An extract of the poppy plant's seed, morphine is classified as a narcotic analgesic used to relieve pain or as a sedative. While morphine has legitimate medicinal uses, some use it as a recreational drug and experience various psychological effects which can make the drug habit-forming for them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration points out that morphine's effects start within an hour of administration and last up to six hours.
Euphoria
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that morphine can cause a euphoric effect characterized by an intense feeling of well-being. This euphoric feeling may cause people to use larger or more frequent doses of the drug, and therefore develop a tolerance, leading them to need more of the drug to reach the same level of euphoria as before.
Relaxation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration points out that morphine users can have increasing levels of relaxation. A low dosage of morphine can cause relaxation or drowsiness, and progressively higher dosages make users feel lethargic and sedated. Some people may experience delirium, in which their mental state switches between lethargy and agitation, according to MedlinePlus.
Confusion
The American Cancer Society explains that users can have mental clouding, or have problems thinking clearly. When under the influence of morphine's psychological effects, users may have problems remembering information or figuring out a problem. Some users may suffer from memory loss. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration adds that morphine users may disconnect from other people or become self-absorbed.
Mood Changes
Morphine can also cause changes in mood. The American Cancer Society notes that morphine users may become depressed, and feel sad and hopeless. On the other hand, users may instead become agitated or anxious.
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