Effects of morphine

When morphine is administered, it activates the natural opioid receptors in the brain. This produces effects on the body that include:

• Strong pain relief
• Euphoria
• Sedation
• Sleepiness
• Cough relief

Morphine can also reduce anxiety and provide an artificial sense of well-being. Other effects include muscle spasms, constriction of the pupil (pin-prick pupils), and histamine release in the central nervous system.

Side effects and adverse consequences of morphine can include:

• Constipation
• Central nervous system depression
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Urinary retention
• Despondency
• Lightheadedness
• Agitation
• Dry mouth
• Flushed skin
• low blood pressure

Because morphine is highly addictive, caution is required during use. When this medication is prescribed to manage pain, it is advisable to speak to a doctor about tapering (dose lowering) methods to reduce the risk of withdrawal.

Signs of morphine addiction

Even when it’s prescribed for legitimate pain, the use of morphine can lead to physical dependence and ultimately, opioid use disorder. The most important symptoms of opioid addiction occur when use affects a person’s life—physical health, mental health, relationships, work performance, and financial well-being. But there are some red flags that may indicate that a person who takes morphine may need to be concerned about their use:

• Dilated pupils
• Slurring while speaking
• Poor concentration
• Shallow breathing
• Ignoring professional and personal duties
• Irritation
• Mood swings
• Switching doctors for a steady supply of morphine

Treatment for morphine overdose

When a person is suspected of having a morphine overdose, it’s vital that they receive urgent medical attention. Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is an opioid-overdose reversal medication that can and should be administered immediately to treat the symptoms. This rescue medication rapidly binds to opioid receptors in the body, blocking the effects of the morphine.

The most common form of naloxone is an easy-to-administer nasal spray. It’s important that a person who experiences an overdose receives medical care even if naloxone is given, so call 911. Most states have Good Samaritan laws protecting people who call emergency services in case of overdose.

Morphine addiction treatment

Morphine is an opioid, and the gold-standard treatment for opioid addiction is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines MAT as “the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.” 

Medication
The core of MAT is medication that has been FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine and methadone are medications that reduce cravings by stimulating the opioid receptors in the brain. These medications help to stabilize long-term recovery and lower the risk of relapse. Naltrexone is another medication approved by the FDA to treat opioid addiction that operates by binding to and blocking opioid receptors in the brain. Workit Health prescribes buprenorphine in formulations that combine it with naloxone to prevent diversion and misuse (like Suboxone), and also prescribes naltrexone. Workit does not prescribe methadone, which is subject to more stringent regulations and monitoring requirements.

Many people who use opioids want to stop but are afraid of going through withdrawal. To be fair, opioid withdrawal can be a miserable experience. Your healthcare provider can suggest options—prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and self-care—to help with the discomfort.

Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral health support is an important component of MAT. Counseling techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy can help to navigate addiction. Talk therapy, group counseling, and therapeutic courses can help people in recovery identify and navigate their triggers, set goals, and learn to modify negative attitudes and behaviors. 

Some treatment centers and rehab centers provide both options, but many do not support MAT.