Morphine Addiction

What is morphine?

Morphine is short for Morphine Sulphate. Morphine is a natural opioid. This means that it is derived from opium poppies, not synthetically produced. As the principal compound in Papaver somniferum (the opium poppy), morphine is considered to be particularly potent.

Morphine is the ‘generic’ name for the drug. However, drugs can also be referred to by other names. These names can be ‘street names’ or colloquial terms typically used in informal, recreational settings.
Examples of other names include:

Morphine can also be prescribed under a range of brand names. These are the names given to morphine by specific pharmaceutical companies. Common brand names for morphine in the UK and the US include:

How is morphine taken?

Morphine can be taken in a range of ways. The basic form of morphine is a crystalline compound. This substance is white and has an acrid, bitter taste. Morphine is not usually used in crystal form. Instead, it is converted into other configurations that can be easier to use in clinical settings. These include:

• Capsules
• Tablets
• Dissolvable granules
• Liquid

Morphine: The chemistry

Morphine (often shortened from morphine sulphate or morphine sulfate in the States) is a naturally occurring opioid. This means that it is not created in a laboratory like synthetic opioids. Instead, it is made through a process of synthesis.

Morphine naturally exists inside opium, the narcotic that is extracted from the poppy plant. Once opium is extracted from the plant matter, morphine can then be derived from the opium.

Scientists refer to how a drug works as its ‘mechanism of action.’ Morphine has a similar mechanism of action to other opioids; it works through interacting with specific receptors in our brains.

There are three types of receptors that opioids interact with. These are referred to as the delta, kappa and mu receptors. Morphine’s key interactions are with the mu-opioid receptor (MOR).

When morphine binds with the mu-opioid receptor, a series of signals are sent throughout the brain and the body. This means that morphine affects both the central nervous system (the series of networks that make up the spinal cord and the brain) and the peripheral nervous system (the system of nerves elsewhere in the body).

The main effects of this are:

• a perceived reduction in pain
• an improvement in mood, sometimes known as euphoria
• a reduction in anxiety
• a reduction in appetite
• potential sedative effects

These effects can make the pain easier to manage, improving the quality of life for patients experiencing moderate to severe pain.

Morphine’s impact on the body

Morphine’s most common application is in pain management. Whilst this undoubtedly has its benefits, morphine does carry a risk of side effects that can cause some discomfort for users. The side effects associated with morphine are more likely to occur in instances of prolonged heavy use.

Short-term physical effects

Long-term physical effects

• Weight loss
• Sharps injuries (from injecting morphine)
• Infections developing following injection

Whilst it is rare, some people may be allergic to morphine. This could lead to anaphylaxis, a severe type of allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can present as:

• swelling in the throat, tongue or airways
• difficulty swallowing
• changes to tone of voice
• wheezing or shallow breathing
• feeling dizzy or drowsy
• feeling lethargic
• feeling disoriented
• ‘clammy’ skin
• fainting

Morphine overdose

Unfortunately, opioid-related deaths are not uncommon. Morphine – alongside heroin – is one of the most prevalent drugs listed on death certificates in England and Wales. Overdoses can be intentional, but they can also happen by accident. For this reason, it is important to stay informed on how to manage the risk of opioid overdose.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has compiled a list of ‘risk factors for opioid overdose.’ This list suggests you are more likely to overdose on opioids if;

• You have an opioid use disorder (OUD)
• Injection is your main mode of opioid use
• You have resumed your use of opioids after a period of sobriety
• You regularly take a high dosage of morphine (of 100mg or more)
• You take prescription opioids without advice from a relevant professional
• You take morphine in tandem with other substances (especially alcohol, other
• analgesics or depressants such as benzodiazepine)
• You have a dual diagnosis of a mental health condition
• You have a diagnosis of HIV/AIDs
• You have long-standing issues with respiratory or renal function

If you believe you or someone you know has overdosed on opioids, you must alert the emergency services to access the appropriate medical treatment.

Treatment for morphine addiction

Morphine addiction can lead to serious health problems. It is also linked with a high overdose risk and a general reduction in wellbeing.

Evidence-based practice has found that the most appropriate support for morphine addiction includes a mixture of physical and psychological treatment. Morphine addiction may be treated through a type of maintenance therapy. This involves the use of a medication to stabilise difficult withdrawals and cravings. It may also incorporate a mixture of individual psychological therapies and support in a communal setting.

Appropriate addiction treatment options are:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Experiential Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Self-Help Groups

The combination of psychological and physical support is associated with improved treatment outcomes. The intention behind this dual approach is to monitor and maintain the physical health of patients struggling with addiction whilst also addressing any psychological need that may be present.

When you feel prepared to embark on the journey of overcoming your morphine addiction, take that crucial first step by reaching out to an addiction specialist or consulting your general practitioner (GP). Initiating this contact will begin your path towards sobriety, as these professionals can provide guidance, support, and personalised treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance, as taking action now can lead to a substance-free future.