Is Morphine an Opiate?
The question “ is morphine an opiate “ is an easy one. Morphine is considered the classic example of an opiate painkiller. The original meaning of an opiate was a drug derived from the opium poppy. Morphine is considered the most active substance in opium. Morphine was named after the Greek god of dreams, Morpheus, and was first extracted in the early nineteenth century. It came into widespread use as a painkiller, most notably in the United States during the Civil War and it led to equally widespread addiction.
Opium and its derivatives have a long history of problematic use, from opium to morphine to heroin and methadone. Like other painkillers, morphine does not actually relieve whatever is causing the pain. Instead, it reduces the perception of pain to patients. If taken when no pain is present, morphine and other opiates cause a euphoric high. This high is so powerful that people feel a strong urge to experience it again.
How Addictive is Morphine and What are Some Symptoms?
Once you know the answer to the question – is morphine an opiate, it’s easy to understand that the drug is also highly addictive. Morphine, like other opiates, causes extremely strong cravings that result in users doing things they would not normally do in order to get the drug. The other reason for this strong compulsion is because withdrawal symptoms from morphine and other opiates are very uncomfortable. Most people do not want to experience them twice. Another dangerous aspect to morphine addiction is that a tolerance develops very quickly. This means that a user must use more and more of the drug to experience the same effect.
Symptoms of morphine abuse are not always easy to spot. Addicted persons will often go out of their way to hide their habit. Symptoms of morphine overdose include shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, clammy skin, and low blood pressure. Withdrawal symptoms from morphine include sweating, chills, muscle aches, mood changes, rapid heart rate, vomiting, and high blood pressure.
Texas Drug Rehab for Opiate Addiction
Is morphine an opiate and is it addictive? The answer to both questions is resoundingly yes, and if you or a loved one are struggling with a morphine addiction, then the only answer is treatment at a professional drug rehab center. Withdrawing from morphine is so uncomfortable that the vast majority of patients won’t even make it 24 hours before using again. At Healing Springs Ranch in Tioga, Texas, opiates are just one of the addictions treated. You will first attend medical detox at a nearby facility to help you withdraw safely and comfortably from morphine.
The next step is counseling and therapy with Healing Springs addiction experts who will help you find the root of your addiction through dual diagnosis treatment and exploration of past trauma if necessary. Many patients do not even realize they have co-occurring disorders or trauma. The best time to seek treatment is today! Give yourself a chance at recovery at Healing Springs Ranch. Call 866-656-8384.