Symptoms of Morphine Addiction

Morphine addiction is a large contributor to the opioid epidemic happening in the United States right now. Morphine is considered an opiate, which is a natural opioid made from opium. It’s commonly prescribed for pain management following a major injury or surgery. Unfortunately, it comes with a high risk for abuse. Are you (or someone you love) at risk of addiction? If so, there are certain symptoms of morphine addiction to be on the lookout for. Reach out to San Antonio Recovery Center (SARC) at 866.957.7885 to find out more about painkiller addiction treatment options and what symptoms of morphine addiction look like.

Symptoms of Morphine Addiction

Because morphine is a powerful depressant drug, its effects significantly slow down the central nervous system. This characteristic is what makes it a valuable tool for pain relief following an injury or surgery, managing chronic pain, or providing comfort to cancer patients. However, when used inappropriately or excessively, morphine can become extremely dangerous. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of morphine addiction is crucial:

• Sedation, extreme drowsiness, and lethargy: Individuals may experience excessive sleepiness and find it challenging to stay awake or alert.
• Shallow breathing: Morphine can suppress the respiratory system, causing breathing to become dangerously slow and shallow.
• Nausea and vomiting leading to excessive weight loss: These symptoms may arise as a result of the drug's impact on the gastrointestinal system.
• Mood swings: Morphine can affect mood stability, leading to sudden and unpredictable changes in emotions.
• Slurred speech: Impaired speech can be a noticeable side effect of morphine use.

In addition, extreme mood swings and health red flags like high blood pressure can serve as indicators of morphine addiction. It's important to note that morphine slows down the body's normal functions, which can pose risks. Shallow breathing, in particular, is a dangerous sign, as it can lead to unconsciousness or even a coma if it reaches a critically low point. Overdose and death are significant risks associated with morphine abuse.

Morphine Addiction Treatment

Morphine addiction treatment programs may vary from center to center. However, they all share the common goal of removing the substance from your body and getting you back to a healthier (and drug-free) version of yourself.

Treatment can include:

• Detox – Medically supervised detox involves 24/7 supervision with a team of professionals monitoring your health and well-being as you remove the drug from your system.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) – When medication is used during the detox process to manage especially severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Traditional therapy – Behavioral therapies, where you have the opportunity to talk amongst peers, one on one with a therapist, or even as part of a family session, are an integral part of any treatment program.
• Experiential therapies – Holistic therapy can take the form of activities such as yoga, nutrition counseling, or music and art therapy to improve your overall well-being. They also provide a healthy outlet when managing the stress of treatment and recovery.

SARC’s Addiction Treatment Programs

Our programs offer the opportunity to participate in:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

This is a comprehensive approach that combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

This is a psychotherapy technique that helps individuals process traumatic memories and alleviate associated distress.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors to improve mental health.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

involves the use of animals, such as dogs or horses, to enhance the therapeutic process and promote emotional well-being.

Yoga Therapy

Combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall mental and physical health.

Trauma Therapy

A specialized form of therapy that helps individuals who have experienced trauma to:

• Process their emotions
• Develop coping skills
• Regain a sense of control and empowerment

Call On San Antonio Recovery Center for Morphine Addiction Treatment

Morphine abuse is rampant in our country. Because the drug is prescribed by medical professionals, it is more easily accessible and not viewed as a dangerous “street” drug. This accessibility is taken advantage of by people who have access to someone’s prescription, or by those prescribed the drug in the first place. In some cases, those who are prescribed the drug become unintentionally addicted by taking more and more of the drug than they are supposed to.

Morphine is highly addictive and the powerful hold the drug has on an individual is equally as hard to overcome. This is why enrolling in a professional morphine addiction treatment program will give you the best chance at a successful recovery and avoiding a relapse.

In treating morphine addiction, the SARC team offers:

• A combination of holistic and evidence-based therapies
• Treatment programs that start without a waitlist
• A welcoming, safe, and comfortable facility to rehabilitate in
• Flexibility with insurance plans

Don't accept addiction—fight it. Contact us today at 866.957.7885 for more information.