Morphine is a potent opiate analgesic drug, and is by far the most prevalent alkaloid in opium. Morphine acts directly on the central nervous system and has a high potential for addiction. It is also responsible for many of opium’s potential negative effects, including pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, coma, cardiac failure, and respiratory failure.
Medically, morphine is used as an analgesic to relieve pain associated with surgical conditions, severe chronic pain, as an antitussive for severe cough, and as an antidiarrheal in chronic conditions, as morphine causes constipation.
Morphine can be taken orally, anally, subcutaneously, intravenously, or epidurally. On the street, it is most commonly inhaled (often called “chasing the dragon”), but for medical purposes it is most often injected. Morphine is also available in a paste that is used in the production of heroin, which can be smoked by itself or turned into a soluble salt and injected.
Morphine is a highly addictive substance, as it can cause psychological and physical dependence as well as tolerance. The body begins to tolerate the drug, so the user doesn’t get the same feeling of pleasure from the same dosage. Many people will use higher dosages to achieve the desired effect, which can lead to addiction. In fact, the addiction potential for morphine is identical to that of heroin.
The withdrawal symptoms associated with morphine addiction are sometimes experienced as early as 6-12 hours after the last dose. Early symptoms include watery eyes, insomnia, diarrhea, runny nose, yawning, sweating, and a strong drug craving. As the withdrawal progresses, severe headache, restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite, body aches, severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, tremors, and stronger and more intense cravings for the drug can be experienced.
Chills or cold flashes with goose bumps alternating with hot flashes, kicking movements of the legs, muscle spasms, severe back pain, and severe depression are also common. During the acute withdrawal period, blood pressure and heart rate increase, which can potentially cause a heart attack, blood clot, or stroke.
Psychologically, addicts are often overwhelmed with trying to cope with daily activities without being under the influence of morphine, and often suffer from severe depression, anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, amnesia, low self-esteem, confusion, paranoia, and other psychological disorders. The psychological dependence on morphine can last a lifetime.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that morphine withdrawal complicates Hepatitis C, which is common among intravenous drug users. Morphine suppresses IFN-alpha-mediated immunity and enhances virus replication. This association could help determine the effects of morphine and heroin on the progression of the disease.