Over the past few years, the country has been grappling with an opioid crisis that has devastated lives and communities. Opioids are a class of drugs commonly prescribed to manage pain but are also misused due to their highly addictive nature. These substances include prescription medications like morphine and oxycodone as well as illegal drugs such as heroin.
Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain while triggering a sense of euphoria. While they can be highly effective for short-term pain relief, prolonged or excessive use often leads to opioid addiction, which can severely impact the body in various ways.
As the leading provider of substance abuse treatment in Kentucky, we at Robert Alexander Center for Recovery have seen firsthand how opioid addiction can take a physical toll.
Here are 10 ways opioid addiction can affect the body:
Cardiovascular problems
Long-term opioid use can affect the cardiovascular system by causing low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and an increased risk of heart infections, particularly in people who inject opioids. These conditions can lead to heart damage or sudden cardiac arrest.
Neurological damage
While opioids provide short-term pain relief, prolonged use can cause significant neurological and brain damage. Chronic opioid abuse rewires the brain’s reward system, making it harder for those using to feel pleasure without the drug. This can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairment, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
Respiratory depression
One of the most immediate and dangerous effects of opioids is respiratory depression. Opioids slow down the central nervous system, including the part of the brain that regulates breathing. Prolonged use can cause shallow or irregular breathing, putting individuals at risk of fatal overdose or long-term lung complications.
Liver damage
Opioid addiction can indirectly harm the liver, especially when opioids are combined with other substances like acetaminophen, found in some prescription painkillers. Long-term use can lead to liver toxicity, scarring (cirrhosis), or even complete liver failure.
Gastrointestinal issues
Chronic opioid use often leads to significant gastrointestinal issues, particularly constipation. Opioids slow the movement of food through the digestive tract, causing discomfort, bloating, and severe constipation. Over time, this can result in bowel obstruction and other complications requiring medical attention.
Muscular and skeletal issues
Long-term opioid use can weaken the bones and muscles, increasing the risk of fractures, chronic pain, and osteoporosis. Many of those struggling with opioid addiction experience muscle stiffness and joint pain due to the drug’s impact on calcium regulation and overall bone health.
Hormonal imbalances
Opioid addiction disrupts the body’s endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances. In men, it can lower testosterone levels, causing decreased libido, fatigue, and muscle loss. Women, on the other hand, may experience irregular menstrual cycles or infertility due to opioid-induced hormonal disruptions.
Immune system suppression
Opioids suppress the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections. This weakened immune response can lead to frequent illnesses and slow recovery from injuries or infections, further compromising an individual’s overall health.
Increased risk of infections
Injecting opioids increases the risk of infections, such as hepatitis C and HIV, which can result in severe, lifelong consequences. Even non-injectable opioid use can compromise the immune system, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections.
Mental health decline
Opioid addiction not only affects the body but also has profound effects on mental health. Prolonged opioid use can lead to depression, anxiety, and heightened feelings of isolation. The cycle of addiction itself – seeking, using, and recovering from the drug – creates emotional upheaval that worsens mental health struggles.
Opioid Addiction Treatment in Kentucky
At Robert Alexander Center for Recovery, we know only too well the devastating effect opioid addiction can have on both the body and mind. That’s why we offer comprehensive addiction treatment that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of addiction.
Our treatment includes medical detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, individual and group counseling to address the root causes of addiction, and ongoing support through outpatient care and aftercare programs. We also offer mental health treatment for those dealing with co-occurring mental health disorders, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.
Discover Hope and Healing
Opioid addiction doesn’t have to define your life. Thanks to compassionate and expert care from the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery, you can break free and rebuild your health. With tailored treatment programs and a dedicated professional team, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to learn about our opioid addiction treatment services or admission to the other rehab programs we offer. Taking action today can make all the difference.