The term “opioid” refers to a wide range of substances, including natural opiates derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) and synthetic drugs like fentanyl and oxycodone, which scientists create in laboratories. They all bind with the same opioid receptors in the brain and have similar effects. The main difference among the various opioids relates to potency.
If you or someone you love is struggling with misuse of any of these substances, an opioid addiction treatment program such as The Right Step Houston is an excellent step to take toward recovery.
Is Morphine an Opioid?
With so much attention given to drugs like oxycodone, fentanyl, and heroin, many people aren’t aware that morphine is still widely available and is also an addictive substance.
Is morphine an opioid? Yes. Humans have used opium-based remedies since the Bronze Age—people first developed morphine for its remarkable pain-relieving properties 4,000 years ago. Since then, it has remained a cornerstone of medical treatment, consistently used to manage pain effectively. Unfortunately, as an opioid, morphine can be abused for its euphoric effects, and even when used as prescribed, it can lead to dependence.
What Are Commonly Abused Opioids?
Opium-derived drugs and lab-synthesized opioids have similar structures and interact with the brain in the same way. Some of the more common opioids that people typically abuse include:
- Opium
- Codeine
- Tramadol
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
All opioids, including morphine, come with risks of addiction and side effects, both short and long-term.
What Are the Side Effects of Morphine Use?
A potent painkiller, morphine also creates feelings of euphoria and relaxation that people who misuse this opioid seek. Your body and brain become tolerant of the drug with prolonged use, which often leads to taking more of the drug each time. Withdrawal symptoms begin when stopping the medication, indicating dependence and addiction.
Typical Mental and Physical Side Effects
Whether you’re taking morphine for medical reasons or not, the side effects can be distressing or unpleasant. Morphine use can cause several mental and physical side effects, including dizziness, nausea, and itchiness. People may also experience fatigue, lack of focus, slurred speech, and even hallucinations.
Behavioral Signs of Morphine Misuse
Often, it’s behavior that shifts over time that can alert family and friends that a loved one is suffering from opioid abuse or addiction. Whether you’re worried about your use of morphine or concerned about someone you care about, below are some tell-tale behavioral signs that there’s a problem.
- Self-isolation – People who are dependent on or addicted to morphine may withdraw from friends and loved ones to avoid suspicion, manage their cycle of using, or prioritize drug use—in itself, a sign of abuse.
- Decline in school or work performance – If you or someone you suspect is misusing morphine has declining grades or work evaluations, is on probation, quits, drops out, or is fired, this is a red flag of morphine abuse.
- A new set of friends – People with addiction often shift their social circle and start hanging out with people more likely to enable them, such as those who also misuse drugs and are less likely to be judgmental or try to intervene.
- Loss of engagement in once-loved activities – If you no longer pursue hobbies you used to enjoy, this is a sign that morphine is taking precedence over other aspects of life.
- Dishonest behavior – it’s common to lie about drug misuse, both to others and to yourself. A serious drug problem may lead to stealing money to pay for illicit sources of morphine. Such a shift in ethical priorities is a red flag for addiction.
- Mood swings – The highs and lows of opioid use often lead to cycles in mood that can become severe. Uncharacteristic depressive lows contrasting with elevated moods may be a sign of morphine misuse.
You deserve to live free from dependence on morphine. The impact on your life, the risks to mental and physical health, and the chance of overdose aren’t worth it in the long run. Let The Right Step Houston support you as you consider entering rehab and beginning your recovery.
Enroll in Opioid Addiction Treatment at The Right Step Houston Today
The Right Step Houston offers medically managed detox and evidence-based therapies. We’ll support you compassionately through your withdrawal and treatment. We want you to live the life you desire and deserve. Contact us by calling 1.844.768.0169 or completing our online form. We look forward to hearing from you and partnering with you on your recovery journey.