Opioid abuse is a public health emergency that claims the lives of thousands of people in the United States each year. The number of people seeing treatment for opioid abuse increased by 400% between 2002 and 2012, and research shows the problem has worsened since then. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), research from 2021 showed that about 5 million people reported having a prescription opioid use disorder in the previous year.
Opioid addiction can cause severe, life-threatening complications. People who abuse these drugs are at risk of opioid overdose and long-term health problems. It is important to recognize the signs of opioid abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
This article will explore the long-term effects of opioid addiction. You will learn:
- How opioids affect the body
- The long-term effects of opioid abuse and addiction
- How to recognize and treat opioid abuse
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with opioid abuse, you are not alone. Find compassionate, evidence-based treatment and support at The Living Room. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What are Opioids?
The term “opioid” refers to a type of drug derived from opium. Opium is a chemical produced by the opium poppy plant. When people take opioid drugs, they reach the brain and bind to opioid receptors found in areas related to pain control, emotional regulation, and pleasure.
Common prescription opioid pain medicines include:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Hydromorphone
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Percocet
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
Doctors may prescribe prescription opioid drugs to help people manage pain after a medical procedure. They may also advise that people take them to manage chronic pain. Opioids are highly addictive, so it’s common for doctors to prescribe these medications for short-term use.
However, people who take prescribed opioids may like the way they feel while taking them. Opioid pain relievers can cause pleasurable side effects, such as relaxation or euphoria. People may misuse opioids, which can lead to addiction.
Opioid misuse includes:
- Taking a larger dose of the drug
- Taking the drug more often than prescribed
- Using a drug for longer than prescribed
- Ingesting opioids differently, such as crushing and snorting pills
- Taking an opioid recreationally (without a prescription)
Opioid abuse is linked to thousands of overdose deaths each year. People may become addicted to opioids, even if they do not have other risk factors or a history of substance abuse.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Opioid Abuse and Addiction?
Opioid addiction can cause many serious physical and psychological effects. Here is an overview of the long-term effects of opioid addiction.
Long-term psychological effects
Opioid abuse can have a lasting effect on your mental health. People may experience long-term psychological effects, including:
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Suicidal thoughts
- Personality disorder symptoms
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Poor concentration
These long-lasting effects can interfere with a person’s functioning, even long after they stop using opioids.
Long-term physical effects
Opioid abuse can take a toll on your physical health. Some long-lasting effects of opioid addiction include:
- Heart failure
- Structural changes to the brain or brain damage
- Poor balance
- Digestive problems, including chronic constipation
- Breathing problems
- Collapsed veins
- Irreversible damage to internal organs
- Dangerously low blood pressure
- Kidney and liver failure
- Cardiac arrest
- Cardiovascular damage or disease
- Seizures
The effects of opioid addiction can be life-threatening. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of opioid abuse for the best possible outcomes.
Recognizing the Signs of Opioid Abuse and Addiction
Opioids are highly addictive. People may exhibit symptoms of addiction while taking them as prescribed or may abuse these prescription drugs.
Recognizing the signs of misuse or addiction can help you treat opioid use disorder as quickly as possible. Opioid abuse can change the way a person looks, thinks, and behaves. Here are some of the signs someone may be addicted to opioids:
- Physical changes, such as slow or shallow breathing, drowsiness, or frequent constipation
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from using opioids
- Neglecting relationships, hobbies, and responsibilities
- New or worsening mental health symptoms
- Taking risks while using opioids, such as driving under the influence
- Having new legal or financial trouble
- Being secretive or dishonest about their substance use
- Running out of prescription drugs early
- Having more than one prescription for opioids from multiple doctors
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking opioids
Opioid addiction can develop quickly. It is important to look for the signs of opioid abuse and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment for opioid use disorder typically involves a medically-supported detox program, followed by comprehensive treatment. People receive tailored treatment to address the physical, behavioral, and psychological components of their substance use.
Find Treatment Now
The effects of opioid addiction can be devastating. Overcoming opioid addiction can be challenging, but getting the right treatment and support can help you recover. Reach out to the specialists at The Living Room to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of prescription drug misuse in the United States?
- NIDA: What are prescription opioids?
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): Opioid Use Disorder
- Yale Medicine: Opioid Use Disorder