The long-term effects of opioid use are very serious and long-lasting. Not only can they lead to physical dependence and addiction, but they can also damage mental health and social functioning. People who use opioids long-term may suffer from depression, anxiety, cognitive problems, impaired motor coordination, personality changes, and sleep disturbances. Opioid addiction can also have long-term consequences on the user’s relationships with family and friends.
Opioids are prevalent in the United States, and opioid use is a significant public health problem. People who have become addicted to opioids need to seek treatment to overcome their addiction and its long-term effects at MD M.A.T.T. treatment include individual counseling, group therapy, medication-assisted therapies, and lifestyle changes. Opioid addiction treatment with MD M.A.T.T can help individuals to regain control of their lives and manage the long-term effects of opioid use, as well as prevent relapse. If you are battling opioid addiction or know somebody who is, reach out to MD M.A.T.T at 410.505.7434 and discover more about our accessible solutions for treating this condition.
Signs of Opioid Abuse
Opioid use is a growing problem in the United States, and understanding the signs of such misuse is key to recognizing potential problems. Unfortunately, since opioids are allowed with a prescription, it can often be harder to recognize signs suggesting someone is misusing their medication. One of the biggest red flags is an increase in prescriptions. If a person keeps filling multiple prescriptions, it could indicate that they are misusing these drugs.
Other warning signs include:
- Euphoria and energy boosts
- Being overly talkative or social
- Having changes in sleeping patterns
- Differences in eating habits
- Nausea
If you know someone you believe might have an opioid issue, don’t hesitate to talk to them about your concerns.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Opioids?
The long-term effects of opioid use can be devastating. When opioids are taken long-term, they can lead to physical and psychological dependence and addiction. Some long-term physical effects of using opioids can include:
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Impaired motor coordination
Longer-term opioid use can also lead to mental issues such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive problems
- Changes in personality
- Impaired judgment
Opioid use can have severe long-term effects such as:
- An increased risk of long-term chronic illnesses
- Disrupted reproductive functioning
- Liver damage or failure
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of overdose and death
If you are suffering from opioid addiction, MD M.A.T.T can help you to manage the long-term effects and prevent relapse.
Can Opioid Use Effects Be Reversed?
Opioids are potent drugs that are commonly prescribed for pain relief. Too often, however, people become addicted and suffer from dire consequences. It’s essential to understand that opioid use can have long-term effects on the body. Fortunately, it’s possible to reverse some of those effects with treatment and lifestyle changes to get back to a basic physical and mental function level.
Different treatments may include a variety of medical therapies or medications that help reduce pain sensitivity, restore energy levels, or improve overall well-being. Additionally, developing healthier habits like regular exercise, eating healthy food, talking through issues with a therapist, and learning how to manage stress can help restore balance and improve quality of life after opioid use.
Discover Opioid Addiction Treatment at MD M.A.T.T.
MD M.A.T.T provides opioid addiction treatment to help individuals regain control of their lives and manage the long-term effects of opioid use, as well as prevent relapse. We offer individual counseling, group therapy, medication-assisted therapies, and lifestyle changes that can make a difference in your recovery from opioid use and addiction.
Medication-assisted treatment is one of the most effective methods of long-term opioid use recovery, as it combines medications such as buprenorphine and naloxone with counseling and other behavioral therapies to help patients achieve sobriety. Our opioid addiction specialists are here to help you find long-term solutions.
If you are struggling with opioid addiction or know someone who is, contact MD M.A.T.T at 410.505.7434 for the help and support needed to win this arduous battle.
