Painkillers are one of the most widely abused substances out there, and morphine is one of the most commonly abused ones on the market. The morphine dangers can far outweigh their benefits, and individuals who struggle with this substance should know just how dangerous this medication can be.
Morphine is a strong and addictive painkiller that leads to physical and psychological dependence, resulting in complete upheaval in a person’s life. However, there is help available, and knowing the true cost of using this drug can help individuals seek much-needed help.
How is Morphine Used?
Morphine is an opioid analgesic that is prescribed for severe pain. This can be after major surgery or injury, or chronic pain conditions that call for treatment with opioid painkillers. Prescription drugs are one of the most widely abused substances across all communities. And despite the medical benefits, serious consequences can occur without warning, and lead to devastating impacts.
On the streets, morphine is known by different, unique names. These can include white lady, morf, and morpho. Liquid forms of morphine sold illicitly on the streets can be known as joy juice and can be injected into the bloodstream resulting in a rush of euphoria. Morphine is also available in pill form, which can be crushed and snorted, injected, or taken orally.
All methods and forms of this substance result in the same euphoric high, leading to its affinity for abuse. The effects of this drug are why it is so popular for abuse, and they are also part of what makes it so difficult to quit. The dangers of morphine should be known to avoid severe consequences or fatal results.
What are the Dangers of Morphine?
One of the main dangers of morphine is addiction. This drug can affect the brain structure and functionality, which can be difficult to address without proper help. Morphine is an opioid that acts on the brain and central nervous system and can result in addiction without warning. Another danger of this substance is the potential for it to lead to overdose.
While the opioids heroin and fentanyl lead to overdose and death more frequently, those who use these substances are not immune to the dangers associated with their use. These dangers become more prevalent when it is used in conjunction with other substances like alcohol. Other risks include social, economic, and occupational problems as well as problems with law enforcement and the breakdown of the family unit.
Signs of Abuse and Addiction
One of the biggest morphine dangers is abuse and addiction. Prolonged use of this drug can result in tolerance and dependence. As tolerance occurs, the individual can begin using higher and higher doses that can, in turn, result in dependence and addiction. Signs that could be indicative of morphine abuse and addiction can include:
- Hiding usage
- Lying
- Running out of medication early
- Excessive drowsiness
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Avoiding family and friends, isolation
- Chronic unemployment due to morphine use
- Slurred speech
- Overdose
Doctor Shopping and Morphine
Doctor shopping is common with prescription opioid painkillers. This is when someone goes to multiple doctors and receives multiple prescriptions for this medication. This can lead to further dangers. Having an excess supply of this medication can lead to further abuse of morphine and a deepening addiction to it. Continued use and abuse of this drug can result in the body’s dependence and when it is not available, the individual can then experience excruciatingly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Some morphine dangers occur as a result of withdrawal. Opioids like fentanyl, heroin, and morphine bind to the opioid receptors within the brain, resulting in the overproduction of dopamine, the brain’s reward center. When the drug is abruptly stopped, the brain struggles to return to normal functionality, which results in physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
Some withdrawal symptoms from morphine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Withdrawal can also consist of insomnia, restlessness, muscle aches and cramps, and hot/cold flashes. Having proper care during this process can be vital for ensuring safety.
Morphine Overdose
One of the biggest risks of morphine is overdose. The body is only able to process so much of the substance at one time, and if it is unable to do so it can result in overdose. Overdose of this drug can result in severe respiratory depression, low blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
With depression in the respiratory system, the brain becomes deprived of oxygen, and prolonged oxygen deprivation can result in fatality. Those struggling with morphine should seek professional care to avoid overdose.
Detox
Detox is the first step to avoiding the risks of morphine use. During a detox regimen, the individual will receive medical monitoring in which their withdrawal symptoms can be addressed and treated. Withdrawal can be severely uncomfortable, and a professional medical detox helps to alleviate these symptoms as well as prevent complications that may arise.
Get Help Managing the Perils of Morphine Dangers
Opioid painkillers such as morphine are ravaging communities across the country. Those who struggle with this substance can attest to the difficult nature of stopping it. The struggle of continuing to use morphine can lead to detrimental results for the individual in the grips of it.
However, there is help available that can aid in turning their life around. If you or a loved one are struggling with morphine, we can help. At Empowered Recovery Center we aim to provide a safe and healing environment in which people who are struggling can find a way out.
Call us now to learn more about morphine dangers.
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