For intense or chronic pain, some doctors prescribe medications that contain morphine. Doing so puts the drugs into the class of narcotic palliatives. It also places them in the grouping of opioids such as fentanyl and oxycodone. Did you know that you could be at risk of needing a morphine addiction treatment and morphine detox center center if you take it?
How Does Morphine Work?
Opium poppies produce morphine. In the United States, physicians may prescribe it as a painkiller, but have to abide by Schedule II regulations. This determination describes the substance as possessing a high abuse potential leading to the need for morphine addiction treatment. Although a physician may write up to three prescriptions, they must each carry a “fill-on” date.
When patients take morphine according to their doctor’s recommendation, the drug acts directly on the central nervous system. It lightly sedates the patient and numbs pain responses for up to seven hours. Drugs containing the poppy-derived chemical take effect as quickly as 20 minutes from ingestion. A morphine injection can speed up this process considerably.
What Makes Morphine So Addictive?
Morphine addiction users put the effects of the substance on the same level as heroin. It’s capable of producing feelings of euphoria. When you consider that chemists create other opioids using morphine, the comparison to heroin makes sense. Just as heroin is a highly addictive substance, this chemical also makes it easy to fall victim to a pain pill addiction.
Morphine Addiction Treatment
In the medicine cabinet, you may find products containing morphine under the names of MS Contin, Kadian, Roxanol, and Embeda. The latter is a mix that contains naltrexone hydrochloride, which prevents the euphoria someone might get from the drug. Not surprisingly, people struggling with an opioid addiction may ask doctors for MS Contin and the other drugs by name.
Side effects of someone suffering from morphine addiction include drowsiness, nausea, and dry mouth. Higher doses can lead to marked dizziness and also compromise the functioning of the immune system. Some people stagger because they cannot find their balance. It’s possible to experience bouts of depression, which frequently causes users to increase the dose.
Doing so is potentially deadly. This substance, just like heroin and other derivatives, slows down breathing. Using too much of the drug can make you unconscious and allow breathing to slow and then stop altogether. Another risk factor leading to death is a combination of the drug with alcohol.
How to Overcome a Morphine Addiction
Because the drug has a high addiction potential, doctors attempt to wean patients off of it gently as their pain treatments end. But if you’re taking the substance in an off-label manner, you won’t be able to benefit from this controlled setup. Instead, protect your health and safety by undergoing a medically supervised detox from opiates. The process includes:
- An intake interview with medical detox staff who records your vitals and typical drug dosage
- A five to seven-day commitment to wean your body off the substance
- Medical intervention when you get too uncomfortable
- Gender-centric counseling that nurtures, supports and encourages your decision
- Preparation for subsequent rehab that assists you with life skills and wellness information
The process doesn’t have to be painful. Granted, it won’t be comfortable, but it’s manageable. The experts help your vitals remain steady, which significantly boosts your overall comfort levels. Moreover, this practice prevents any sudden spikes in blood pressure and heart rate.
Getting Help for a Substance Abuse Problem Today
Don’t wait to contact the friendly therapists at Serenity House Detox & Recovery for morphine addiction treatment. Make today the day that you break the chain that an opiate addiction has on you. Whether you need help for one drug addiction or multiple types of dependence, there’s help. Today is the day. The number is 866-294-5306.