Morphine Affects Social Play


Morphine significantly increases “social play” under dim light conditions. This effect did not occur under bright light. Social play was defined as pinning, boxing/wrestling and following/chasing. Non-playful social behavior such as social exploration and contact behavior was not affected.

Since morphine, alcohol and sugar are affecting the same neurochemical system, these findings suggest some interesting implications. Sounds like bar behavior to me. Dim light, raised beta-endorphin and social play (but not intimacy) increases.

No wonder we feel playful after having sugar!!!

Vanderschuren LJ, Niesink RJ, Spruijt BM, Van Ree JM. Effects of morphine on different aspects of social play in juvenile rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1995 Jan;117(2):225-31.