There are many people out there who hear the word “opioids” and think of all of the most addictive drugs around. Cocaine. Heroin. Methamphetamines. These are all commonly known, very addictive drugs and they have a huge street value. The one place that most people don’t consider is in their very own medicine cabinet at home. The prescription pain medication that your doctor gave you the last time you had a sprain or an accident is sitting innocently in the cabinet at home – and you have no idea how addictive this stuff is!
Did you know that there are more than 191 million opioid prescriptions handed out in the U.S. every year? They’re called innocent drugs because they are prescribed by a medical professional, but it’s these drugs that can be the most addictive. Most people who end up addicted to them don’t realize that they are in the spiral of addiction until it’s far too late. It’s important to understand how addictive prescription pain medication is so that you follow your doctor’s instructions very closely and don’t stray from them. These drugs are powerful enough to block severe pain and help you to live a normal life. Opioids are designed as a short-term solution but that doesn’t stop people from getting repeat prescriptions: this is because they are addicted to them.
Understanding how addictive opioids are will help you to understand the impacts on the body and the brain and what to do about it. Let’s explore this more in-depth.
How Addictive Are Prescription Drugs(Opioids)?
Did you know that stores that sell simple paracetamol have to impose limits on how many packs you can buy at a time? This is just for standard headache meds – imagine the stringent rules of prescription opioids. Prescription pain medications may be excellent in combating your pain, but they are highly addictive medications, and those who misuse them are at the highest risk of becoming addicted to them. Some people continue to take opioids to avoid painful withdrawal symptoms, but this then leads to a cycle of addiction.
What Happens When You Withdraw From Opioids?
There are many signs that your body and brain are going through withdrawal from opioids, and these include:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Cold flashes
If your healthcare provider has given you opioids, they should be carefully controlling these to ensure that you are not going to be reliant on them beyond your prescription end date. Any issues should be communicated to your doctor as early as possible so that you can have your medications adjusted as necessary. There are medicines that can help with the withdrawal process, so speak to your doctors about these early.
Effects Of Opioids On The Brain
Prescription pain medications mimic the same effects of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. They bind to targeted receptors, blocking the perception of pain in the brain – it’s very clever. The problem is that when you become reliant on those blockers, you end up misusing the drugs. Opioids in prescription pain medications can reduce the feelings of pain, but they can also simulate the sense of euphoria, or “high”, and this is what ends up being chased by those who take these drugs.
Over time, the brain and body build up a tolerance towards these drugs, which means that people take more and more of them to achieve that state of happiness and calm they are chasing. This can lead to taking heavier doses of the drugs and even mixing them with other drugs, introducing a whole new world of illegal drugs.
The brain has a reward system that is nothing short of powerful and prescription pain medications can be addictive in this part of the brain. The withdrawal can also be painful, and to avoid these withdrawal effects on the brain, people take more and more drugs.
Effects Of Opioids On The Body
The brain adjusts very quickly to accommodate the new drugs in your system, and when the body adjusts, it can build up a tolerance over time. Prolonged use of opioids can cause permanent damage to the organs. Even just one drug can cause respiratory failure or a heart attack in extreme cases! Some of the effects on the body include:
- Fatigue
- Slowed breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Insomnia
More serious health concerns than these can arise in patients with regular opioid use. If you are prescribed medicines after a procedure or injury, you can avoid opioid addiction by following the instructions set by your doctor. You shouldn’t take opioids to treat long-term pain and don’t crush the pills down! IIt’s never too early to seek help for addiction. Recognizing the signs of dependence and understanding the impact it has on your life are the first steps toward recovery. While the journey may seem daunting, professional support can provide you with the tools, strategies, and encouragement needed to navigate the path to sobriety successfully.
Ready to take control of your life and break free from addiction? Our Outpatient Program at Evolve Indy offers the flexibility and comprehensive care you need to heal without putting your life on hold. We create personalized treatment plans that fit your schedule, allowing you to maintain your work, school, and family commitments while receiving expert support.
At Evolve Indy, we’re more than just a treatment center; we’re a community dedicated to your long-term success. Our evidence-based therapies, combined with a compassionate and experienced team, ensure you receive the highest quality of care. Choosing the right path to recovery is a significant first step, and understanding the options available is crucial. Whether it’s the structured environment of inpatient care, the flexibility of outpatient services, or the continuous support from aftercare programs, each plays a vital role in the journey toward a substance-free life. By evaluating your personal needs, support systems, and the severity of the addiction, you can make an informed decision that lays the groundwork for lasting change.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our treatment programs today to see which option best fits your needs, or contact our admissions team for a confidential consultation to discuss your path to recovery. Learn more about our Outpatient Program and begin your recovery journey today.