Despite efforts to curb the opioid epidemic, many people still engage in morphine abuse. These prescription painkillers are often more accessible than other drugs, especially when taking them from a loved one’s prescription. Plenty of people also become unintentionally addicted to their own prescription opioids. Opioids are powerfully addictive, so enrolling in professional morphine addiction treatment is the best plan of action to help you overcome them.
You can count on Northpoint Washington when you need safe, reliable treatment for morphine abuse. Our welcoming addiction treatment facility provides highly effective drug rehab and detox. Call us today at 888.450.2153 to learn how we can help you overcome morphine addiction with medication, therapy, and holistic treatments.
How Morphine Addiction Develops
Morphine is an opiate drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It comes from opium, which is found in the poppy plant, most famously known for putting the characters to sleep in The Wizard of Oz. Opium is one of the world’s oldest known medicines, used primarily for sleep and pain. Today, it is more common for medical professionals to use opium in the form of morphine for patients who:
- Have chronic pain
- Have pain associated with cancer
- Are recovering from surgery
- Are recovering from an injury
Morphine can help people manage a great deal of pain, but it can also be addictive. One of the biggest problems with using morphine for pain relief is that tolerance can develop quickly, requiring higher doses for the same results.
Some people may also develop an addiction to morphine after using it recreationally. Many people who end up in the emergency room for morphine overdose accessed the drug from a friend or family member.
Whether someone uses morphine with a valid prescription or illicitly, it is crucial to know when they may be abusing the drug.
What Are the Signs of Morphine Abuse?
Morphine is a depressant drug that slows down the central nervous system. The effects of morphine abuse can be hazardous and potentially fatal. Know how to recognize these signs of morphine abuse in yourself or someone else:
- Sedation, extreme drowsiness
- Shallow breathing
- High blood pressure
- Lethargy, slow movements
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive weight loss
- Mood swings
- Slurred speech
Because morphine depresses the central nervous system, it can slow down your body’s functions to a dangerously low point. This change is especially apparent with breathing, as a person may struggle to breathe or stop breathing altogether. Someone overdosing on morphine may also fall unconscious or slip into a coma. Emergency attention is vital if you suspect that someone is experiencing a morphine overdose.
How Is Morphine Addiction Treated?
The main components of a morphine addiction treatment program are:
- Detoxification – During medically supervised detox, staff monitors you around the clock as the drug leaves your system.
- Medication – You receive medication during detox and beyond to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Behavioral therapy – You may meet with a therapist individually, in groups, or with your family to address unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that contribute to morphine abuse.
- Holistic therapy – Counselors use alternative therapies, ranging from yoga or nutrition to music or art therapy. Holistic therapies assist recovery by improving your overall well-being, providing a healthy outlet for stress, and helping you develop healthy habits.
Each treatment center is slightly different, so it is best to research, browse facility websites, and check online reviews for your local addiction treatment programs. If you struggle with morphine abuse, you may find benefits in a treatment program designed for morphine or opioid addiction.
Take Your Life Back from Opioid Addiction at Northpoint Washington
The opioid epidemic is still going strong, but with the help of Northpoint Washington, you no longer have to be a victim of potent opioids like morphine. Our caring staff will be by your side every step of the way through our inpatient addiction treatment programs. Reach out to us at 888.450.2153 if you or someone you love is struggling with morphine abuse.
