Difference Between Heroin And Morphine

Last Updated August 22, 2022

Heroin and morphine are both drugs that are used to relieve pain. However, there are some essential differences between them. Heroin is a much more potent & powerful drug than morphine. It is also more addictive. Heroin can also cause respiratory depression, which can be deadly.

Heroin and morphine are both drugs (schedule II drug) that are used to relieve pain. However, there are some essential differences between them. Heroin is more potent than morphine and more addictive. It is also many times cut with other drugs like fentanyl which can be extremely dangerous.

Risks are associated with both drugs, so it is essential to know the difference before taking them.

Dangerous short-term side effects of Heroin abuse

Heroin abuse can lead to several dangerous short-term side effects. These include:

– Impaired mental function: Heroin abuse can confuse and impair decision-making, leading to accidents and injuries.
– Respiratory depression: This is one of the most severe side effects of heroin abuse and can lead to slowed or stopped breathing, which can be fatal.
– Cardiac arrhythmias: Heroin abuse can cause irregular heartbeats, leading to heart attack or cardiac arrest.
– Gastrointestinal problems: Heroin abuse can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

The dangers of continued abuse are genuine and can be life-threatening. Do not hesitate to get help; it could save a life.

Long-term side effects of Heroin addiction

Heroin addiction can have several long-term severe side effects. Addiction is a simple chronic, relapsing disease, which means that even after someone completes treatment, they are at risk of relapse. Long-term heroin use can also lead to several other health problems, including:

• Liver disease

• Kidney disease

• Infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis)

• Respiratory problems (lung infection, tuberculosis)

• Mental health problems (depression, anxiety)

These side effects can be debilitating and even life-threatening. That’s why it’s essential for anyone struggling with addiction to get help as soon as possible.

How are Side Effects of Heroin Different from Morphine

Heroin is an illegal drug that is processed from poppy plants. It is a “downer” or sedative and is three to five times more potent than morphine. The effects of heroin usually begin within 10 minutes after the drug is used. Heroin is most often injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked.

The significant difference between the side effects of heroin and morphine is that heroin tends to cause more respiratory depression than morphine. Respiratory depression is a decrease in the rate and depth of breathing. This can lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can be dangerous.

Other side effects of heroin include slowed heart rate, confusion, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Long-term use of heroin can lead to addiction, gastrointestinal problems, collapsed veins, and other health problems.

Severe pain is also a withdrawal symptom associated with heroin and morphine addiction.

Dangers Of Mixing Heroin & Morphine

Morphine is a pain medication that is also used to treat pain while heroin is a an opiate substance that synthesizes like morphine but is produced illegally and can be more dangerous than morphine. While both of these medications can be effective at treating pain, there are some dangers associated with mixing them together.

One of the biggest dangers of mixing heroin and morphine is that it can increase the risk of overdose. When these two medications are mixed together, they can create a very potent cocktail that can be deadly. Mixing up these two drugs can also lead to respiratory depression, which means breathing can become shallow and slow.

This can be extremely severe & dangerous, especially for those who already have respiratory problems. Finally, mixing heroin and morphine can also lead to dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. These side effects can make it hard & difficult to function normally and could even lead to accidents.

Get Help For Heroin & Morphine

These drugs can have a devastating & serious effect on one’s health, both physically and mentally. Left unchecked, they can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and pneumonia.

They can also cause mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. If you or someone you care about is using heroin or morphine, please seek professional help immediately.

Prescription opioids also interact with the brain in a way that can lead to opioid addiction. When taking prescription opioids, following your doctor’s instructions carefully is essential to avoid developing a drug addiction.

Heroin overdose (Drug Abuse or Substance Abuse) cause death by depressing the respiratory system.

FAQs: Heroin Vs Morphine

Is It More Dangerous To Shoot Heroin Than Morphine?

Opioid overdose deaths are on the rise in the United States. Heroin is an illegal opioid typically injected, while morphine is a legal prescription pain medication. Both drugs can be addictive and cause side effects like drowsiness and constipation. However, heroin is more potent than morphine and is more likely to be mixed with other substances. Injecting any drug comes with risks, such as infection and collapsed veins. However, injecting heroin also carries the additional risk of overdose. Because heroin is more potent than morphine, it is easier to accidentally take too much. When users shoot heroin, they also put themselves at risk of deadly blood clots. Injected heroin enters the bloodstream directly, bypassing the lungs and liver, where clotting factors are typically produced. For these reasons, it is generally more dangerous to shoot heroin than morphine.

How Does Heroin Interact In Your Body?

Heroin is an opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seedpod of the Asian poppy plant. Heroin usually (look as) appears as a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance, known as "black tar heroin." It is typically sold in small plastic, or foil packets stamped with brand names such as "Harry," "H," or "Dancefloor." When injected, smoked, or snorted, heroin enters the brain rapidly and binds to opioid receptors on neurons in many but different areas of the brain, including those responsible for pain relief, heart rate, breathing, and consciousness. These effects usually & most of the the time last for three to five hours; however, they can last up to eight hours. Over time, chronic heroin use changes how these receptor neurons function and causes adaptations in other brain systems that contribute to tolerance (the need for higher doses to achieve the same effect), physical dependence (withdrawal symptoms when heroin use is discontinued), and potentially addiction. Heroin addiction is a severe medical condition that requires professional treatment and care. Withdrawal from heroin can be painful and challenging, but effective treatments are available.

Questions About Treatment?

Get confidential help 24/7. Call now for:

Access to our licensed treatment centers
Information on treatment plans
Financial assistance options

3 Books About Heroin Recovery

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms & Timeline

How Long Does Heroin Stay In Your System?

Heroin Addiction Treatment & Rehab

Mixing Heroin & Cocaine: Side Effects And Dangers (Speedballs)

Heroin Detox Process And Protocols

Heroin Addiction: History, Types, Uses And Effects

Opiates Addiction: History, Causes, Uses And Symptoms

Get Help Now

Sources

Bao, G., Kang, L., Li, H. et al. Morphine and Heroin Differentially Modulate In Vivo Hippocampal LTP in Opiate-Dependent Rat. Neuropsychopharmacol 32, 1738–1749 (2007).

Cicero TJ, Ellis MS, Surratt HL, Kurtz SP. The Changing Face of Heroin Use in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis of the Past 50 Years. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(7):821-826.

Li W, Li Q, Zhu J, et al. White matter impairment in chronic heroin dependence: a quantitative DTI study. Brain Res. 2013;1531:58-64.

Find medication-assisted treatment (MAT). SAMHSA. (2022). Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/find-treatment

T, B. (2022, September 26). How long alcohol stays in the system depends on the individual. Verywell Mind. Retrieved December 20, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-alcohol-stay-in-your-system-80218

Medical Advice Disclaimer

Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.