What are the Long Term Effects of Opioids on Health and Well-being?
Discover how long-term opioid use can significantly impact your health and well-being beyond just pain relief.
While effective in treating pain, opioids also have potential long-term effects like respiratory and immune system complications thatare significant and problematic. Some of the best rehab centers, such as Riverside Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center offer effective personalized treatment plans to combat these issues. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, over 2.1 million people in the United States are affected by opioid use disorder (OUD), and OUD results in over 47,000 deaths per year in the United States. Extended use of opioids may lead to changes in the brain, making it challenging to stop using them and increasing the risk of dependency. Up to 50% of patients on chronic opioid therapy meet the criteria for OUD. Over time, the pain-relieving benefits of opioids can diminish, necessitating higher doses that further complicate their use. This increased dosage can sometimes worsen pain instead of alleviating it.
Opioids are powerful medications often used to control pain from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. They work by interacting with the brain to reduce the sensation of pain, providing relief to those suffering from severe discomfort. Their ability to manage pain makes them an important part of medical treatment plans.
Men are more likely to use and become dependent on opioids, accounting for the majority of opioid-related overdoses, with the highest rates of opioid-related deaths among individuals aged 40 to 50 years. Understanding the potential consequences of long-term opioid use is crucial for individuals and healthcare providers. As these medications can severely impact both physical and mental health, being informed helps in making safe choices about pain management. The complexities and risks associated with opioids highlight the need for careful monitoring and consideration when they are prescribed for long-term use.
DR. DOUGLAS SEVERANCE EXPLAINS THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF OPIOID USE
Dr. Douglas Severance addressed the long-term effects of opioid use. He responds to a question posed by a viewer, Jamie, who is concerned about the lasting impact of opioid abuse on individuals who have stopped using the substance. Dr. Severance provides insights based on his professional experience and discusses the physiological and psychological consequences of prolonged opioid use, even after cessation.
Dr. Severance explains that long-term opioid use can lead to significant structural changes in the brain. During the period of active opioid use, the brain reduces its production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, due to the external supply provided by the drugs. When an individual stops using opioids, they often experience acute withdrawal symptoms as the brain struggles to compensate for the lack of endorphins. This phase can be extremely uncomfortable and often leads to unsuccessful withdrawal attempts without medical assistance.
Furthermore, he mentions a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), where emotional and physical symptoms can persist for six months or longer. This period poses a high risk for relapse. Dr. Severance highlights the importance of medically assisted treatment (MAT), using medications like methadone and buprenorphine to gradually taper the brain's dependence on opioids. He emphasizes the growing focus on harm reduction, advocating for the long-term use of MAT medications to help maintain stability and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Long-Term Effects of Opioid Use
Opioid use can be effective for managing pain in the short term, but prolonged use poses significant risks to both physical and mental health.
Tolerance and Dependence
Over time, the body adapts to opioids, requiring higher doses to achieve the same pain relief. This can lead to physical dependence, where the body relies on the drug to function normally, increasing the risk of addiction.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping or reducing opioid use can trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia. Psychological effects like depression and anxiety are also common, making it challenging to quit without medical support.
Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia
Long-term use can make individuals more sensitive to pain, a condition known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia. This can worsen chronic pain and create a cycle of escalating opioid use.
Respiratory Depression and Hypoxia
Chronic use can suppress the respiratory system, leading to reduced breathing efficiency. This can cause hypoxia, a condition where oxygen levels in the body are dangerously low, potentially damaging vital organs over time.
Endocrine System Disruption
Opioids can disrupt hormone production, leading to issues like hypogonadism and adrenal insufficiency. These conditions can cause fatigue, decreased libido, and even bone loss.
Immunosuppression
Long-term opioid use can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Sleep Disorders
Opioids can cause sleep disturbances, such as sleep apnea, which can lead to poor sleep quality and further health complications.
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What are the Risks and Complications of Long Term Opioid Use?
Long-term opioid use carries significant risks that can affect various aspects of health. These risks include overdose, increased chances of physical injuries, suppression of the immune system, and other serious health conditions.
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Overdose Risks
Opioid overdose can be a serious threat for those on long-term therapy. It occurs when there is too much drug in the body, affecting breathing and leading to potentially fatal outcomes.
People on opioids for extended periods are at a higher risk of accidental overdose due to tolerance changes.
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Increased Susceptibility to Injuries
Long-term opioid use can lead to increased vulnerability to physical injuries. These drugs may cause dizziness and balance issues that heighten the risk of falls and fractures.
Older adults, particularly, are more prone to such injuries due to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones.
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Negative Impact on Immune System
Opioids can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. This immunosuppression can complicate existing health conditions and make new infections more severe.
Chronic opioid use might lower the body's ability to heal and recover from common illnesses.
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Other Medical Conditions
Long-term opioid use has been linked to various medical conditions such as adrenal insufficiency and hypogonadism. Adrenal insufficiency can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure.
Opioid-related hypogonadism may result in reduced hormone levels, impacting reproductive health and general well-being.
A Deeper Look: What are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs commonly used for pain relief. They include both prescription medications and illegal drugs. They work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain, helping reduce feelings of pain. Opioids need careful prescription regulation due to their potential for misuse and addiction.
Types of Opioids
There are several types of opioids, each with different uses and effects. Morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone are commonly prescribed for pain relief. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used primarily in severe pain management. Methadone and buprenorphine are often used in treating opioid use disorder. Oxymorphone is another opioid used for managing pain. Each type of opioid has its unique strength and purpose in medical treatment.
Mechanism of Action
Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain known as opioid receptors. When they bind, they reduce the perception of pain and can create a feeling of euphoria. These receptors are part of the central nervous system and play a crucial role in how the body responds to pain stimuli. Due to their mechanism, opioids are effective but can lead to opioid use disorder if misused.
Prescription and Regulation
Prescribed opioids are controlled substances, so their prescription and distribution are regulated by healthcare authorities. Opioid prescribing involves careful assessment to determine if these medications are necessary. Opioid prescriptions are closely monitored to prevent prescription opioid misuse. Ensuring the proper use of opioid medications helps in minimizing risks associated with long-term use and addiction.