Morphine Addiction Treatment Rehab In Texas
Morphine is a medication that is often prescribed for intense or chronic pain. Many hospitals use it before and after major surgeries to help curb severe pain. However, it’s also an extremely addictive opioid, closely related to heroin. It has potentially life-threatening side effects, and can trigger a variety of other problems.
Morphine addiction is no new addiction. In fact, “soldier’s disease” made headlines in U.S. news after the Civil War. Doctors in the Civil War commonly employed morphine to treat injuries that occurred on the battlefield. In fact, the Online Library of Drug Policy reports that over 400,000 Civil War veterans were addicted to morphine during and after the war. Morphine is still incredibly dangerous, and addiction is on the rise in America.
Abuse and Addiction: The Story of Morphine
Morphine is a dangerous drug due to how it affects central nervous system. Morphine activates the reward system in the brain, which will inevitably induce a dependence and cravings because of the constant overstimulation of the brain. The effect induced by the drug is a euphoric feeling, and often relieves fear and anxiety. This drug seeking behavior is what causes psychological dependence and eventually a morphine addiction. The most challenging issue with morphine is that it’s a commonly used drug, and no one really knows when they will become addicted. A person may use morphine just once recreationally, and then not be able to put it down.
Signs and Symptoms of Morphine Addiction
Since morphine is so commonly abused, finding a specialized addiction treatment program is not as difficult as you might think. Many don’t realize they’re actually addicted to morphine until it’s too late. If you’re showing signs of a morphine addiction, you should seek help from a treatment center as soon as possible. Some of the signs of morphine addiction you can watch for are:
- Loss of interest in former hobbies
- Change in sleeping patterns
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Neglecting appearance or hygiene
Short and Long-term Morphine Effects
Abusing morphine is extremely dangerous. If you are exhibiting these symptoms of short or long-term addiction, you should seek morphine addiction treatment in Texas at Willow Springs.
Short-term effects of morphine abuse include:
- Constipation
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Reduced sex drive
- Weight loss
- Drowsiness
Long-term effects of morphine abuse include:
- Bone damage
- Brain damage
- Frequent illnesses
- Depression
- Emotional instability
Morphine Overdose Can Happen
Abusing morphine can easily result in an overdose. An overdose can be deadly, and is often a sign that you’ve become addicted to morphine. If you know someone who has suffered from a morphine overdose, it is imperative you call 911 immediately. Overdose symptoms include:
- Frequent vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Slowed heartbeat
- Cardiac arrest
- Convulsions
- Loss of consciousness