Morphine is a powerful opiate painkiller available in liquid and pill forms. The number of morphine prescriptions is on the rise, and so are the instances of morphine addiction and overdose. Because of the high risk of addiction, morphine is not usually the first option offered. It is only prescribed in instances of moderate to severe pain and is sold under brand names such as Roxanol, Kadian, and Avinza.

Morphine is often taken intravenously, which induces a rush of euphoria and can also cause drowsiness. Can morphine be addictive? How addictive is morphine? Below, we take a close look at these questions and how an addiction to morphine could be diagnosed and treated.

Is Morphine Addicting?

Morphine is a strong opioid. This means that it belongs to a family of drugs that is notoriously addictive and habit-forming. Another reason that morphine is addictive is that users gradually develop their tolerance over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effect. One of the most devastating impacts that morphine has on users is the fact that a psychological dependence forms almost as fast as a physical one. 

How Can You Get Addicted to Morphine? 

Morphine is one of the most commonly abused drugs because it is often used in medical procedures because it is an effective painkiller. As people that have undergone medical procedures continue to take the drug to numb the pain, they sometimes develop a psychological and physical addiction or dependence. 

What Are the Effects of Morphine Addiction? 

There are many devastating effects of morphine addiction. Morphine abuse can cause a litany of issues ranging from strains in interpersonal relationships to negative effects on physical health. Some of the most pertinent effects of morphine addiction are described below: 

• Neglecting daily responsibilities 
• Isolation from loved ones 
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Fatal overdose

Symptoms of Morphine Addiction

A person taking this medication should be well-informed and vigilant about signs of addiction to morphine. Addiction occurs when someone develops a tolerance for the medication and has withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the drug. If you are concerned that someone close to you is abusing morphine, there are some signs and symptoms that you can watch out for. A person with an addiction will continue to use the drug no matter what the negative consequences are. Obtaining and using the drug can cause tension in relationships and problems in all other areas of life, both personal and professional. It’s also important to look for physical signs of morphine addiction, such as:

• Shallow breathing
• Inattention
• Nodding off
• Slurred speech
• Dilated pupils

Addiction to this medication is dangerous because of the tolerance that develops. A person will begin taking increasing dosages of the medication in order to achieve the high. This puts them at risk of overdose. Because morphine is a nervous system depressant, an overdose can be deadly. If you suspect that you or someone you love has an addiction, don’t wait to seek out morphine addiction treatment.

Find Morphine Addiction Treatment

Finding the right morphine addiction treatment program can save a life. Better Addiction Care understands how difficult it is to recover from an addiction to morphine, and we want to help you find a safe, comfortable rehab center that will give you the tools you need to stay sober for many years to come.

When you contact Better Addiction Care, our compassionate client care specialists will work with you to create a recovery plan at a treatment center near you. We’ll even help you coordinate transportation and insurance requirements. Call now or fill out a contact form to explore your options and take the next step to start healing.