Final answer:
Tolerance in relation to morphine means that an individual will need higher doses to achieve the same pain relief as before. Tolerance develops to analgesic effects, sedation, and euphoria. Methadone is used in heroin addiction treatment to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without leading to addiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Tolerance in Relation to Morphine
The concept of tolerance refers to the phenomenon where a person might need to take more of a medication, such as morphine, to achieve the same level of pain relief that was previously obtained with a lower dose.
Morphine, an opiate derived from the opium poppy, is a strong narcotic used to relieve pain. However, over time, the body adjusts to the effects of morphine, leading to the need for increased doses to achieve the same analgesic effect.
Effects Subject to Tolerance
When it comes to morphine, individuals develop tolerance to various effects such as its pain-relieving properties, euphoria, and sedation.
As tolerance develops, a higher dosage is required to maintain the same level of pain control, which can increase the risk of overdose and death.
Morphine Withdrawal Symptoms
As physical dependence occurs, stopping morphine can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may include insomnia, increased sensitivity to pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth.
These symptoms are a result of the body adjusting to the absence of the drug it has grown accustomed to.
Methadone Use in Heroin Addiction
As for why a heroin addict might be prescribed methadone, it is because methadone can reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin dependency without creating addiction itself, thus aiding in the treatment process.