Morphine is a natural opioid medication that derives from the opium poppy. Opioids are powerful painkillers for acute and chronic pain. They produce many pleasurable results and side effects, but some people find morphine makes them tired. Let’s discuss why morphine can make you feel sleepy.
Why Does Morphine Make You Sleepy?
Although morphine is in the opioid drug class, it is also classified as a narcotic analgesic. This means it blocks pain responses in your system at the same time it increases positive chemical messengers. Additionally, it is because morphine can slow down your system that it can make you feel tired. Lower doses of morphine can lightly lead to sleepiness while higher doses can dangerously slow your breathing and heart rate. Further, the way morphine tires you is one of the dangers of abusing the drug on your own. It’s important to be mindful of morphine’s sedative effect. When you’re taking your prescription for morphine, always be aware of the timing around your dose.
How Does Morphine Work?
Morphine and other opioids bind to your brain’s opioid receptors. These are responsible for pain, pleasure, and motivation. Understandably, morphine’s ability to block pain and boost positive feelings explains why it is effective for severe pain. However, it also explains why morphine is an addictive substance. It can be difficult to avoid the pleasurable pull of opioids.
Is Morphine Addictive?
Yes, morphine is an extremely addictive substance due to the way it actives the brain’s pleasure responses. Notably, your reward system is altered by opioids like morphine because they attach to opioid receptors to produce positive neurochemicals. As your system is repetitively flooded with enjoyable feelings, you develop dependence. It is also possible to increase your tolerance so you must keep using more and more. Because opioids are highly addictive, they are closely monitored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They can only be legally acquired through a prescription.
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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Abuse?
Opioid addiction looks different in every person. However, you can sometimes see indicators of opioid abuse in the following signs:
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches and pains
- Inability to stop taking opioids
- Cravings
- High tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Drowsiness
- Reduced coordination
- Mental fogginess
What Are the Risks of Abusing Morphine?
It is dangerous to abuse morphine, even if you have a prescription and misuse your intended dose. The biggest risk is developing an addiction because the more you use opioids and the longer you use them, the higher your likelihood. Living with an addiction is a daily struggle, as all parts of your life will be negatively impacted. For instance, you might face financial strife, relationship deterioration, career difficulty, and health problems. Additionally, abusing morphine can lead to an overdose, which can lead to death.
Finding Professional Morphine Addiction Treatment
If you struggle with morphine abuse, we can help you! Please know you don’t have to keep living in the cycle of opioid addiction. Our treatment center for opioid abuse is fully equipped to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and support to overcome your addiction. Please give us a call today to get started healing from the damage morphine abuse has caused.
