At Mount Regis Center, we offer an intensive, evidence-based approach to morphine abuse and addiction treatment. We offer a variety of therapeutic interventions that help our clients build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.

Understanding Morphine

Learn about morphine addiction and substance use disorder

Morphine is an opioid used primarily for pain control. It works on receptors in the brain and spinal cord to decrease pain sensations as well as to decrease the emotional response to pain. When used for a long period of time, people can become psychologically and physically dependent on the drug. If stopped suddenly, severe withdrawal symptoms can occur. Tolerance develops relatively quickly, meaning more of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effect. Since it is relatively easy to obtain and inexpensive, it is frequently abused. Among similar drugs used to treat chronic and severe pain, morphine has one of the highest addiction and abuse rates. The frequency of overdose from morphine is also the highest among the opiates.

Statistics

Morphine addiction statistics

Opioid abuse has been increasing regularly over the past 10 years. Opioid abuse is rarely seen before the late teens or early 20’s however it can develop at any age. Among adults over the age of 18, prevalence rates have been estimated at .37%. The male to female ratio for opiates other than heroin is 1.5 to 1. The highest prevalence rates are found in individuals age 29 or younger (.82%), after which the disorder decreases until it reaches an estimated rate of .09% in those ages 65 or older.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for morphine addiction

Genetic: Morphine, like all the opioids, have a high heritability. Those with first degree relatives who experienced a morphine use disorder are significantly more likely to develop the same disorder or another opioid use disorder than individuals without a similar family history.

Brain Chemicals and Brain Structures: Morphine effects the amount of certain pleasure inducing chemicals in the brain. By stimulating the structures that release these chemicals, morphine acts to increase the amount circulating in the brain. In addition, there are naturally occurring opioids produced in the brain, called endogenous opioids. Morphine binds to the receptor sites for endogenous opioids and reduces the excitability of neurons. It is believed that this contributes to the euphoria experienced when using morphine.

Environment: Everyone feels overwhelmed by stress at one time or another. When overwhelmed by stress over the long term however, our bodies remain tense producing muscle and joint pain, and we experience anxiety regarding what the future holds. In addition to producing euphoria, morphine relieves pain and reduces fear and anxiety. If an individual has been exposed to morphine and their usual coping mechanisms aren’t decreasing the distress, the person may turn to this opiate knowing its effects on mood, anxiety and pain.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of morphine addiction

Mood/Psychological Symptoms:

Euphoria
Impaired Mental Performance
Inability to pay attention to surroundings
Preoccupation with the drug
Continued use despite knowing the substance is causing or exacerbating psychological
Poor judgment

Behavioral symptoms:

Doctor shopping to obtain more than one prescription
Lying or stealing in order to acquire more of the substance
Hiding or covertly using the substance
Concealing the substance in different places due to fear some may be discovered and confiscated
Continued use despite knowing the substance is causing or worsening physical problems

Physical symptoms: