The Body’s Response to Opioid Addiction
How Opioid Addiction Develops
Anyone can easily become addicted to opioids. Even prescription opioids used as directed can develop into a substance abuse disorder. Opioids relieve pain and induce euphoria by accessing the central nervous system and attaching to opioid receptors. With repeated opioid misuse, the person develops tolerance and needs more of the drug to keep feeling the same amount.
Opioids release neurotransmitters that induce feelings of pleasure and euphoria. With continued use, the brain becomes dependent on the drug to release these neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and to function correctly. Stopping opioids causes opioid withdrawal, which can cause severe and painful symptoms. After developing tolerance and dependence, opioids cause a loss of impulse control. This process is when a person becomes addicted to opioids. Signs of opioid addiction to look for include:
- Cravings for more opioid
- Inability to cut down or stop using even when wanting to
- Continuing to use despite the negative consequence of use
- Taking larger doses
- Difficulty keeping up with home, work, or school responsibilities
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using opioids
How Opioids Affect the Body
There are several types of opioids; some are derived from plants, and others are synthetic opioids made in a lab. However, all types have a high risk for dependence, opioid overdose, and opioid misuse. Prescription opioids are used for pain management, and illicit opioids like heroin people often misuse.
Like all substance abuse, opioid addiction comes with several health effects. Although prescribed opioids are done to relieve pain, they have contributed to the opioid epidemic. The Department of Health has taken measures to get the opioid crisis under control. However, there has never been more need than now for addiction to prescription opioids and opioid treatment.
Opioids have several side effects on the body. Some of the short-term effects of opioids include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Flushed skin and face
- Slowed heart rate
- Slowed breathing
- Long-term physical effects of opioids include:
- Dependence and addiction
- Liver damage
- Increased risk for opioid overdose
How Opioids Affect the Brain
Opioids target the brain’s reward system flooding it with dopamine which regulates movement, emotion, and the ability to feel pleasure. Opioids can cause feelings of euphoria. With continued opioid misuse, it starts to change the brain by interrupting neural pathways and communication in the central nervous system. Over time, the brain is dependent on opioids to release dopamine to feel pleasure and function, so it no longer can function without it. Its effect on the brain’s reward system leads to repeated opioid use to trigger the reward pathways. Effects of opioids on the brain and nervous system include impaired decision-making and can cause increased sensitivity to pain. Long-term effects of opioids include frontal lobe damage, which affects memory, spatial planning, and attention.
Learn about the drugs that require detox here:
Opioid Rehab at Novo Detox
If you are ready to stop taking opioids but need help doing so, there is opioid treatment help available. Novo Detox offers compressive substance abuse treatment, including prescription opioids. Our luxury rehab offers a variety of substance abuse treatments for all types of prescription drug addictions, which starts with opioid detox. Our medical team will monitor your withdrawal symptoms around the clock and administer the correct prescription and over-the-counter medications to help ease discomfort while ensuring safety.
Drug rehab is the next step to addressing addiction’s social, emotional, and behavioral issues through inpatient opioid treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, family therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Opioid misuse and addiction can be challenging to overcome. However, with the proper substance abuse treatment method, anyone can find freedom from opioid use disorder.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid misuse or addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for help by calling Novo Detox at (844) 834-1777 today.
