Can Morphine Affect My Memory?

Medical professionals often prescribe morphine when treating intense pain, because it is an extremely potent opiate painkiller. Additionally, doctors also prescribe it to relieve fear and anxiety, because it also produces a strong sense of euphoria. Some people abuse morphine simply for the euphoria, but this kind of drug use can quickly turn into an addiction with complicated physical, emotional and behavioral problems.

Morphine Abuse Effects

The physical effects of morphine abuse include the following examples:

  • Slurred speech
  • Disjointed muscle movements
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Fainting

In addition, people who abuse morphine indicate that they experience blurred vision, double vision and involuntary movement of the eyeball. On the other hand, morphine users will also experience the following mental and emotional perspective issues:

  • Memory loss
  • An exaggerated sense of well-being
  • Extreme agitation
  • Hallucinations

The way morphine affects one’s mental and emotional states puts users at further risk for poor decisions, including continued use of morphine. Lastly, morphine users will also demonstrate the following behaviors:

  • Prescription abuse
  • Seeking multiple doctors for additional prescriptions
  • Changes in the people they associate with
  • Changes in behaviors, such as lying and stealing

If you experience any of these physical, emotional, mental or behavioral issues, seek help.

How Morphine Affects Memory

Julie Kauer, a professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology at Brown University, studied morphine to find that a single dose blocks the brain’s ability to strengthen connections at inhibitory synapses. This means morphine changes the brain by blocking a mechanism involved in making memories.

Treatment for Morphine Abuse

When addicts quit morphine they may experience minor withdrawal symptoms, like restlessness, yawning, perspiration, muscle spasms, hot and cold flashes, insomnia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, users may experience more serious withdrawal symptoms, such as the following examples:

  • Irritability
  • Severe headaches
  • Body aches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tremors
  • Increased cravings

In addition, users can experience complications during detox, so they should seek medically supervised services to protect themselves. After detox, find counseling and other treatment at a rehab facility to continue healing. These services help addicts, because they take the following actions:

  • Address medical needs
  • Explore psychological and emotional issues
  • Teach about healthy lifestyles
  • Facilitate family healing
  • Provide transition guidance

Recovery is a life-long process, so when you leave rehab, plan to participate in recovery meetings or support groups.

Help for Morphine Abuse

Recovery from morphine abuse is possible with the right help. If you or someone you know is addicted to morphine, call our toll-free helpline today. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you have about morphine addiction treatment. We are here to help, so reach out to us today.

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