Opioid addiction has a severe impact on the mind and body, to the point of permanent damage in many cases. Here is a brief recap of some of the most common side effects associated with prolonged opioid usage. The damage and destruction that opioid dependency can have on one’s well-being are, to a great extent, irreversible. Read through this list of effects and treatment considerations for your loved one.
Damaging Mental Effects
Prolonged opioid abuse can lead to many psychological addiction symptoms, including mood swings, anxiety, anger, cognitive dysfunction, decreased responsiveness, reduced awareness, depression, vivid dreams, and delirium. Difficulty thinking clearly is also common.
Opioid Treatment Programs
We need to express why it is so essential that you act quickly for the sake of your loved one. Opioids impair the normal functioning of organ systems when used for long periods. Costs associated with treating these side effects are an added consequence to opioid addiction. Permanent changes in thinking and rationale may interfere with living a high-quality life if you delay help. It is so important to get your loved one help as soon as you discover their opioid dependency. Like smoking, opioid usage breaks down the body’s ability to repair and function naturally as time goes on. See more to learn about opioid treatment programs.
Even if your loved one is not emotionally prepared to enter treatment, getting them help will save them from irreversible damages. If you’re serious about helping your loved one, look into the different opioid treatment programs available near you. You might want to consider the idea of traveling to a treatment facility if there are no promising options in your general area.
Most treatments follow one of two approaches: abstinence and detox or the ‘MAT’ approach. In an abstinence program, the addicted individual abstains from all substances with addictive qualities. They endure a detox period where the body physically overcomes its dependency through withdrawal. Counseling is also included to aid in the recovery process. The medication-assisted-treatment or ‘MAT’ program design follows a detox period eased by specific medications that provide relief during the recovery’s detox portion.
Risk of Respiratory Depression
Opioids are incredibly damaging to the lungs because they reduce the body’s capacity to breathe. Likewise, those with opiate dependency are at a greater risk for developing pneumonia. When opioids are smoked, a buildup of fluids occurs in the lungs, which causes its own set of complications.
Dysfunction of the Kidneys
Kidney damage may result from painkiller abuse, causing need for a transplant or dialysis. Acetaminophen, a secondary agent of opioids, is what disables kidney function.
Blurred Vision and Visual Impairment
Impaired sight can occur via pupil constrictions. The pressure of blood vessel constriction can cause blurred vision or total vision loss, depending on the severity of constrictions.
Digestive and Hormonal Effects
Opioid abuse can also cause constipation, weight gain, persistent drowsiness, and hormonal dysfunction.
Recovery is an uphill battle, but the sooner you prioritize your loved one’s health, the sooner they can take their life back.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
