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  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
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    • BIPOC
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  • MorphineMorphine
  • UsesUses
  • AddictionAddiction
  • CausesCauses
  • SymptomsSymptoms
  • EffectsEffects
  • Co-Occuring DisordersCo-Occuring Disorders
  • WithdrawalsWithdrawals
  • OverdoseOverdose
  • TreatmentTreatment
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources

Morphine Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments

Martha Teater, LMFT Headshot

Written by: Martha Teater, LMFT

Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD

Reviewed by: Benjamin Troy, MD

Published: December 6, 2022
Martha Teater, LMFT Headshot
Written by:

Martha Teater

LMFT
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD

Morphine is a highly addictive pain medication. Signs of morphine addiction include impaired judgment and being obsessed with the drug. Treating morphine addiction is possible with rehab, medication, and/or outpatient therapy. Educating yourself is an excellent first step to figuring what to do next—either for yourself or a loved one.

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What to Know About Morphine

Morphine is a non-synthetic opioid, made from the opium poppy. It impacts the mind and body in similar ways to other opioids: oxycontin, heroin, fentanyl, Vicodin, and many more. This is in a Schedule II class of drugs, regulated by the government due to its risk of harm to people who use it. Opioid use in general, including morphine, has risen in use in recent years.

It is considered criminal to share a morphine prescription with someone else, and it’s also criminal to buy and sell this illicitly. Common street names include Dreamer, Emsel, First Line, God’s Drug, Hows, MS, Mister Blue, Morpho, and Unkie.

Other opioid drugs similar to morphine are:

  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Fentanyl
  • Codeine
  • Methadone
  • Tramadol
  • Heroin
  • Kratom

What is Morphine Used For?

Morphine was developed to treat pain, and can bring a temporary feeling of euphoria, or a dreamlike state. While it was created as a pain treatment, it is highly addictive, tolerance develops quickly, and it can have dangerous effects when taken with other medications. Even when it is taken as prescribed by a physician, the risks remain.

How is Morphine Addictive?

Morphine addiction (or more generally, opioid use disorder) is a type of substance use disorder. People can use morphine as prescribed, and still develop a physical reliance on it, even if they don’t exhibit classic addictive behavior.1

How morphine use disorder presents is very similar to other opioid addictions. All opioids have similar effects on the brain and body, and all have similar patterns of withdrawal. Long-term use comes with greater risks in all areas. Opioid use can cause changes in the brain that aren’t reversible, most often a shrinking in the volume of the amygdala.2

Risk Factors and Causes of Morphine Addiction

There are several risk factors for developing an addiction. Risk factors, like genetic and environmental factors, are elements that may lead someone to develop a substance use disorder when someone else wouldn’t. Morphine use disorder often starts when someone is prescribed morphine for pain, and, due to the brain changes that it causes, they find it almost impossible to stop using it.

Once the physician stops prescribing the medication, people often look to family and friends to share their opioids. Many people often purchase morphine or another opioid illicitly. Opioids are extremely powerful and dangerous medications that cause brain changes that make stopping incredibly difficult.

Risk factors that may contribute to addiction include:

  • Addiction to other opioids (cross-addiction)
  • Family history
  • Trauma
  • Poverty
  • Teenage addiction
  • Addictive personality
  • Minimal coping skills
  • Lack of a support system
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Symptoms of Morphine Use and Addiction

The symptoms of morphine misuse are wide-ranging, and can include behavioral, physical, and cognitive symptoms. These symptoms can develop quickly, often within just a few weeks of use. Often, people don’t even realize what the drug is doing to them until other people point it out.

Physical symptoms of morphine misuse include:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Change in menstrual cycles
  • Nausea
  • Severe constipation
  • Breathing changes

Cognitive and psychological symptoms of morphine misuse include:

  • Impaired judgment
  • Poor attention span
  • Euphoria
  • Feeling no control over use
  • Preoccupation with the drug

Behavioral symptoms of morphine misuse include:

  • Lying
  • Medication seeking
  • Isolating
  • Using other opioids when morphine can’t be found
  • Withdrawal symptoms within days of last dose
  • Fear and anxiety
  • Reduced sex drive

Help For Addiction

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Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Ria Health and  Bicycle Health.

Effects of Morphine Abuse

The misuse of morphine can severely impact activities of daily living and functioning normally. There are both short-term and long-term consequences to use. Some of these symptoms are sudden and dramatic, while some are more subtle and take a bit more time to develop.

Seven effects of morphine abuse include:

  1. Psychosis
  2. Unintended overdose
  3. Death
  4. Legal issues
  5. Incarceration for illegal procuration
  6. Relationship conflicts
  7. Financial stress

Co-Occurring Disorders with Morphine Addiction

Morphine addiction can lead to or be paired with additional mental health and substance use disorders. Some people take morphine because they feel it manages their depression, anxiety, or pain (both physical and emotional). Morphine usually only worsens these other conditions and doesn’t help them at all.

There are many co-occurring disorders that we see with morphine addiction:3

  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • ADHD
  • Personality disorders
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Sleep disorders
  • Sexual dysfunctions
  • Delirium
  • Misuse of other substances
  • Panic disorder

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Symptoms of Morphine Withdrawal

Morphine withdrawal involves both physical and emotional misery. People don’t have to use very much for very long before they may go through withdrawal if they stop. Withdrawal symptoms can occur within 5-7 days of use.

The longer someone has used morphine, and the higher the dose has been, the more suffering will come during withdrawal. The symptoms occur whether or not someone has been diagnosed with morphine addiction—this can happen when using as prescribed.

Symptoms of morphine withdrawal may include:4

  • Anxiety
  • Muscle aches
  • Sweating
  • Runny nose
  • Dilated pupils
  • Yawning
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Insomnia
  • Goosebumps
  • Nausea
  • Negative mood
  • Fear
  • Restlessness
  • Vomiting

Signs of a Morphine Overdose

Any amount of morphine can lead to an overdose. We are now seeing a tremendous amount of morphine that is tainted with fentanyl, which raises the risk of an unintended overdose. This is why the overdose reversal agent, Narcan (naloxone), is so important for families and friends to have on hand. Overdose can occur even in someone who doesn’t have an addiction.

Someone should seek immediate medical attention if they show signs of a morphine overdose, such as:5

  • Breathing stops or becomes extremely slow and shallow
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Grayish skin tone
  • Limp arms and legs
  • Not responding to being spoken to
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Slow pulse rate
  • Low blood pressure

Treatment for Morphine Addiction

Successful treatment options are available for morphine addiction. For most people, medication is going to be key to effective treatment. Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone are some of the most important treatments available.6 Behavioral therapy is also important, and support groups and 12-step programs can be helpful. There are ways to find opioid treatment and make a relapse prevention plan.

Treatment options for morphine addiction include:

Rehab

Rehab for morphine addiction can be helpful but isn’t essential for recovery to begin. Many people are able to begin medication treatment in rehab, even starting that in their home under the guidance of a physician. You can find good information on inpatient vs. outpatient rehab to help with your decision.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

There are many good choices of intensive outpatient treatment programs. This is usually less expensive than inpatient treatment, the person gets to stay in their own home, and can usually continue to work or go to school. These programs typically have people attend for several hours weekly.

Therapeutic Interventions

There are countless options for outpatient therapy, therapy groups, community recovery groups, and 12-step programs.7 Insurance usually covers these costs and outcomes are good. It’s important to find the right therapist when seeking counseling.

Therapy options for addressing the effects of a morphine addiction include:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • EMDR
  • Group therapy
  • Behavior modification
  • Mindfulness techniques

Final Thoughts

A morphine addiction can be life-altering and life-threatening. Please seek professional help if you are misusing morphine or any other opioid. If you care about someone misusing morphine, get help for yourself. If untreated, the consequences are dire. Keep in mind that recovery is possible, healing can occur, and life can be good again.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Alcohol Treatment – Cut Back or Quit Entirely

Ria Health – Quickly change your relationship to alcohol with our at-home program. On average, members reduce their BAC levels by 50% in 3 months in the program. Services are covered by many major health plans. Visit Ria Health

Telehealth Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder

Bicycle Health – offers therapy, support, and medication for addiction treatment (MAT).  MAT offers the lowest relapse rates for opioid use disorder, helping people to stop using opioids with minimal physical discomfort. Covered by most major insurance. Visit Bicycle Health

Online Drug & Alcohol Program Covered By Insurance

Lionrock – Want to get help for a drug or alcohol problem without checking into Rehab? Lionrock’s online recovery program fits into your way of life. You keep your work and family commitments while you get help in our accredited online recovery program. Most private insurance plans are accepted. Free Consultation

Drinking Moderation

Sunnyside – Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz

Treatment for Mental Health Conditions That Coexist With SUD

Talkiatry – Get help from a doctor who can treat the mental health conditions that commonly lead to or coexist with substance use disorders. Take our online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Take Assessment

Addiction Newsletter

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Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Ria Health, Lionrock, Sunnyside, Talkiatry, and Bicycle Health.

For Further Reading

  • 10 Best Movies About Addiction
  • 14 Books About Addiction: Helpful Resources for Self-Improvement
  • 15 Best Addiction Recovery Blogs
  • 15 Best Addiction Podcasts
  • 9 Best Sobriety Apps
  • Bicycle Health Review 2023: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Who It’s Right For

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The Relationship Between OCD and Addiction

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addiction both involve strong urges to repeatedly engage in activities that interfere with one’s goals, values, and ability to function. This raises other important questions about the potential relationship between the conditions. For example, does addiction involve obsessions and compulsions? Are people with OCD addicted to performing their compulsions? We surveyed the latest research and talked with in-house experts here at NOCD to address these questions and more. Here’s what we learned. Read More

OCD and Alcohol: Why You Should Not Mix Them

It’s no secret that alcohol appeals to many people for a number of reasons. Primarily, the sense of euphoria, relaxation, and giddiness that one feels when alcohol acts on the brain is its siren call. For many people who suffer from OCD, the feeling of calm and elevated mood is a welcome reprieve from the nagging fear of the intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors that burden them. However, that momentary relief often culminates in more severe symptoms. Read More

This content is sponsored By NOCD.

Sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Chou, R., Ballantyne, J., & Lembke, A. (2019). Rethinking opioid dose tapering, prescription opioid dependence, and indications for buprenorphine. Annals of internal medicine, 171(6), 427-429.

  • Younger JW, Chu LF, D’Arcy NT, Trott KE, Jastrzab LE, Mackey SC. Prescription opioid analgesics rapidly change the human brain. Pain. 2011 Aug;152(8):1803-1810. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2011.03.028. Epub 2011 Apr 30. PMID: 21531077; PMCID: PMC3138838.

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

  • Kiyatkin EA. Respiratory depression and brain hypoxia induced by opioid drugs: Morphine, oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl. Neuropharmacology. 2019 Jun;151:219-226. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.008. Epub 2019 Feb 5. PMID: 30735692; PMCID: PMC6500744.

  • Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review (2018). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Comparative Effectiveness Review, Number 209

  • NIDA. 2021, December 2. Overview. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview

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  • MorphineMorphine
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  • CausesCauses
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  • Co-Occuring DisordersCo-Occuring Disorders
  • WithdrawalsWithdrawals
  • OverdoseOverdose
  • TreatmentTreatment
  • ConclusionConclusion
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