Morphine is a pain-relieving substance and the most prominent psychoactive substance found in the plant Papaver somniferum--the opium poppy. Morphine is usually taken orally or by intravenous injection, but is also absorbed rapidly when vaporized by smoking. A study published in "Lipids in Health and Disease" explains that the onset of morphine's actions can be felt within seconds of inhaling vapors. However, a study published in August 2010 in "Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics" explains that the intensity of effects produced by an opiate drug are largely dependent on the specific formulation; therefore, smoking crushed morphine tablets meant to be taken orally may not provide the desired effects, as they will have a chemical composition designed to compliment gastrointestinal absorption rather than inhalation.
Euphoria
One of the effects caused by smoking morphine is a pleasant, care-free feeling called euphoria. The "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders" explains that the euphoric effects of opiate drugs are one of the reinforcing factors that contribute to the development of addiction. As a person continues to abuse morphine however, tolerance will develop, forcing the person to smoke more of the drug in order to experience euphoric feelings.
Pain Relief
Morphine is among the best pain-relievers because it is rapidly absorbed by the central nervous system, according to the "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders." Importantly, morphine is capable of providing relief not only from physical pain, but emotional pain as well--a characteristic believed to contribute to its addictive profile. Many people who abuse drugs wish to decrease or abolish emotional distress.
Constipation
One side effect of smoking morphine is a decrease in muscle activity within the gastrointestinal tract. The text "Molecular Neuropharmacology" explains that the cells lining the gut are capable of interacting with opioid drugs and that they respond by slowing the passage of fluids and nutrients. This results in constipation or infrequent passage of stools.
Respiratory Depression
The "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology" notes that respiratory depression is the usual cause of death from opioid overdose. High doses of morphine affect respiration by inhibiting the activity of muscles controlling inhalation and exhalation. Breathing becomes slow, irregular and shallow as a result.
References
- "Lipids in Health and Disease"; Effect of opium addiction on new and traditional cardiovascular risk factors: do duration of addiction and route of administration matter?; Sedigheh Asgary et al.; November 2008
- "Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Prescription Drug Abuse: Insight Into the Epidemic; S. H. Hernandez and L. S. Nelson; August 2010
- "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders (Third Edition)"; Richard J. Frances et al.; 2005
- "Molecular Neuropharmacology" ; Nestler, Hyman, and Malenka; 2009
- "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology"; Henry R. Kranzler, M.D. and Domenic A. Ciraulo, M.D.; 2005
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