Morphine Addiction, Effects, and Treatment

Morphine is a prescription opioid widely administered in both generic formulations and branded products such as Kadian and MS Contin.¹

What Is Morphine Made of?

A naturally occurring plant alkaloid, morphine is sourced from the opium poppy. Opiate substances like morphine have historically been used to manage pain and, in some instances, suppress cough or treat diarrhea.^1,2

Forms of Morphine

Morphine is available in several forms including:

• Tablets (both immediate- and extended-release).
• Oral solutions.
• Injectable solutions.

Is Morphine Addictive?

Yes. Like any opioid drug, morphine is associated with a dose-dependent euphoric high in addition to its therapeutic pain relief, which may lead people to misuse it. Continued abuse of morphine may lead to the development of an opioid use disorder, or addiction.¹

Morphine misuse/abuse can take many forms, including:¹

• Using morphine at higher doses, more frequently, or for durations of time that exceed prescribed limits.
• Using the medication in ways other than directed, e.g., crushing and snorting the tablets.
• Taking someone else’s morphine prescription.
• Taking morphine for the euphoric high.

Short-Term Effects of Morphine

Morphine’s pleasant short-term effects include:¹

• Euphoria/happy feelings.
• Pain relief.
• Relaxation.

However, not all of the effects of morphine are desirable. Side effects of this medication may include:³

• Drowsiness.
• Nervousness.
• Mood swings.
• Small pupils.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache.
• Constipation.
• Decreased sexual desire.
• Changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle.

The side effects are often manageable when the drug is used as directed, but when the drug is abused or taken in excess, they may intensify. In overdose, morphine can be very dangerous and may result in death.

Morphine Overdose Symptoms

Overdose occurs when a person takes too much morphine, either on purpose or by accident. Symptoms of overdose include:^4,5

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Tiny/pinpoint pupils.
• Muscle weakness.
• Extreme sleepiness.
• Profound confusion.
• Slowed heart rate.
• Low blood pressure.
• Cold and/or clammy skin.
• Slow, shallow, labored, or stopped breathing.
• Blue-tinted skin around the mouth and fingertips.
• Coma.
• Death.

Morphine overdose can cause severe respiratory depression, so immediate treatment is absolutely essential. Extended time periods without oxygen can result in serious brain injury or death.¹ Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse an opioid overdose, but immediate treatment in a hospital may still be required even if naloxone is administered. Always call 911 immediately for help if you suspect someone has overdosed on morphine.^1,5

Overdose may be more likely in the case of polysubstance use involving alcohol and other central nervous system depressants.⁴

Long-Term Risks of Morphine Abuse

Misusing morphine or any other opioid medication over a long period may result in:^7,8,9

• Chronic constipation and bowel obstruction.
• Decreased fertility in women.
• Neonatal abstinence syndrome.
• Endocrine problems leading to issues such as loss of libido, anxiety, fatigue, and depression.
• Cognitive problems, such as memory impairments.
• Increased risks of falls and fractures in the elderly.
• Increased sensitivity to pain.
• Growing tolerance.
• Physical dependence on the drug.
• Opioid use disorder (addiction).
• Overdose.
• Death.

Morphine Dependence and Withdrawal

It can take very little time to become physically dependent on opioids, and the associated withdrawal syndrome can be extremely uncomfortable. Avoidance of opioid withdrawal can keep some people using morphine despite a desire to quit.^1,10

Morphine Withdrawal Symptoms

Morphine withdrawal symptoms may include:¹⁰

• Low mood/feeling of unease.
• Irritability.
• Insomnia.
• Restlessness.
• Increased pain sensitivity.
• Excessive yawning.
• Runny nose.
• Teary eyes.
• Fever.
• Sweating.
• Goosebumps.
• Dilated pupils.
• Muscle aches.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.

Some degree of physical dependence may develop even with regular prescription use of an opioid and does not necessarily indicate that a person is misusing or addicted to morphine. While it is one potential sign of an opioid use disorder, it is certainly not the only one.¹⁰

Signs of Morphine Addiction

Addiction to opioids may involve the continued, compulsive use of one or more opioids despite the knowledge that doing so is causing major problems with one’s health, relationships, or other areas of their life.¹⁰

Some signs of morphine addiction—or an opioid use disorder involving morphine—include:¹⁰

• Having tried and failed to quit using morphine.
• Taking more morphine or taking it for longer than you meant to.
• Expending a lot of time and effort in getting, using, and recovering from morphine.
• Compulsively using morphine even when it causes or worsens health problems (physical or psychological), creates relationship conflicts, or interferes with your professional or domestic obligations.
• Using morphine before engaging in activities where being intoxicated by it could be hazardous (e.g., operating machinery or driving a car).
• Craving morphine.

If you’re unable to quit using an opioid even though it is causing distress in your life, you may need professional addiction treatment.

Morphine Addiction Treatment

Opioid addiction treatment can take place in either an inpatient or outpatient environment; however, many people prefer to begin their recovery in an inpatient rehab that includes medical detox, because the withdrawal syndrome from opioids can be extremely uncomfortable and may, in some cases, be accompanied by dangerous complications such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Those with underlying medical conditions, such as cardiac problems, may also be at increased risk during withdrawal and require the support of a 24/7 medically monitored detox environment.¹¹

Withdrawal management (detox) is only the first step in the process. Detox should be followed by further therapeutic treatment, where you can learn to understand the root causes of your substance abuse, address problematic behaviors, and learn the coping skills and other tools to maintain your sobriety.¹²

Whether you prefer to get this care in a residential program or in an outpatient program, we have what you’re looking for. Recovery First’s offerings include but are not limited to medical detox, inpatient/residential programs, and intensive outpatient therapy. Our Hollywood, Florida rehab facility offers various levels of addiction care so you are supported during your recovery. We invite you to call us at at any time to speak to a caring admissions navigator about what you’re looking for and how we can help. We’re here for you 24/7 to help you take your first step on the road to recovery.