Opioid painkillers like morphine carry a variety of side effects, symptoms and risks, including abuse, dependence and addiction.
Nearly 100 million Americansneed treatment for severe or chronic pain, but many medications can be addictive. For example,prescription opioidsare very effective at treating pain, but they also release feel-good chemicals that produce a euphoric high and can lead to abuse and addiction. Due to the highly addictive nature of these substances,prescription opioid usehas become one of the biggest drug-related crises in the United States.
Morphineis one of the mostaddictive prescription opioidsand also one of the most popular. The medication is a key contributor to the10.1 million Americansaged 12 and older who reported misusing prescription opioids in 2019. Understanding morphine sulfate’s risks and the reasons why people misuse it can prevent you or someone you know from developing an addiction to the drug.
What Is Morphine Sulfate?
Morphine sulfate is a prescription painkiller used for relievingmoderate to severe chronic pain. When taken, morphine sulfate binds to opioid receptors in the body. This blocks pain signals from being sent to the nervous system, but it also produces a strong euphoric effect.
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Morphine sulfate has the potential for misuse and abuse, even when it is taken as directed by a doctor. However, carefully following instructions lowers the risk ofmorphine sulfate addiction.
Long-term use of morphine sulfate can lead to dependence. Opioid dependence occurs when the body becomes used to the presence of the opioid and requires it in order to function normally.
Minor side effects of morphine sulfateinclude:
- Drowsiness
- Sweating
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
Although they are uncommon, morphine sulfate has the potential to causeserious side effects. If any of the following side effects occur, contact a doctor immediately:
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
- Stiff muscles
- Convulsions
- Difficulty swallowing
- Confusion and trouble focusing
- Red pinpoint spots on the skin (typically under the eyes)
Morphine Sulfate Addiction
Morphine sulfate has a high risk of addiction. When someone isaddicted to morphine sulfate, they may:
- Experience strong cravings
- Take the drug in ways that are not recommended, such as crushing the drug and snorting or injecting it, in order to achieve stronger results more quickly
- Display behavioral changes, such as losing interest in previous hobbies and constantly seeking morphine sulfate even when it is not needed for pain
- Take increasingly larger amounts of the drug
When someone with a physical dependence stops taking the drug, they will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms.Morphine sulfate withdrawalsymptoms can occur six hours after the last dose, and they may include:
- Teary eyes
- Runny nose
- Chills
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
Morphine Sulfate Long-Term Effects
Some of the biggest concerns related to long-term morphine sulfate use are addiction and dependence. When someone has been taking morphine sulfate for a longer period of time, their brain actually relies on the medicationto produce certain chemicals, even when pain is no longer present. One of these chemicals is a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. A person’s brain will have adifficult time secreting this chemicalon its own after using morphine sulfate, so a person may begin misusing the drug and develop an addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a morphine addiction, The Recovery Village is here to help. We provide professional treatment services that can help you begin the recovery journey in a safe, secure environment.Contact ustoday to learn more about addiction treatment programs that can work well for your situation.
