Opiates have serious, long-term effects that may impact a person’s life even when they want to stop using the drugs. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we know that opioid abuse becomes overwhelming, but it’s difficult to control. At our opiate detox center, we work with our clients to help them overcome withdrawal and move forward with treatment more efficiently and with less pain. To learn more about our services, please contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Opiates?
Opiates bind to the opioid receptors in the brain. They also bind to the spinal cord as well as other organs throughout the body, which can reduce the feelings of pain. In some people, euphoria may occur along with that pain relief.
Opiates tend to give off this feel-good effect as they enough the release of dopamine throughout the body. Dopamine is a kind of “reward.” As such, the person taking the opiate is encouraged by their own body to take another dose.
In the short term, there are some effects that a person will experience, such as drowsiness or nausea. In the long-term, there are some more serious side effects. Opioids, firstly, are known to cause addiction. Those who use them are also:
- More likely to share drug injection tools, like needles, and spread STDs and infectious diseases
- At a higher risk of overdosing by mixing drugs or increasing the dosage to try to get euphoric effects
- At an increased risk of hypoxia, which is when too little oxygen reaches the brain. This is often a result of repressed respiration, which is common with opioid overdoses
- At a higher risk of having chronic pain return and be less treatable. Sometimes, opiates increase a client’s pain
- At an increased risk of developing depression and other psychiatric disorders
Fortunately, even long-term users of opioids can go through detoxification and eliminate cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Understand the Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse causes all kinds of problems. This condition occurs when a person uses their prescription medication in a way that doesn’t adhere to their prescription. For instance, they may begin taking multiple doses of opioids at once or mixing them with alcohol. Unfortunately, when the person doesn’t take drugs the way their doctor prescribed them, they can have unwanted side effects.
Opioids cause dozens of unwanted symptoms when someone takes them in ways that don’t adhere to their prescription. For example, opioids may cause:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Slow breathing rates
- Confusion
- Trouble with coordination
- Hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity or pain despite taking higher doses)
- Hypoxia
- Brain damage
- Coma
- Death
There are also impacts beyond the physical problems prescription addictions can cause. For example, some signs of prescription drug abuse may include making poor decisions or having excessive mood swings. It may alter relationships or ruin them because of drug-seeking behaviors, stealing, or other negative behaviors.
How Does Detox Help with Opioid Use Disorders?
Since opioids are so heavily addictive, it is beneficial to go through detoxification. The detox team’s goal is to help a client get safely and as comfortably as possible through detoxification. Opioid withdrawal can be extremely painful and frustrating. It’s difficult to stop taking the drugs “cold turkey” and can be potentially dangerous. The most significant risk is that someone trying to quit on their own will relapse and take too much, heightening the risk of an overdose.
Medical detox programs are highly structured, and clients there receive around-the-clock care. Medications can reduce cravings and minimize painful or irritating symptoms of withdrawal.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston for More Information
The long-term effects of opioids can be painful and dangerous. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we’re here to help you learn about the effects of prescription drug abuse and what you can do to help yourself or someone you love to get through withdrawal safely. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about how we can help.
