Signs and Symptoms of Morphine Addiction

Morphine is an extremely addictive painkiller.  When addicts try to quit morphine, they often experience severe cramps, pains and anxiety which can result in using the drug again in order to avoid withdrawal.

Symptoms of Morphine Addiction

Morphine addiction can start as a prescribed medication to solve real pain issues. However, having morphine can lead to habitual drug seeking or using morphine other than intended. Many users find that they cannot stop after even a few weeks of a regular dosage.

Morphine addiction can result in a range of symptoms from weight loss to vomiting and memory problems. There are also obvious emotional signs of morphine addiction which can include anxiety, hallucinations, depression and irritability. Morphine addiction also reduces the addict’s level of consciousness, which affects their ability to be fully aware of their surroundings.

In addition to morphine withdrawal symptoms after a missed dose (lack of appetite, irritability, weight loss, drowsiness and sweating), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders clinical criteria for morphine addiction include:

1.      A strong desire to take morphine

2.      Increased doses due to tolerance

3.      Difficulty controlling morphine use

4.      Neglect of alternative interests because of morphine use

5.      Entering a psychological withdrawal state when the drug use is stopped

6.      Persistent morphine use despite harmful consequences physically or mentally

Symptoms of Morphine Addiction: Can They Be Treated?

Symptoms of Morphine addiction can be treated through several different types of therapies and/or the use of prescribed medication.

Psychological treatments 

Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy are two of the most successful interventions for morphine addiction. These treatments address the emotional and cognitive aspects of addiction to resolve and change past behaviours.

Opiate replacement therapy

Replacement therapy attempts to curb addiction to morphine by replacing morphine with a less euphoric opioid, such as methadone or buprenorphine, which should be taken under medical supervision. Replacement therapy helps addicts to lead a normal life while being treated with a substance that stops them from experiencing the harsh morphine withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Prescription medications

There are medications available for morphine addiction and when used in combination with behavioral treatment programs increase chances of quitting morphine significantly. Prescription medications include anti-anxiety meds, antidepressants, and drugs such as nalexone or buprenorphine used to address withdrawal symptoms. Patients are less likely to become dependent on buprenorphine and when they stop the withdrawal symptoms are much weaker.

Morphine addiction support groups 

Morphine addiction support groups can be useful for helping treat morphine addiction symptoms. Many addicts can find a sense of community by joining a support group and get further assistance psychologically months down the road to help prevent relapse.

Shafa Home is a residential treatment facility and nasha mukti kendra offering complete and holistic treatment for Morphine addiction. We encourage you to contact one of our counsellors today if you are concerned about Morphine addiction