Morphine

Morphine is in a class of drugs known as opioids or opiates. Usage is prescribed as a treatment for pain; this drug is considered one of the most effective pain killers available, especially after surgery or to control severe coughs. The drug, morphine is derived from the poppy plant. Morphine can be ingested in pill, syrup or capsule form. It can also be injected, found in suppository form, or smoked. Tolerance for morphine develops quickly requiring larger doses to experience a sense of calm and to ward off withdrawal symptoms that come with tolerance. Heroin a synthetic form of morphine is connected to morphine in the body, by the liver.

Symptoms of Morphine Use

Drowsiness
Respiratory Depression
Constricted (“pin point”) Pupils
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Sweating
Prickly or Tingling Sensation on the Skin

Both physical and emotional dependency develops. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, nervousness, delusions, and depression.

Social Cost of Morphine Use
In 2008, 1.85 million people in the U.S. were dependent upon and/or abused opioid pain relievers. It is estimated that up to 21.9 million people world -wide are abusing opioids. Even prescribed usage of opioid medication can lead to intoxication, unintended physical dependence as well as impairment. These realities would include missed days at work or school, automobile accidents, work related accidents, and other conditions brought on by the use of these drugs.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Morphine
Morphine withdrawal can be severe. These symptoms can include:

Anxiety
Restlessness
Insomnia
Watery Eyes
Runny Nose
Sweating
Chills
Vomiting
Diarrhea
muscle pain,
Excessive Yawning
Fast Breathing
Severe Joint Pain
Back Pain
Weakness
Stomach Cramps
Irritability
Fast Pulse
Loss of Appetite
Panic
Tremors

Medically monitored withdrawal is recommended as there are a number of options now available for opioid detox. As with other addictions, detox is only the first step in stopping addiction. Specific addiction treatment is required.

Slang terms for morphine
Dreamer, Emsel, First Line, God’s Drug, Hows, M, Miss Emma, Mister Blue,Morph, Morpho, Unkie, White Stuff. It is also marketed under Avinza, Duramorph, Kadian, MS Contin, and Roxanol.