Opioid Use Disorder: The Effects & Symptoms

Opioid use disorder is more common than many people think. Addiction to opioids is on the rise, and is a serious public health problem with potentially devastating consequences.

What are the effects of opioid use disorder?

Opioids temporarily reduce anxiety and pain and create a sense of numbness in the body and mind. If taken in high doses, opioids can create a short-lived feeling of euphoria and drowsiness. It can be difficult to stop because of these effects—opioid users begin to crave this feeling. A desire to experience this feeling can lead to using more, which causes stronger and graver effects in the body.

What is the difference between Opioid Dependence & Opioid Abuse?

Opioid Dependence—if you continue to use opioids in spite of problems and effects it has on your health. Generally, with opioid dependence you are physically dependent on the drug.

Opioid Abuse—less severe than opioid dependence, opioid abuse does not involve physical dependence on the drug. Essentially, opioid abuse is repeated significant negative consequences of using opioids recurrently.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Opioid abuse can have negative physical and mental effects that may include:

• Difficulty in controlling use
• A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the substance
• Euphoria, feeling high
• Shallow or slow breathing
• Small pupils
• Nausea, vomiting
• Itching or flushed skin
• Constipation
• Slurred speech
• Confusion or poor judgment

What is the danger of long term opioid use disorder?

Prolonged use of opioids has profound effects on the body which may include:

Short-term effects:

• Drowsiness
• Slowed breathing
• Constipation
• Unconsciousness
• Nausea

Long-term effects:

• Physical dependence
• Addiction
• Increased risk for premature death
• Serious health complications

The Pain Doctor further explains the long term effects of opioid use disorder. Quitting is the only way to minimize or eliminate these risks.

If you are ready to take control of your life and want to overcome your opioid use disorder, please call 2^ndChance today. Get back to living your life today!