At Beach House Center for Recovery, we offer evidence-backed, compassionate treatment for morphine addiction and dependency. Our caring team of addiction specialists provides personalized treatment programs to address the root causes of substance use disorders.

Morphine is a major part of a criminally profitable and socially popular epidemic ravaging the nation and undermining public safety and health. The name morphine is derived from the Greek god Morpheus, “the god of dreams.”

Morphine’s euphoric, dreamlike effects led to its popularity as an illicit recreational drug. It is sold on the street under the following monikers:

  • Dreamer
  • God’s Drug
  • Miss Emma
  • Mister Blue
  • Monkey
  • Morpho
  • Roxanol
  • White Stuff

What is Morphine?

Morphine is an opioid drug used to treat pain. It is derived from the opium poppy plant and can be taken orally, injected directly into the bloodstream, or inhaled through a device such as a nebulizer. The drug works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain perception and producing a sense of euphoria.

Morphine was first isolated from opium poppies in 1804 by German scientist Friedrich Sertürner. It quickly became a popular pain treatment and was widely used during the American Civil War. Morphine was also used to help treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, with many people becoming dependent on it.

Throughout the 20th century, morphine’s medical use has declined significantly due to the introduction of safer and more effective pain medications. However, the drug is still widely used recreationally and is responsible for many addictions and overdoses.

What is Morphine Addiction?

Morphine addiction is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Morphine addiction can occur quickly and easily and can have devastating consequences.

Those addicted to morphine can develop a tolerance, meaning they need increasingly of the drug to achieve the same effects. Eventually, they may begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit, making it difficult to break the cycle of addiction.

Why is Morphine Addictive?

People become addicted to morphine for many reasons, including its ability to provide a feeling of euphoria, followed by a sense of relaxation. People who experience mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, find that morphine provides a temporary escape from emotional pain.  

Over time, the body can become physically dependent on morphine. After long-term use of morphine, the body will adjust to its presence, and the user will need to take more of the drug to feel the same effects. 

Side Effects of Morphine

While morphine is an effective way to treat severe pain, the risks of morphine are considerable.

Here are some of the most common side effects of morphine:

  • Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects of morphine and can also be a symptom of opioid withdrawal. 
  • Constipation: Morphine slows down the digestive system, causing the food to move more slowly through the intestines.
  • Drowsiness: Morphine causes the body to become relaxed, making it difficult to stay awake for long periods.
  • Cognitive decline: Morphine affects the areas of the brain responsible for memory formation. Morphine can also disrupt the normal functioning of certain neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, which are important for learning and memory.
  • Respiratory depression: Respiratory depression is a serious side effect of morphine. Morphine slows down breathing, leading to a decreased oxygen supply to the brain and other organs, which can be life-threatening.

What are Morphine Abuse Symptoms?

The effects of morphine abuse can be catastrophic. Knowing common morphine addiction symptoms can help you identify if you or someone you know is struggling with this issue. Here are five morphine abuse signs:

  • Increased Tolerance: Over time, a person’s body may become used to the effects of morphine, making it less effective and causing users to increase the dosage.
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: When someone stops taking morphine abruptly, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chills, sweating, and muscle and joint pain.
  • Compulsive Use: People addicted to morphine may compulsively take the drug, even when they know it is not in their best interest or could be fatal.
  • Loss of Control: People with a morphine addiction may find that they have lost control over their use of the drug and cannot stop taking it even when they want to.

Beach House Center for Recovery: Our Morphine Addiction Treatment Approach

If you struggle with opioid addiction, the team at Beach House will help you along every step of your recovery journey.

We understand that the journey to recovery is difficult, and we are here to provide the support necessary to break free from addiction. Our team strives to provide a safe and supportive environment throughout treatment. Love and connection inform every part of our treatment approach.

Beach House offers effective treatment modalities for substance use disorder, including medication-assisted treatment, dual diagnosis programs, and behavioral therapies.

Please contact our helpful admissions counselor today to learn more about our approach.