The term “opioids” refers to both natural and synthetic versions of opiates, drugs derived naturally from the opium plant. Opioids — which have legitimate medical uses and also are commonly prescribed to mitigate pain — block neurotransmitters in your brain which respond to dopamine, the hormone responsible for pleasure and anticipation. With these receptors blocked, dopamine then continues to flow freely throughout the brain producing feelings of intense euphoria and sedation. For example, common opioids include:
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Methadone
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
Opioids, like all narcotics, are also highly-addictive for this reason. Users will want to repeat these experiences, but they will require increasing amounts of drugs to achieve their earlier highs. Also, as users increase their habits, the brain will produce less dopamine, which forces users to rely on opioids in the future to achieve these pleasurable sensations.
Since many opioids are prescribed, individuals who have not previously abused drugs may be introduced to these drugs and become unintentionally dependent and even addicted. The consequences of opioid dependence and addiction are incredibly high. However, over two million Americans suffer from some opioid disorder, and nearly 30,000 have died from an opioid overdose, according to one 2014 study. These statistics stress the critical need for an opioid addiction rehab center as well as comprehensive therapy and rehab. At Bayview Recovery, we offer a unique approach to long-lasting healing and sobriety through our prescription drug rehab center.
Opioids’ Short-Term Effects on the Body
Even short-term use of opioids can cause significant harm to the body. Their adverse side effects include:
- Breathing problems
- Compromised motor skills
- Confusion
- Constricted pupils
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Itchy skin
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle stiffness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Slowed heart rate
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Opioids’ Long-Term Effects on the Body
Opioids, like all narcotics, can also cause life-threatening health problems if abused on a long-term basis. For example, their adverse effects include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Delusions
- Lethargy
- Paranoia
- Severe gastrointestinal issues
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Situations
- A weakened immune system
- Withdrawal from or avoidance of social
Opioids’ Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioids have many severe withdrawal symptoms, which include overdose as well as death. Of course, some additional symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Appetite loss
- Chills
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Restlessness
- Shaking and tremors
- Weakness
An Opioid Addiction Rehab Center Can Help You Overcome Your Opioid Dependency
If you suffer from an opioid dependency, then you will require the professional help of an opioid addiction rehab center. Opioids are highly addictive, and few if any individuals who have developed a dependence will also be able to stop using them on their own. An attempt to quit will immediately bring on intense withdrawal symptoms, which will further jeopardize the user’s health and often result in overdose and death.
In order to recover successfully, then you need a tailored treatment solution like the one Bayview Recovery offers. An individualized rehab can help you break free from opioid dependency and also learn ways to avoid future drug use. Our facility’s highly competent staff and high staff-to-patient ratio ensure you will get the help you need to get healthy and stay healthy start when you check-in.
Call Bayview Recovery today at 855.478.3650 to speak to one of our addiction specialists, verify your insurance coverage as well as begin your process towards recovery.
Painkiller Dependency
Painkillers, which come in a variety of forms, can also produce intense highs. They could be opioids or morphine derivatives, and while most individuals take a prescription form of these drugs, users can find illegal, street versions of them as well. Painkillers give users a powerful euphoria along with feelings of drowsiness and sedation as well as warmth. Tolerance is an issue with these drugs because users will quickly need more drugs to produce the same high. With dependency comes abuse and addiction, and both can have devastating physical and emotional consequences, requiring an opioid addiction treatment center.
However, untreated painkiller addiction poses a variety of dangers. You can easily overdose from the drug since street versions can have varying concentrations, and you could easily take other drugs mixed in your primary drug without knowing it. These factors make overcoming dependency very difficult, and, for this reason, recovery will require a medically supervised detox and comprehensive rehab. Bayview Recovery’s opioid addiction rehab center can help with both assisting in your supervised detox and providing you with highly personalized rehab options.
Painkiller Abuse’s Short-Term Effects
Your side effects will vary depending on which painkiller you have used as well as how much you have used and for how long. However, you can expect any of the following symptoms from painkillers:
- A slower heart rate
- A slower breathing rate
- A lower body temperature
- In extreme cases, cyanotic (blue) extremities
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Constricted pupils
- Light sensitivity
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Itchiness
Painkiller Abuse’s Long-Term Effects
Abusing painkillers long-term can lead to severe and often life-threatening symptoms such as:
- Brain damage from lack of oxygen
- Memory problems
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Depression
- Emotional numbness
- Sleeping problems and insomnia
- Cardiovascular issues
- Irreversible liver and kidney damage
- Hepatitis-induced cancer
- Tooth and gum decay
- Decreased appetite
- Malnutrition
- Chronic constipation
- Excoriated skin leading to abscesses, infections, and sores
- Diminished sexual desire
- Diminished sexual function
- Immune system deficiencies
- Increased illnesses
- Weakness
- Lethargy
Painkiller Withdrawal Symptoms
Painkiller withdrawal can present varying symptoms that depend on your drug and your dosages, as well as the length of your habit. Whether you have severe or milder symptoms, you will need medically assisted treatment as well as rehab from an opioid addiction rehab center.
Painkiller withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hypertension
- Elevated heart rate
- Respiratory problems
- Emotional numbness
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- A runny nose
- Chills and sweats
- Body aches
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Problems concentrating
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Get Help From Bayview Recovery’s Opioid Addiction Treatment Center
However, recovery from a painkiller addiction can be very challenging and impossible to accomplish on your own. You can beat this addiction. However, first, you will need to break your dependency through detox. Bayview Recovery can help your detox provider, but more importantly, we can provide you with a comprehensive rehab program that will address your individual needs and the circumstances which have led to ongoing use.
You should not accept a rehab treatment that isn’t highly individualized, and of course, Bayview Recovery has one of the most personalized and focused rehab programs in the nation. Our treatments include a wide range of therapies and also a high staff-to-patient ratio which gives us the ability to deliver high-quality, personalized care so you can have an effective and long-lasting recovery.
At Bayview Recovery, we provide a wide array of treatment options for those suffering from opioid addiction. We take the time to examine your needs and develop a plan to address them specifically. For instance, our therapeutic options include:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
So call 855.478.3650 to talk to one of Bayview Recovery’s addiction specialists today. Because you don’t have to let painkillers take over your life. In fact, you can break free from addiction and live a joyful life free from drugs and in good health. Bayview Recovery will stand behind you and see you through, of course.