Many signs may indicate morphine abuse. Morphine addiction can develop very rapidly, leading to sudden changes in many areas of an individual’s life. Some indications of morphine addiction are physical, including withdrawal symptoms and needle marks. Others signs are behavioral, such as mood alterations. The warning signs may resemble the symptoms of heroin abuse, as heroin is synthesized morphine.
One obvious sign of morphine abuse is the existence of needle marks on the body. If someone uses morphine by injecting the substance, puncture holes in the skin will become visible. Injections may take place at various places on the body, but the arm is a common injection site. If a person takes great care to ensure that the middle of the arms remain hidden from view, it may be a sign of morphine abuse.
It is possible to avoid skin punctures associated with injection because many people who battle morphine addictions do not inject the drug. Morphine abuse can be difficult to detect because it is available in many forms that leave no visible traces, including powder, paste, and pills. Some morphine addicts may ingest pills, while others prefer to smoke or snort the drug. Unlike heroin, doctors prescribe morphine to patients, leading some people to fake injuries or harm themselves to obtain the medication.
Withdrawal symptoms may suggest morphine addiction as well. Morphine addicts may begin to experience the early stages of morphine withdrawal if they do not have a steady supply of the drug. If an individual occasionally becomes aggressive and suffers from physical ailments such as shaking, it could be a warning sign of morphine abuse.
Abrupt changes in personality can be a fundamental sign of morphine abuse. Morphine addicts may crave the drug in such an intense manner that they begin to care less about other things. Withdrawal from friends, family, society, and normal routines is a common and highly visible indication of drug addiction. If a person suddenly begins to display mannerisms contrary to past behavior, it could indicate drug abuse. Additionally, a morphine addict’s effectiveness in the workplace may decrease, and academic performance may begin to slip for addicted students.
Some addicts may display other indicators of morphine abuse. If abuse of the drug becomes heavy, a person’s hygiene practices may change, resulting in the appearance of dirty hair and clothes. Misuse of the substance often involves illicit purchases and may require a constant stream of money, which could lead an individual to steal or engage in other illegal practices.