It's used in medicine as a pain reliever, but is popular as a street drug because of its euphoric effects. Morphine can cause a number of unwanted side effects, including drowsiness, mental confusion, respiratory problems, and depression of the central nervous system. Morphine desensitizes the respiratory center in the brain that regulates breathing. This can be extremely dangerous because it slows down brain signals the lungs. Although the decreased breathing caused by a moderate dose may not cause an immediate problem, when morphine is taken in conjunction with another central nervous system depressant, such as alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers, it can be fatal.
Needle sharing is another danger to morphine addicts.
For more information about morphine, consult a health care professional in your area. Although some of the most obvious signs of drug abuse are behavioral, there are also a number of physical signs to watch for. However, like behavioral clues, physical signs will vary greatly depending upon the individual and the type of drug being used. Marijuana, for example, can produce an increased heartbeat, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth or throat, altered depth perception, and impaired short-term memory, while cocaine abuse often results in insomnia, headaches, nausea, weight loss, nose bleeds, dilated pupils, and anxiety. Opiates, such as morphine and heroin, are usually injected, so physical signs are likely to include rashes, vein inflammation, and scarring, but extreme lethargy and contracted pupils are also observable symptoms of opiate abuse.