Morphine is a powerful pain relief medication that can be very helpful when used under the supervision of a doctor. But more than just a pain reliever, morphine is a potent drug that can be addictive if not taken as prescribed. Let’s explore what morphine is, why it can be addictive, its short-term and long-term effects, the signs and symptoms of addiction, and the available treatment options.
What is Morphine?
Morphine is a medication that doctors use to help people manage severe pain. It is made from a natural substance found in the opium poppy plant. Morphine works by changing the way our brains perceive pain, making it more bearable for those who need it. It can be taken as a pill, liquid, or through a needle.
Street names for Morphine may vary, including:
- M
- Miss Emma
- Monkey
- Roxanol
- White Stuff
Trade names and brand names for morphine include:
- AVINza
- Morphabond
- MS Contin
- Oramorph SR
- Roxanol
- Roxanol-T
- Kadian
- Kadian
Is Morphine Addictive?
Yes, morphine can be extremely addictive. Addiction to Morphine develops for several reasons and is often the result of consistent abuse.
The nature of addiction is that a person's body eventually gets used to a drug, and they will need increasingly larger doses of Morphine in order to feel its effects. This is known as tolerance. Once tolerance develops, users will experience withdrawal symptoms when they don't take Morphine, which can make quitting extremely difficult.
In many cases, the psychological dependence on Morphine develops soon after the physical one. This means that someone addicted to Morphine will compulsively look for and abuse it, even as they know it's causing them harm.
Morphine addiction is similar to Heroin addiction and can be very challenging to overcome. Suddenly stopping the use of Morphine can be extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant. That's why a medically managed detoxification, where a healthcare provider helps you stop using the drug safely, is often the best way to get it out of your body.
How Addictive is Morphine?
Morphine can be highly addictive due to the rapid development of tolerance. Classified as a Schedule II drug, it is primarily prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Doctors also administer morphine to patients after major surgeries, for cancer-related pain, and to assist with end-of-life breathing difficulties.
Using Morphine improperly can be risky. Some individuals may misuse it solely to experience the pleasurable, dreamy sensations it provides, even if they don't require it for pain relief.
To deter misuse, some Morphine pills now include special codes that prevent them from being crushed, snorted, or injected. While this has reduced the potential for addiction with prescribed Morphine, there are still risks associated with illegally manufactured Morphine.
Morphine Addiction and Abuse
Morphine addiction happens when someone takes morphine without a doctor's prescription, or takes it in higher amounts or more frequently than recommended. You might be wondering ‘does morphine make you high?’ Morphine can make you feel relaxed and euphoric, and people tend to misuse morphine to experience these pleasurable effects, but this can be very dangerous.
Morphine Abuse Statistics
Morphine abuse is a serious problem. According to statistics, millions of people in the United States misuse prescription pain medications like morphine. This can lead to health issues, accidents, and even death.
- More than half of accidental drug deaths in the US were caused by Heroin and Morphine.
- 10% of the US population has abused an Opiate drug in their lifetime.
- The number of Morphine addicts admitted to the emergency room increased by 106% between the years of 2004 and 2008.
- More than 60% of Morphine addicts admitted to getting the drug from friends or relatives.
Short-Term Side Effects of Morphine
Short term effects of morphine include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Brain fog
- Constipation and gut problems
- Changes in sleep patterns and quality of sleep
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Depression
- Dizziness
- False perception of pain
- Lethargy
- Hallucinations
- Memory problems and forgetfulness
- Mood swings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Reduced awareness and decision-making skills
- Reduced cognitive ability and motor skills
- Respiratory depression
- Seizures
- Slurred or delayed speech
Long-Term Risks of Morphine Use:
Aside from its short-term effects, morphine brings long-term risks as well. Long-term effects of morphine include:
- Tolerance (The need for increasing amounts of morphine).
- Dependence (Experiencing withdrawal symptoms on missing a dose or trying to stop morphine).
- Morphine withdrawal symptoms.
- Addiction
Signs and Symptoms of Morphine Addiction
If you're worried that someone you know might be addicted to morphine, there are some physical and behavioral signs to look out for. These include:
- Appearing drunk
- Slurred, slow, or delayed speech
- Nodding in and out of sleep
- Extremely drowsy
- Appearing to be in a trance-like or dream-like state
- Pinpoint pupils
- Euphoria
- Slumped or very relaxed position
- Unsteady on their feet or knocking things over
- Reduced respiratory rate, slow or shallow breathing
- Neglecting personal hygiene and grooming
- Drastic changes in weight or appearance
- Isolation from friends and family
- Frequent mood swings or irritability
- Social withdrawal and loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Frequent flu-like symptoms
- Lying or being secretive about their activities
- Financial problems or sudden financial instability
- Borrowing or stealing money or valuables
Morphine Addiction Treatment Options
Morphine addiction may feel daunting to overcome, but there are several treatment options available. Treatment options include therapy, counseling, and medication to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It's important for someone addicted to morphine to reach out to a doctor or a rehabilitation center for help.
Morphine is a helpful medicine when used as prescribed by a doctor to manage severe pain. However, it can be addictive if not taken as directed. Remember, it's essential to use medication responsibly and as directed by a healthcare professional to avoid the risks of addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a morphine addiction, don't hesitate to seek help. Avenues Recovery has several treatment options available to help people recover and live healthier, happier lives. No one is beyond help. We provide highly professional and caring addiction counselors to help you break free of your addiction and live a sober life. Our expert staff use evidence based therapies and a holistic approach to get your life back on track. Contact Avenues to experience premier care coupled with empathy, support and guidance every step of the way. You don't have to face this journey alone—reach out to us today and take your first step towards the drug-free future you deserve.