/ Opioids / Morphine Abuse And Addiction

Morphine Abuse and Addiction

Written by: Goeffrey Andaria, Mental Health Writer

Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC

Morphine Statistics

Morphine is the most critical chemical component of opium. It is an opioid analgesic drug that treats severe pain, and people consider it the gold standard of pain relievers.

Use can produce a high characterized by feelings of euphoria and reduced tension. It has the potential to be addictive as an opiate. That is to say, The body becomes tolerant to the drug, and as use continues, more is required to achieve the desired effect. Specific reinforcing brain patterns may emerge as a person obsesses over the drug and its effects, causing the user to seek it out compulsively.

However, morphine, like other prescription opiates, can quickly lead to abuse and dependency, even when used for legitimate medical purposes.

Therefore, Excessive doses of morphine combined with street drugs, alcohol, or other prescription drugs can have dangerous health consequences and may even be fatal.

Morphine statistics

Morphine effects and abuse

Facts about morphine

Morphine Effects and Abuse

Morphine is a Narcotic drug frequently abused due to its pleasurable effects.

Similarly, chronic pain patients are more likely to misuse their medication, increasing their risk of developing a substance use disorder.

Common effects of morphine include:

Euphoria
Pain alleviation
Insomnia or unusual drowsiness
Anxiety reduction
Uncommon or erroneous sense of well-being
The relaxed or calm feeling

Morphine abuse occurs when someone uses it without a prescription. However, It is a legal substance when prescribed, but it is heavily regulated.

In other words, possessing morphine without a prescription is a criminal offense, with the severity varying depending on the jurisdiction and the amount of the drug in possession.

Those who abuse morphine in large doses run the risk of overdosing.

Slurred speech
Inattention
Intense drowsiness
Fever
Elevated blood pressure
Increased thirst
Lower back or side pain
Decreased responsiveness
Extreme sleepiness
Swelling of the face and extremities
Lack of movement
Slowed breathing
Muscle cramps
Spasms
Pain

Stiffness is a symptom of a Morphine overdose. This is because morphine depresses the Central Nervous System (CNS).

In conclusion, A Morphine overdose can result in unconsciousness, coma, or slowed breathing to death.

Medically Reviewed:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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Morphine Facts

As with many prescription medications, finding the correct dosage requires trial and error.
Even when under the care of a physician, it takes vigilance to avoid crossing the line from medically necessary treatment to morphine abuse.
The number of people who use prescribed pain relievers, such as morphine, increases.
Over 5 million people used prescribed pain relievers in 2006.
The number of teen users has decreased slightly over the years.
Medical and worker compensation claims for employed drug abusers cost roughly twice as much as those for their drug-free colleagues.