Did you know that the risk of dependence on opioids like morphine doubles after six days? It then doubles again after 12 days. This is why morphine is generally recommended for short-term use.
Morphine is an opioid medication used to treat pain, such as pain caused by major trauma, surgery, or cancer. While effective, it can lead to dependence, especially when misused. Due to this concern, morphine is recommended when other treatments have failed. If you get pain relief from other medications, you may not need to take morphine.
Arizona is facing an opioid overdose epidemic, claiming five lives every day. In 2023, Arizona recorded more than 1,800 opioid-related deaths and more than 4,000 overdoses. This covers all opioids, including morphine. As a result, the state recently announced an initiative to supply schools with the anti-overdose substance Narcan.
As a trusted recovery center in Arizona, Wolf Creek Recovery provides specialized treatment services for opioid use disorders. Many people who become dependent on morphine were initially prescribed this medication to treat severe pain. Instead of being helped, they now have to address both their dependence on opioids and their pain. Let’s learn more about the signs of morphine addiction and how to address this challenge.
Signs of Morphine Addiction
Recognizing the signs of “morphine addiction,” a type of opioid use disorder, is crucial for early intervention and support. Morphine is a powerful opioid painkiller, used to treat moderate to severe pain. While effective, it can lead to physical and psychological dependence if misused. By educating yourself on the signs of a potential problem, you can approach this conversation with concern and compassion. Most people who become dependent on morphine never made the choice to misuse the substance. They were prescribed this medication to treat pain and ended up becoming dependent. Remember, it takes just weeks to develop dependence to opioids, including morphine.
Physical Symptoms of Morphine Use
Physical symptoms of morphine dependence often develop as the body becomes reliant on the substance to function. These symptoms can manifest both during active use and withdrawal. The most common physical signs during active use include:
- Constricted pupils
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory depression
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching or skin flushing
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
The physical symptoms of dependency and tolerance are:
- Increased tolerance
- Physical dependence
- Weight loss
- Poor physical appearance
Health Consequences
The health consequences of morphine use vary depending on the dose, duration of use, and whether it is taken as prescribed or misused. The main health consequences of morphine misuse include overdose, infections (HIV, hepatitis), and organ damage. Overdose can occur if you take more morphine than the body can safely handle, leading to brain damage, organ damage, and death. If morphine is injected, it is also possible to contract a bloodborne disease.
Psychological Signs of Morphine Misuse
Morphine misuse can significantly affect a person’s psychological state, leading to noticeable changes in behavior, mood, and mental well-being. Recognizing these signs is crucial for identifying opioid misuse and seeking professional morphine rehab. The main psychological signs of morphine misuse are:
- Intense cravings
- Emotional instability
- Preoccupation with morphine
- Behavioral changes
- Cognitive impairments
- Psychological dependence
- Denial
- Increased risk-taking
- Paranoia or irritability
- Loss of interest in activities
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
Risk Factors of Morphine Dependence
Dependence on morphine can develop due to various risk factors, which may be biological, psychological, social, or environmental. Understanding these factors can help identify people at higher risk and promote early intervention.
Medical and prescription factors are top risk factors, as people prescribed morphine for long-term pain management can develop tolerance and dependence. Higher doses and improper use (e.g., using morphine more frequently or using morphine with other substances) can also raise the risk for morphine dependence.
Biological factors, such as genetics, brain chemistry, and age, also play a role. People who have a family history of substance use disorders may have increased susceptibility due to genetic predispositions. Underlying mental health disorders, dysfunctional family environments, and high levels of stress can also raise the risk of morphine misuse and dependence.
The Dangers of Morphine
Morphine is dangerous because it suppresses the respiratory center in the brain, slowing breathing. Without medical intervention, this can turn into a life-threatening situation, damaging organs and leading to coma and death.
People who take high doses of morphine or combine morphine with other central nervous system depressants are most at risk. It’s also possible to develop tolerance and dependence to morphine, even when taken as directed. Stopping morphine suddenly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including stomach upset, muscle aches, cramping, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and intense cravings. When dealing with morphine, professional intervention is almost always necessary.
Recognizing Morphine Use
To recognize morphine use, particularly morphine misuse, it’s important to pay attention to all potential physical, behavioral, and psychological signs. The physical signs that a person may be currently using morphine include pinpoint pupils, “nodding off,” slurred speech, slowed breathing, and nausea and vomiting. The behavioral signs to watch for include visiting multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions, secretive behavior, and neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school. There are also psychological symptoms to have on your radar, such as mood swings, confusion, impaired judgment, anxiety, and lack of motivation.
Morphine and Drug Paraphernalia
When someone is misusing morphine, you may notice the presence of certain drug paraphernalia. This paraphernalia refers to items used to store, prepare, or consume morphine. Morphine is most commonly prescribed in pill or liquid form, so be on the lookout for prescription bottles or packaging. However, morphine is also available in powdered forms, where it can be snorted or injected. Watch for used needles, needle caps, syringe packaging, spoons and metal caps, small plastic bags, glass vials, folded foil, rolled up bills or straws, and mirrors or flat surfaces with powder residue.
What to Do if Someone You Know Needs Help in Prescott, AZ
If someone you know is experiencing dependence on morphine, supporting them can make a significant difference in their journey toward recovery. Start by learning about morphine, its effects, and the challenges of recovery. Approach a conversation with your loved one when they are sober and calm, and use supportive, non-critical language. Encourage professional help, which typically includes detox, therapy and counseling, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an approach that combines medication with behavioral therapies. It is particularly effective for opioid use disorders, and it focuses on providing a “whole-patient” approach. The goal is to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and normalize brain function while addressing the psychological and behavioral aspects of morphine use. Participation in support groups is also beneficial, as it helps rebuild relationships and develop a stable lifestyle.
When you are ready to take the next step to healing from substance use, Wolf Creek Recovery is here to guide you. We know how important it is to have a strong support network when you are in recovery, and that is what we are prepared to do. Our staff is in recovery as well, and we spend time enjoying various activities outdoors, such as playing disc golf, basketball, and pickleball. Learn more about our programs and how they can give you the strength and direction to start fresh. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery today at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.
FAQs About Signs of Morphine Addiction
What are the signs of active morphine use?
When a person is using morphine, the signs and symptoms may include pinpoint pupils, slowed breathing, drowsiness, constipation, nausea and vomiting, sweating, dry mouth, and skin itching.
How can you tell if a person is dependent on morphine?
A person who is dependent on morphine will show both physical and psychological symptoms, such as increased tolerance, physical dependence, weight loss, intense cravings, emotional instability, and a preoccupation with morphine.
What paraphernalia is associated with morphine?
The drug paraphernalia you might find with morphine use include prescription bottles, powder, and accessories to snort or inject morphine, such as needles, syringes, spoons, metal caps, and rolled up bills and straws.
