What is Morphine?
Morphine is the addictive element that is present in opium. It is the opioid analgesic drug which is prescribed by the doctors as a painkiller for severe or chronic pain. Morphine has been categorized as a Schedule ll drug and is one of the most commonly abused painkillers. Abuse and excessive use can produce intoxication that causes euphoria and reduced tension. In its opiate form, morphine becomes more addictive. Experts revealed that overuse of morphine or its consumption in combination with other drugs like alcohol, or even other prescribed medicines could have dangerous implications in regards to mental and physical health. Similar to other prescribed opiates, morphine tends to make one dependent on it even in a case of prescribed and legal use, it is so, mainly because a human body develops a tendency to tolerate the drug which compels the person to continue the abuse.
What are the signs & symptoms?
One of the most significant effects of Morphine abuse is that it impacts the performance of digestive and respiratory functions of the human body. Due to which, the core indication of morphine overuse is constipation. Other than that, morphine with the combination of other drugs and opiates diminish the smooth pace of mental functions. Some of the prominent indicators of morphine abuse and addiction are:
- Difficulty breathing (or inability to breathe)
- Faintness or loss of consciousness
- Poor circulation and unstable pulse
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Confusion, nausea and vomiting
- High or low blood pressure
- Itching on skin and dizziness
- Blue lip marks, fingernails, cyanosis and dilated pupils
- Coma or even death in worst cases
- Cravings for more drugs
- Increased consumption due to increased tolerance
- Senseless statements and problems with balance
What are the side effects?
Morphine is usually consumed via tablet or syrup and its abuse creates severe health threats to the mind and body, there are two major kinds of adverse effects. Short term and long term. Short term effects are those which are implied on consumers after the immediate use, whereas, long-term effects are those who usually occur due to a consistent or prolonged abuse of the drug. Widely observed side effects are comprised of:
- Marks of needles on body
- Stealing money to buy drugs
- Deliberately damaging or injuring oneself to consult a doctor for a prescription
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Loss of ability to focus
- Circulatory inflammation and collapsing of veins
- Increased risk of blood diseases
- Reduction in sex appeal and drive
- Urination disorder and weakness of natural immune system
What are the withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal from Morphine is an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. The level of intensity and severity of symptoms depend upon the health, metabolism and tolerance graph of the patient. Most noticed symptoms which one might experience during withdrawal stage are:
- Sweating, weakness and chills
- Flu-like symptoms
- No hunger, insomnia, sneezing and runny nose
- Disorientation, diarrhea and muscles cramps
Treatment
Because of the intense withdrawal symptoms, detox and outpatient treatment are some of the best options for recovery. Where detox removes malicious substances from the body while outpatient rehab helps the patient in finding their way back to a sober life. Do not go to untrained medical consultants as it can worsen the conditions. Outpatient rehab treatments usually have positive long term effects and can help create a firm foundation for a life in recovery.
