Understanding the dangers of morphine abuse and addiction is vital for those seeking help from this powerful opioid medication. Morphine is a highly potent painkiller that belongs to the class of drugs known as opioids. It is derived from the opium poppy and has been used for centuries to alleviate severe pain. However, its immense analgesic properties also make it highly addictive, leading many individuals down a dangerous path toward dependence and addiction. Understanding how and why morphine is so addictive can help individuals struggling with addiction to seek the necessary treatment and support
What Is Morphine?
Morphine is often considered to be the original opioid painkiller, which dates back as far as 1805. It is commonly used today by doctors for relief of pain associated with surgeries, cancers, or for ongoing pain management. Morphine can absorb into the body quickly and, like other opioids, changes the way the brain responds to pain. Just like other opioid painkillers, tolerance happens quickly which leads to abuse and dependence. Unfortunately, morphine is a powerfully addictive narcotic and has become widespread on the streets.
Morphine brand names include: Avinza, Kadian, Ms Contin, Morphabond.
How Does Morphine Work?
Morphine works by binding to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. These receptors are responsible for regulating pain signals throughout the body. When morphine binds to these receptors, it blocks the transmission of pain signals and produces a powerful sense of euphoria and relaxation. This euphoric effect is what makes morphine so highly sought after by those dealing with chronic or intense pain.
When taken in prescribed doses under medical supervision, it can effectively manage pain without causing significant adverse effects. However, when abused or used recreationally, morphine can have devastating consequences on one’s physical and mental health.
Common Side Effects of Morphine
Therapeutic use of morphine for a very short period of time in people with no history of substance abuse isn’t usually associated with opioid addiction. Common side effects of morphine use may include:
- Cramps
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
- Constricted pupils
- Fever
- Elevated blood pressure
- Thirst
- Swelling
- Muscle spasms and pain
Morphine Abuse
Morphine is a Schedule II drug that is abused orally, snorted, smoked or injected. When broken down and processed, morphine becomes heroin. Due to be so chemically similar, they share very similar risks when it comes to addiction and withdrawal. Due to being the original painkiller, with a long history of use and misuse, it is often the standard when it comes to understanding other opioids.
- Hydrocodone = morphine
- Oxycodone is 1.5 times stronger than morphine
- Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine
Street names for morphine include: Dreamer, Emsel, First Line, God’s Drug, Hows, M.S., Mister Blue, Morf, Morpho, Unkie.
Signs of Morphine Abuse
Morphine dependent people compulsively seek morphine or any suitable opioid substitute. Despite the health, legal and social consequences often associated with their addiction. Many times this leads to using street narcotics, or seeking multiple doctors to get as many prescriptions as possible. If you see any erratic behaviors, financial difficulties or reduction in health, there is a chance that an opiate addiction is present. Due to the harsh nature of opioid withdrawal, we recommend medically assisted detox from a licensed and professional facility, such as Royal Life Detox.
Side Effects of Morphine Abuse
Morphine misuse is associated with relaxation and euphoria. Overusing and abusing morphine can result in some dramatic effects:
- Face swelling
- Finger swelling
- Elevated blood pressure
- Fever
- Impaired Focus
- Difficulty breathing
- Blue nails
- Blue lips
During severe overdose to morphine or any similarly powerful opiate, your breath will become increasingly shallow and you will begin to lack oxygen. This creates a nearly bluish tint to your skin, nails and lips. If you ever see a friend or loved one get to this point, it is vital to call 911 immediately.
How Morphine Addiction Develops
As an individual continues to use morphine over time, their body becomes tolerant to its effects. This means that higher doses are needed to achieve the same level of pain relief and euphoria. As tolerance increases, so does dependence on the drug. Dependence occurs when the body becomes reliant on the presence of morphine to function normally. Suddenly stopping or reducing use can lead to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. At this point, the person has developed a morphine addiction.
In addition to physical dependence, individuals who abuse morphine also risk developing a psychological addiction. The intense euphoria produced by the drug can quickly become a coping mechanism for dealing with stress, emotional pain, or other issues in life. This cycle of using the drug as an escape can make it difficult for someone to stop using despite negative consequences.
The Role of Medical Negligence In Morphine Addiction
Like other opioids, individuals will develop a tolerance over time, which turns into a need for more and that propels them into dependence. Once dependence has started, the pain of withdrawal, or the inability to cope without the substance takes on a full-blown addiction. Most people do not even realize that they are developing the tolerance that sets the whole chain reaction into motion.
A lot of times, the fault lies in the general doctor or healthcare provider. Commonly, patients will run into the following problems or experience with their MD:
- They don’t have experience recognizing the signs of morphine dependence
- Doctors don’t realize that their patients are developing morphine tolerance
- They do not properly wean the patient off of morphine and then on to non-narcotic medications or provide relief therapies
- Doctors are over prescribing or giving longer prescriptions than they should
- Have not worked in a residential or intensive outpatient (IOP) substance abuse detoxification and rehabilitation treatment center for at least 1 year
Many doctors are unfortunately uneducated in the dangers of opioids, or, how to safely monitor and prescribe them. In our over medicated culture, pain killers tend to be handed out like candy, with little education. When dependence or addiction sets in, many general doctors are not properly equipped to help.
Morphine Withdrawal
Many factors will affect the severity and duration of withdrawal, even when you choose to medically detox. Your age, overall health and how much you’ve been abusing will all change one person’s experience from another. Symptoms of withdrawal can start as early as 6 hours after the last dose and persist for 10 days or more (in more serious cases).
Symptoms of Withdrawal:
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Dilated pupils
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Delusions
Morphine Detox
The first stage of recovery from any drug is the detox phase. Detoxing from powerful opiates is a challenging process without medical assistance. Medical detox typically lasts 5-10 days, though some side effects of the withdrawal may persist. Although it is severely unpleasant, withdrawal is not usually as life-threatening as it is with benzos or alcohol. Serious side effects, such as seizures or hallucinations may occur if quitting cold turkey which is why it is advised to always work with a medical team. For this reason, it is important to seek treatment at a reputable facility that offers medical detox services.
At Royal Life Detox, we have a team of experienced medical professionals who are trained in safely managing opiate withdrawal symptoms. During the detox phase, the body is rid of all the toxins and chemicals from opiates. This process can be physically and emotionally taxing for individuals, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, muscle cramps, and anxiety. Our medical team at Royal Life Detox closely monitors each patient’s vital signs and provides medication to ease these discomforts. While undergoing detox, it is important to remember that this is just the first step towards recovery. It is essential to address underlying issues that may have led to drug abuse in the first place through therapy and counseling.
Morphine Addiction Recovery
After completing medical detox, it’s crucial to begin ongoing treatment and therapy to fully address morphine or drug dependence. This process equips individuals with effective coping strategies to manage triggers and prevent relapse. At Royal Life Detox, we offer comprehensive programs designed to support a long-term sober lifestyle and maintain recovery well beyond initial treatment.
Our dedicated addiction specialists deliver the highest standard of care using a holistic, evidence-based approach to therapy. This includes both individual and group psychotherapy sessions, complemented by innovative methods such as art, music, and animal therapy. These techniques help participants explore their emotions, improve communication, and express themselves in meaningful ways.
At Royal Life Detox, we understand that emotional healing is as essential as physical recovery. That’s why we integrate state-of-the-art movement, activity, and adventure therapies into our programs, creating a transformative experience that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
Morphine Detox in Arizona
Morphine addiction is a complex issue and recovery will require ongoing support. At Royal Life Detox, we offer comprehensive opioid addiction treatment programs to ensure long-term success in maintaining sobriety. Our team will work with you to create an individualized plan that includes therapy, support groups, and other resources that can aid in your recovery journey.
If you or a loved one is struggling with morphine abuse, please reach out to us about your detox and treatment options. Royal Life Detox admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Because We Care.
