Morphine is a powerful opioid medication prescribed to manage severe physical pain, like that associated with post-operative care or chronic conditions like cancer. While effective when taken as prescribed, morphine carries a high risk of misuse due to its euphoric effects. Such misuse can quickly lead to mental and physical dependence and addiction, known as opioid use disorder (OUD). Recognizing the effects of morphine, as well as its risks and signs of misuse, are essential in preventing the severe health complications associated with long-term morphine misuse.
What Is Morphine?
Morphine is a non-synthetic narcotic that acts on the central nervous system to relieve acute pain and chronic pain in people whose pain cannot be treated with other medications. When used as prescribed, morphine relieves physical pain, decreases hunger, and inhibits the cough reflex.1 It is considered among the most effective analgesics for post-operative and cancer-related pain.2 The drug is derived from opium, which itself is derived from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, and has a high potential for abuse.6,8
Morphine belongs to a group of medicines called narcotic analgesics. The drug is available only under a restricted distribution program called the Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program run by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Morphine is available in tablet and capsule—including extended-release tablet and capsule—as well as a liquid form. Brand names of morphine include Arymo ER®, AVINza®, Kadian®, Morphabond®, MS Contin®, and Roxanol®.3
Effects of Morphine Misuse
Morphine’s pleasurable effects are pain relief and euphoria. These effects can lead to misuse of the drug, resulting in a higher prevalence and intensity of morphine’s side effects, many of which are dangerous. The effects of morphine misuse include:1,6
- Stomach pain, cramps
- Headache
- Nervousness, agitation
- Wild mood swings
- Difficulty urinating
- Blue or purple color to the skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Itching, hives, rash
- Hallucinations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular menstruation
- Fainting
- Seizures
Can You Overdose on Morphine?
Yes, you can overdose on morphine. The risk of overdose is increased when the drug is misused or abused, such as when it is taken in larger-than-prescribed doses or taken more frequently than prescribed. Meanwhile, combining morphine with alcohol or other drugs like benzos increases the risk of overdose. Morphine overdose symptoms include:1,3,6
- Cold and clammy skin
- Lowered blood pressure
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slowed breathing
- Low pulse rate
- Fever
- Inability to respond or wake up
- Limpness or muscle weakness
- Unusual snoring
- Coma
If you think that someone is experiencing morphine overdose, seek medical care immediately. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking, and try to keep them awake in order to keep them breathing. Administer Narcan (Naloxone) if you have it. Call 911 or your local emergency number, and be prepared to give information about the kind and number of substances the user has taken.
Morphine Abuse and Addiction
The misuse of morphine can increase the risk of physical dependence and addiction, or opioid use disorder (OUD). Misuse of morphine can include taking the drug in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed.
Keep in mind, physical dependence and addiction are different conditions. Dependence is characterized by the body’s adaptation to the drug, leading to increased tolerance, or the body’s ability to process ever-larger doses of the drug, and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms once usage is stopped.
People with certain health conditions or characteristics may be more sensitive to the effects of opioids like morphine, which could lead to misuse and overdose. These characteristics and conditions include age (65 years and older), respiratory conditions such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and impaired energy or strength.
Other factors that increase the risk of morphine misuse and overdose include the existence of mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, and a history of alcohol or substance abuse.4
Based on criteria outlined in the DSM-5 for opioid use disorder (OUD), certain signs can identify if and when someone is struggling with morphine addiction. The signs of OUD include:5
- Craving or strong desire to use opioids such as morphine
- A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use
- Spending significant time seeking opioids, using opioids, or recovering from their effects
- Neglecting important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of opioid use
- Undergoing withdrawal symptoms when not using opioids
- Continuing to use opioids despite their negative consequences, including legal, social, or physical health consequences
If you or a loved one are struggling with OUD in Atlanta, our team can help. Contact us to discover how we can help you overcome morphine addiction and get on the path to recovery.
Morphine Withdrawal & Detox
Because long-term use or misuse of morphine often leads to physical dependence, the sudden discontinuation of morphine use can lead to withdrawal. The symptoms of morphine withdrawal can be uncomfortable but are not life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 12 hours of the user’s last dose.7
Morphine withdrawal symptoms include:1,3
- Restlessness
- Teary eyes, runny nose
- Irritability and anxiety
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Chills
- Back, muscle, or joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite
- Quickened heartbeat
A medically supervised morphine detox can help those with a physical dependence on morphine quit and manage their withdrawal symptoms. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can, in many cases, ease the patient’s withdrawal symptoms with prescription medications.
How is Morphine Addiction Treated?
Morphine addiction is treated in various settings, though the first step of the recovery process should be detox so that the patient’s body is entirely free of the substance. Detox typically takes between three and seven days but may vary depending on the individual and the substances they use.
After detox, the patient will undertake one or more addiction treatment programs, all of which are designed to help them develop life skills and avoid relapse. These treatments include partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient (OP). Some treatment programs offer addiction therapy along with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
Many addiction treatment programs offer dual diagnosis treatment, a therapeutic approach that simultaneously addresses the addiction as well as any co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Finding the right morphine treatment program depends on the patient’s health history, the substance to which they are addicted, and the length of their addiction. Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta can provide such personalized morphine treatment plans.
Morphine Rehab in Atlanta, GA
At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we strive to empower clients with the life skills they need to effect positive change in their lives. Our morphine addiction treatment program can assist you in taking that first step toward long-term recovery.
We offer a wide range of rehab programs in Atlanta to suit your needs. These include outpatient rehab, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). We also include one year of free recovery coaching to provide extended support once you’ve completed your program.
We accept many insurance plans and can work with out-of-network plans to get you the help you need. Our admissions team can verify your benefits, either over the phone or online, so that you’ve got the details of paying for rehab, including paying for rehab with insurance. If you’re ready to learn more about our comprehensive morphine addiction treatment offerings, call us today or fill out our contact form to take that first step toward a better life.
References
- MedLine Plus. (2024). Morphine. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682133.html
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). The Mechanisms Involved in Morphine Addiction: An Overview. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6747116/
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Morphine (oral route). Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/morphine-oral-route/description/drg-20074216
- Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. (n.d.). Risk Factors for Opioid Misuse, Addiction, and Overdose. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/opioids/riskfactors
- American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/education-docs/dsm-5-dx-oud-8-28-2017.pdf
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (n.d.) Morphine. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/morphine
- MedLine Plus. (2024). Opiate and opioid withdrawal. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). Morphine. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548230/
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