Opioid abuse is considered a global crisis. The fact that several million people in the U.S. suffer from opioid use disorder (OUD) has an impact not just on individuals but also on families, the economy, and society as a whole. Since the discovery of opium, other drugs like heroin and morphine have been derived from the opium poppy. Synthetic opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl were widely distributed starting in the 1990s, and in many cases, doctors were misled about their addictiveness and thus freely prescribed them to their patients. The steep spike in addictions that led to the current crisis began then. Rehab centers work hard to keep up with the demand for their opioid addiction treatment programs.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid abuse and considering opioid use disorder treatment, reach out to Apex Recovery Nashville to learn about opioid detox and therapy options. Our staff of expert addiction specialists is available to answer your questions. Just call 615.703.4639 or connect with us online.
How an Opioid Use Disorder Affects Your System
The disruption of many bodily systems and psychological functions originates with the way opioids interact within the brain. Just a few of the effects opioids can have include:
- Interfering with the endocrine system that is responsible for creating hormones and neurotransmitters
- Interfering with communication among nerve cells throughout the body and brain
- Damaging the brain’s ability to learn as well as make decisions and plans
- Disrupting mood regulation and the ability to feel pleasure
- Preventing effective stress management
There are serious short- and long-term side effects of opioids, though many of them can be reversed when recovery is underway. The longer someone abuses opioids like heroin or oxycodone, the harder it is to reverse some of the damage.
Side Effects of Long-Term Opioid Abuse
Physical dependence on opioids is certain if you or your loved one cannot quit despite trying and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the drug is unavailable or withheld. The fear of withdrawal combined with the ongoing availability of the drug make deciding to begin recovery very difficult. However, your long-term health and well-being are increasingly compromised with every day that goes by.
Some of the long-term side effects of an OUD include:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Deterioration of the brain’s white matter
- Changes to the physical structure of the brain
- Neural and hormone system imbalance
- Depression
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
If your recreational or medical use of an opioid has become abuse and addiction, seek opioid use disorder treatment today.
What to Expect in Treatment for Opioid Abuse
Opioid addiction treatment needs to be individualized based on factors like the type of opioid, length and intensity of use, co-occurring mental health concerns, and more. The goal of opioid use disorder treatment is to help you safely manage withdrawal symptoms and then begin the process of recovery.
Medication can be an effective tool in treating opioid use disorder. Suboxone and Vivitrol are two of the most commonly prescribed medications to help manage cravings and withdrawal. This can make it easier to focus on overcoming the underlying causes of addiction through therapy and counseling. Every step of the way, our opioid addiction treatment program is here to provide support and guidance toward recovery.
Reach Out to Apex Recovery Nashville Today to Begin Your Journey to Recovery
Let Apex Recovery Nashville help you find your path toward wellness. Our treatment for opioid abuse is based on individual treatment plans specific to your needs and goals. Call 615.703.4639 today to learn more or to set up a visit. You can also connect with one of our staff by completing our simple online form.