Morphine abuse is on the rise once more in the United States, as evidenced by an increase in emergency room (ER) visits due to morphine overdose in states like Texas. Morphine is an opiate like heroin derived from the opium poppy. Despite being less potent than heroin, morphine is nevertheless highly addictive.
If you or someone you love is abusing morphine or any other opiate or synthetic opioid, turning to opioid rehab in Houston or a nearby area is a sensible first step toward recovery. To learn about morphine side effects and treatment for addiction, reach out to The Right Step Houston by calling 1.844.768.0169. We can answer your questions about morphine abuse and what opioid addiction treatment entails. Don’t wait—start the journey to recovery today.
What to Know About Morphine
Here are some key things to know about morphine:
- Morphine belongs to the opioid family, alongside other drugs like codeine, fentanyl, and OxyContin. It’s classified as a Schedule II narcotic.
- It can be taken in different ways, like through injections, pills, patches, or suppositories, depending on what works best for the patient.
- Morphine is the main ingredient in opium and is incredibly effective for pain relief. It’s often used to help ease discomfort for patients with cancer or those nearing the end of life.
Unlike heroin, morphine is approved for medical use and is available through prescriptions, but it’s also sold illegally. Unfortunately, prescription morphine is sometimes misused, and many people get it from friends or family. Understanding these facts can help us approach the topic with compassion and awareness.
Recognizing Morphine Abuse
How do you know if you or someone you know is abusing morphine? Any use of an illegal drug like heroin is considered abuse. However, using morphine is legal in certain cases. Are you misusing this drug? You are abusing morphine if you:
- Are using morphine that has been prescribed for someone else
- Are using your own legally acquired morphine but not as prescribed
- Have acquired the drug on the streets or through a dealer
- Lie about your use of morphine
- Hide your morphine
- Are having financial difficulties due to your use of morphine
- Have been fired or put on probation at work due to poor performance
- No longer prioritize the people and things you once cared about
People who find themselves addicted to morphine or other drugs are often in denial. But if friends or family have expressed concern about you or are asking questions about your use of morphine, pay attention. Let their worry spark your action. Do you have any of the common side effects of morphine abuse?
Understanding Morphine Side Effects
At first, the morphine high is an overall feeling of euphoria. The more you take morphine or other opioid drugs, the less of a euphoric effect you’ll experience. People struggling with morphine addiction chase the high without quite reaching it, instead simply using the drug to feel somewhat normal and hold off withdrawal symptoms.
Other effects of morphine include:
- Loss of physical dexterity or reflexes
- Loss of mental acuity and focus
- Decreased libido
- Dry mouth and dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Poor judgment
- Headache
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Amenorrhea
- Respiratory difficulties
- Circulation problems
- Low blood pressure
People struggling with morphine addiction eventually become almost entirely focused on acquiring the drug, planning the next hit, and hiding evidence of drug use. The fear of losing a job, friends, money, or family is less paralyzing than the fear of not being able to continue using the drug. People in recovery often say that the person they were when in the throes of addiction is barely recognizable to them.
Connect with The Right Step Houston Today to Start Opioid Rehab in Texas
There’s life after rehab—a healthier and happier life, free from morphine abuse. Find out more about how you can leave morphine behind by contacting The Right Step Houston online or calling 1.844.768.0169. Our staff is ready to answer your call and support you in any way we can.