Some people lose their loved ones to an opioid overdose every day. Opioid addiction does not always begin intentionally. Many people become dependent after undergoing medical treatment that requires care afterward. In some cases, a person might not even realize that they have become addicted. This is extremely dangerous as someone dependent will often find ways to get opioids that are not legal.
After a while, opioids can affect the body and mind. Activities that once were important to a person become harder to do due to loss of motivation. If you or someone you know is struggling and unsure what to do, consider getting outpatient opioid addiction treatment. At Insight Recovery Centers, we will help find the best program for your needs. For more information, contact us at 703.592.6946.
Long-Term Effects of Opioids
Opioids are often used to relieve pain and make you feel more relaxed. Because of this, it is easy to become reliant on it as it makes you feel good, and you can’t always see the negative effects on you. This addiction is dangerous for both your physical and mental health, and it is important to get professional help before these conditions become too serious.
While there are short-term effects, like drowsiness, nausea, and confusion, there are also long-term effects of opioids that should be taken seriously.:
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing: The easiest way to tell if you have sleep-disordered breathing is snoring. A person’s airways become obstructed, making it hard to breathe while sleeping. This can also cause shortness of breath while awake. It can even exacerbate asthma or lung disease symptoms.
- Fractures: Especially among the elderly, someone with an opioid abuse disorder is prone to bone fractures. Another side-effect of opioids is dizziness, which can sometimes lead to a person falling and fracturing a bone.
- Poor Immune System: When used too often, opioids weaken the immune system. It is also known that it can increase the risk of infections. You are more likely to get sick than without an opioid use disorder with a poor immune system.
It may even be hard to reverse these effects in some cases, so be sure to seek treatment as soon as possible. But healing is possible with the right support.
Signs of Opioid Abuse
The symptoms of an opioid use disorder can hinder a person’s ability to do their everyday tasks, especially since they can become consumed with finding ways to get more drugs. It can also cause problems socially and financially. The more dependent someone is on a drug, the worse the symptoms can become. Some signs to look out for include:
- Isolation from friends and family
- Intense cravings
- Bad sleep habits
- Weight loss
Someone dependent will also find ways of getting opioids outside of a prescription. They may even take money from friends and family members to pay for it. Especially when going through withdrawal, these symptoms can become more intense. Finding the right treatment is essential in order to become sober.
Getting Treatment at Insight Recovery Centers
Getting opioid addiction treatment at Insight Recovery Centers is a great choice for you or a loved one living with a substance use disorder. Our team is committed to providing the best care through various programs and therapies. Our clients receive the best care with our intensive outpatient and aftercare programs. At our center, we provide:
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Suboxone treatment
- Group therapy
- Vivitrol treatment
Our team is available to help in any way they can. If you or a loved one are in need of opioid addiction treatment and would like to learn more, visit our website or contact us at 703.592.6946.
