What is Morphine Addiction?

The medical use of morphine must be determined by the patients health and pain status. Regular use of morphine can lead to addiction which is defined by its physical and psychological components. Once the brain's receptor function is altered by morphine, the brain requires it in order to avoid withdrawal. The level of morphine required will regularly increase until the addicted is halted by treatment, incapacitation, or death. When a person abruptly stops taking morphine, the body will be thrown into withdrawal within hours of the last use. Withdrawal can occur with not only complete abstinence, but also as a result of a decreased dose or frequency of administration. Withdrawal can be dangerous and needs to be medically monitored at an inpatient medically supervised addiction detox facility. An addict is typically in poor health from lack of medical follow-up, proper nutrition, and proper hygiene. Morphine further hinders the bodys ability to fight infection because it suppresses the function of the immune system by inhibiting the natural killer cells from attacking foreign bodies. Addiction places great stress upon a persons physical and psychological well being. That state of being is worsened by the morphine abuse. Morphine addiction is frequently associated with I.V. drug use and all of its medical consequences. Infections such as HIV, Hepatits B and C, endocarditis, phlebitis, and staph are common.

Signs and Symptoms of Morphine Addiction

Using morphine does more than just reduce pain or provide a brief sense of euphoria. Every part of the body will be negatively impacted by chronic morphine use. The list below reflects some of the possible side effects of morphine abuse:

1) A reduction in sex drive
2) Interference with a woman's menstrual cycle
3) Constipation
4) Inhibition of the cough reflex
5) Memory problems
6) Dizziness
7) Confusion
8) Fainting
9) Seizures
10) Breathing difficulties

Adopted from recoveryconnection.org