Opioids are usually prescribed to help manage chronic pain. Although it’s safe to use opioids in a medical setting, they are a drug that has a high potential for abuse. Learning about the long-term effects of opioids can help mitigate the abuse of this drug.
Long-Term Use of Opioids
Abusing opioids comes at a price. There are serious long-term effects of taking this drug, and it’s important to stop abuse as early as possible to prevent them.
Physical Effects
Opioids can cause serious physical side effects when abused for a long time. One of the most common physical problems associated with opioid use is respiratory damage. Since opioids can slow down breathing, long-term use will affect how your respiratory system works.
Another physical effect of long-term opioid use is a weaker immune system. A weaker immune system means you’re more susceptible to infections and sicknesses. The body will have a more difficult time producing and regulating immune cells, increasing the risk of infection complications.
Changes in Brain Function
Taking opioids for a long time without following the proper dosage can result in changes in brain function. Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to minimize the pain someone feels.
However, abusing this drug will make it more difficult for the brain to function properly. The brain will respond differently to pain, emotions, and reward processing. Over time, the brain may become reliant on opioids to produce feelings of pleasure or relief, reducing its natural ability to regulate these functions.
Organ Damage
Abusing drugs like opioids will put an extra strain on your body and organs. The liver and kidneys are responsible for processing these substances, and taking too much can cause serious complications.
One of the most common complications that arise from long-term opioid use is liver failure. This is when your liver will become so damaged that it can no longer function effectively. It’s a condition that can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Mental Health Consequences
Illicit use of opioids can also lead to different mental health consequences. When you take an opioid, the drug will interact with your brain’s reward system. Opioid use triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reinforcement.
While there are initial feelings of euphoria associated with using opioids, the change in neurotransmitter levels in the brain creates a risk of addiction. The brain will start to crave the drug’s effect, and it will be difficult to function without taking the drug.
Substance use disorder usually co-occurs with different mental health disorders. Some people take opioids to escape negative feelings in everyday life. However, others already have existing mental health conditions, and abusing opioids exacerbates the symptoms of these conditions.
Relationship Problems
The long-term effects of opioid use aren’t just physical and mental. It’s a problem that also affects the people around you. When you use drugs like opioids, there’s a high chance that it can strain friendships, romantic relationships, and family bonds.
This is because opioid dependence can cause more frequent mood swings and increased secrecy. These have consequences for your relationships because the people around you will feel betrayed and blindsided.
Infection
Opioid use can also lead to infections. It’s one of the risks associated with injecting the drug since many people who inject the drug may use dirty needles. When you don’t know whether the needles you’re using are clean, then you’re at a higher risk of hepatitis and HIV, to name a few.
In addition, if you already have a compromised immune system because of long-term opioid use, then the risk of infection increases. One of the most serious complications that can arise from this is sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can cause organ failure or even death.
Tolerance and Dependence
When you continue illicit opioid use, your body will slowly become more accustomed to the drug being present in your body. This will build a tolerance, where they will need to take more of the drug to achieve the same effects as before.
However, taking more opioids puts you at a high risk of developing opioid dependence. Opioid dependence is a very dangerous situation because it’s not easy to break this cycle. If you try to stop taking opioids once your body is dependent on them, then it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Professional help is necessary in this case.
Short-Term Effects of Using Opioids
Here are some of the short-term effects of using opioids:
- Euphoria and Pain Relief: The main reason why people take prescription opioids is because they can relieve pain. When people take this drug, they become desensitized to pain, and a sense of euphoria often accompanies it.
- Slowed Down Breathing: Opioid use suppresses the respiratory system. The drug binds to opioid receptors, which are the receptors responsible for automatic functions like breathing. Because of this, breathing may even stop when you take high doses of opioids.
- Drowsiness: Opioids also slow down brain function, which means those who take them may have difficulty staying alert and performing daily tasks safely.
- Stomach Issues: Another short-term effect of opioid use is constipation and other digestive issues due to the drug slowing down the movement of the digestive tract.
- Mood Swings: The euphoric effects of opioids will eventually wear off and be followed by emotional lows. The drug affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can result in emotional instability and aggressive behavior.
What is an Opioid?
Opioids are drugs used to relieve pain. It’s typically used in a medical setting under a doctor’s supervision. These drugs bind with opioid receptors in the brain so that those who take them have a reduced perception of pain.
Opioids can either be natural or synthetic. Natural opioids, also known as opiates, are those derived from the poppy plant. These opioids are effective for pain management, but they still pose a risk of addiction.
On the other hand, synthetic opioids are lab-made substances that mimic the effects of natural opioids. These types of opioids may be more potent because they are produced in more concentrated forms.
One of the most potent opioids is fentanyl. Fentanyl is significantly more potent than natural opioids like morphine. Because of this, the drug is a major contributor to opioid overdose deaths due to its strength and fast-acting nature.
Are Opioids Addictive?
Yes, opioids can be highly addictive. Since the drug works on the part of the brain that reinforces pleasure, there is a high possibility of being addicted to the drug. When opioids are taken, the part of the brain that controls reward and pleasure becomes overstimulated.
Because of this, people who engage in opioid use will continue to look for the euphoria and good feelings that come with taking the drug. Whenever someone takes the drug, the pleasure becomes addicting since it continues to be reinforced. It creates a very dangerous cycle that is difficult to break.
What Is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid use disorder is when someone is dependent on opioids for everyday functioning. When you continue opioid use, even if you’re not supposed to take the drug, your brain will reduce natural dopamine production.
When someone struggles with opioid use disorder, they will experience different withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit the drug. As such, it’s important to find the proper treatment to prevent these symptoms from happening.
The disorder causes long-lasting changes to the brain. Even after treatment, the brain may take months or even years to recover fully. A person may need to receive continued therapy and treatment to prevent relapse.
What Are the Symptoms of Opioid Addiction?
Someone struggling with opioid addiction will typically experience the following symptoms:
- Inability to stop opioid use or taking a higher dose of opioids than prescribed.
- A sudden change in behavior, such as social withdrawal or isolation.
- Trying to obtain opioid prescriptions from different doctors.
- Loss of interest in responsibilities and neglecting responsibilities due to opioid use.
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as reckless driving and unprotected sex.
- Financial problems from spending too much money to fund the addiction.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop opioids.
Risk Factors for Opioid Abuse
While anyone can be addicted to opioids, certain risk factors increase the probability of someone abusing the drug. Here are some of those risk factors:
- Being prescribed opioids for a medical reason.
- Family history of substance abuse.
- Co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Chronic pain conditions, such as hyperalgesia.
- History of substance abuse, even if it’s not opioid abuse.
- Peer pressure and lack of social support.
What is an Opioid Overdose?
An opioid overdose is when you take more opioids than your body can handle. Many opioids are potent, so even the smallest dose can lead to overdose. This is why it’s so important only to take opioids under a doctor’s supervision.
When someone is experiencing an overdose, they will start to experience different symptoms, such as extreme confusion, unresponsiveness, shallow or slowed breathing, and cold, clammy skin. It’s a situation that can be life-threatening, so it’s important to be aware of these signs so that you can call for emergency services right away.
While anyone can experience an overdose, certain factors increase the risk of this life-threatening situation. For example, those who combine opioids with other harmful substances are more likely to experience an overdose.
People who use the drug again after a long time of abstinence are also at a higher risk of an overdose. This is because their bodies might not be used to the presence of opioids, and using the drug again can shock the system.
What Should I Do If I Think Someone Is Overdosing?
If you feel like someone is experiencing an overdose, it’s important to call for emergency services right away. Again, this is a life-threatening situation; the earlier you get help, the better your chances of survival.
Follow all their instructions once you’re connected to emergency services on the phone. The phone operator will provide step-by-step instructions on what to do while you wait for paramedics to arrive. You should also be prepared to provide any crucial information regarding the overdose. This can be anywhere from the person’s personal information to the possible amount of opioids taken.
It may also be advisable to administer naloxone if available. Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. It’s crucial to administer naloxone as quickly as possible, as it can be life-saving.
If the person experiencing an overdose is still conscious, try your best to keep them awake. Reassure them that help is coming, and never leave their side until help arrives.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal is when you experience different symptoms as a result of stopping long-term opioid use. Since long-term use can result in dependence and addiction, your body will have to adjust to their absence. As a result, you’ll experience different negative symptoms.
Some of the most common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Strong cravings for opioids
The severity of withdrawal symptoms will also vary from person to person. Those who have been taking opioids for a long time are more likely to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms that last longer.
The best way to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms is through a medical detox. During medical detox, a healthcare professional will oversee the entire detox process. This is a physically and emotionally difficult time, and having the proper support to get through it is important.
How to Prevent Opioid Dependence and Abuse
There are many ways to prevent opioid dependence and abuse. Taking action as early as possible can prevent the long-term effects and other complications that come with it. Here are ways to prevent this:
Follow Your Prescription
The best way to prevent opioid use disorder is to follow your prescription. Healthcare professionals know the proper opioid dose needed to treat your condition. Any changes in these prescriptions can eventually lead to abuse.
It’s important that you periodically check in with your doctor to see if the dosage matches your needs. It’s also best to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to prevent any tolerance or dependence on the drug.
Explore Alternative Therapies
Since opioids are used to treat pain, exploring alternative therapies can prevent drug abuse. If possible, explore non-opioid pain relievers first, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These drugs can provide pain relief without the side effects typically present in opioids.
Alternative therapies may include physical therapy to improve mobility and reduce chronic pain. Exercise and light stretching can also be used to strengthen muscles and improve your tolerance to pain.
Educate Yourself
Knowing the early signs of abuse can also prevent the problem from becoming a full-blown addiction. This goes for yourself and others. The moment someone shows the first signs of substance abuse, it might be time to intervene and seek professional help.
When getting a prescription, it’s also best to ask your doctor as many questions as you can about substance abuse. This informs you on what not to do when taking this drug.
Addiction Treatment Options for Opioid Abuse
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid abuse, then it’s important to find the right treatment. Many treatment options are available for those struggling with it.
Some treatment options include:
- Rehab: Rehab is when you go through a structured plan targeted to overcome your substance abuse. It can be inpatient or outpatient, depending on your needs.
- Therapy and Counselling: Therapy and counseling help you identify harmful thought patterns that lead to addiction. Then, with the help of a mental health professional, you can develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage your symptoms.
- Support Groups: While support groups aren’t necessarily treatment, they are a way to find community with other people who are going through the same struggles. Joining a support group can provide accountability and emotional support from others.
- Aftercare: After going through rehab, receiving continued support is important. An aftercare program provides you with the tools to face any new challenges you encounter after addiction treatment.
Live a Life Free from Opioid Addiction
A life with opioid addiction can be incredibly exhausting. It doesn’t just affect you physically. There are also emotional wounds that come with substance abuse. Finding the proper help is necessary to live a sober and healthier life.
At Luxe Recovery, we provide professional treatment for opioid use disorder and other drugs. Our team has years of experience in providing support for substance abuse. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always here to welcome you and help you take the first step toward overcoming addiction.
