiction, contact us today for compassionate and professional treatment options.