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Did you know that 60% of people who use morphine admitted to getting the substance from a friend or relative? 

One of the strongest predictors of lifetime opioid dependence is having an opioid prescription in the medicine cabinet. Fortunately, more people are aware of the dangers of opioids and are taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from opioid dependence, including not taking opioid medication when it’s not necessary. However, while things have improved, they are far from ideal.

Opioid overdoses remain a major concern here in Arizona. In 2024, 142,400 opioid prescriptions were written in Yavapai County, which is a rate of 56,560 per 100,000 people. This means that opioid prescriptions like morphine are still being dispensed to individuals, and potentially sitting in medicine cabinets, accessible to vulnerable individuals. Wolf Creek Recovery continues to educate people on the potential dangers of opioids and the concerning effects they can cause. 

Let’s look at morphine side effects in more detail so that you know how these substances can affect the mind and body in the short- and long-term. 

Morphine Side Effects

A powerful opioid pain medication, morphine is used in controlled settings like hospitals and emergency departments. While morphine is medically valuable, it does carry risks, especially when misused. Safe, supervised use is essential in ensuring morphine is administered safely and effectively, with as few side effects as possible. 

Morphine side effects can range from mild to severe and may vary depending on dosage, length of use, and whether it was prescribed or used off-label. The short-term effects usually wear off in about 4-6 hours as morphine is eliminated from the body. However, there are a number of risks that can occur with longer term use. 

Some side effects can be dangerous or life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. These include respiratory depression, an inability to stay awake, loss of consciousness, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and severe allergic reactions. Being aware of morphine side effects allows you to recognize when someone has taken too much. 

What Does Morphine Do to the Body? 

Morphine works primarily by binding to mu-receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This interaction causes a ripple effect throughout the body systems. For the central nervous system, morphine is a powerful analgesic, causing deep relaxation, euphoria, slowed reaction times, drowsiness, and pinpoint pupils. At higher doses, it can suppress the brain stem centers that are in charge of breathing, leading to respiratory depression that can be fatal. 

Morphine also causes histamine release, resulting in mild flushing and a potential drop in blood pressure. It slows the gastrointestinal system as well, which can lead to constipation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping. With continued use, some people go on to develop opioid-induced constipation, a condition that involves hard, dry stools and difficulty passing them. 

Because morphine’s analgesic effects come packaged with respiratory depression, tolerance, and dependence, all doses must be carefully monitored by a medical professional. Any type of misuse can suppress vital functions and rewire the body’s own pain regulation and hormone pathways. 

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How Does Morphine Affect the Brain?

As morphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, it blocks the transmission of pain signals, providing powerful pain relief. At the same time, it triggers the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward center, creating feelings of euphoria, pleasure, and relaxation. This surge in dopamine is what reinforces the brain’s desire to repeat the experience, which can lead to dependence over time. 

In addition to its pain-relieving and euphoric effects, morphine also slows down brain activity, leading to slowed thinking, drowsiness, and impaired decision-making. It also suppresses respiratory centers located in the brain stem, which can become life-threatening in high doses. Over time, the brain has to adapt to having morphine, reducing its own production of natural opioids. As a result, it becomes difficult to feel pleasure from everyday things, further perpetuating the cycle of morphine use. 

Recognizing the Short- and Long-Term Effects of Morphine Use

As an opioid, morphine is known for its “addictive” properties. When used as prescribed, it can help reduce pain. However, any type of misuse significantly raises the risk for dependence. Below are the short-term and long-term effects to pay attention to:

Short-Term Effects

The short-term effects of morphine typically begin within minutes. Taking the substance intramuscularly or intravenously will produce the fastest effects, while oral tablets or liquids can take up to an hour. The immediate effects that can occur are:

  • Pain relief
  • Euphoria
  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Slowed breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Itching or flushed skin
  • Dry mouth

While these effects may be beneficial in controlled settings, they also pose risks. In high doses, morphine can cause life-threatening complications like respiratory depression. Combining morphine with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines also further raises the risk. 

Long-Term Effects

Long-term morphine use can lead to a host of problems, especially when it has been routinely misused. One of the biggest concerns is tolerance and dependence. Tolerance is when you need higher doses to get the same effects, while dependence means that the body can’t function without the substance. Frequently taking morphine in higher doses can cause:

  • Constipation and digestive problems
  • Cognitive and emotional effects
  • Increased sensitivity to pain   
  • Sleep disturbances 
  • Cardiovascular problems 
  • Opioid use disorder (OUD) 
  • Overdose or death 

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What Is the Best Way to Treat Morphine Dependence in Prescott, Arizona? 

Recovering from morphine use takes time, but you can be successful when you have the right support by your side. Morphine addiction treatment starts with supervised detox, where individuals are gradually weaned off morphine in a safe, controlled setting. This helps manage anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, and cravings. Having supervision also ensures you receive FDA-approved medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce complications. However, these medications work best when combined with therapy and support. 

Behavioral therapies address the psychological side of morphine use. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, helps individuals identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is another type of therapy that helps manage big emotions, reduces self-destructive behaviors, and improves relationships. Ongoing support and aftercare also support a well-rounded recovery, as do healthy lifestyle changes like movement, nutrition, rest, and stress management. 

Here at Wolf Creek Recovery, we believe that healing from substance use is not just a matter of breaking free—it’s also about rediscovering who you are and what is important in life. Through evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT and the restorative power of nature, we provide a supportive environment where lasting recovery is possible. If you or a loved one is in need of substance use treatment, our Arizona-based team is here to lead the way. Contact us today at 833-732-8202 to learn more. Build a life you love. 

FAQs About Morphine Side Effects 

What are the short-term effects of morphine? 

The immediate effects of morphine include pain relief, drowsiness, euphoria, slowed breathing, nausea, and constipation. They typically last several hours and taper off as the medication is eliminated from the body. 

What are the long-term effects of morphine? 

The long-term use of morphine can result in serious complications such as hormonal imbalances, tolerance, physical dependence, constipation, and full-blown opioid use disorder. 

Is morphine safer than other opioids? 

Morphine is not inherently “safer” than other opioids. It carries similar risks of dependence, tolerance, respiratory depression, and overdose. However, its safety depends on the dosage, duration of use, and how it’s prescribed and monitored. 

Why does morphine cause constipation? 

The reason why morphine causes constipation is because it binds to opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, slowing down movement of the intestines. This reduces the body’s ability to pass stool efficiently.