Side Effects of Opiates

Opiates are highly addictive and commonly abused. Addiction to opiates can result in fatal overdoses and impact your health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and financial security. Side effects of opiates are dangerous, especially when they cause physical dependence and addiction.

While addiction is among the most well-known side effects of opiates, opiate use can cause liver damage, brain damage, and depression.

The risks associated with opiate use and addiction are likewise serious. Opiate overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States and the opiate crisis has led the United States to declare a public health emergency. Opiate addiction can also lead to you draining savings and retirement accounts and legal problems.

Addiction has also become a more common reason why married couples divorce. Opiate addiction can also lead to job and housing instability, making treatment an important first step towards recovery.

What Are Opiates?

Opiates are almost always used to treat chronic and traumatic pain. Some of the most common uses for opiates include:

• Chronic pain
• Pre and post-surgical pain
• Pain following certain dental procedures
• Short term management of pain following an injury
• Chemotherapy and radiation pain among cancer patients

Opiates work by increasing dopamine in the brain, which increases happiness. Some of the most well-known opiates include morphine, oxycodone, Oxycontin, fentanyl, Vicodin and heroin. Opiates are also among the most commonly abused prescription and illicit drugs in the United States.

Side Effects of Opiates

While opiates are typically safe when following the prescription, the side effects of opiates can be serious when abused. Addiction to opiates caused by excessive use can lead to organ damage, most notably in the liver. Since the liver is responsible for cleansing the body of toxins, abusing opiates can cause the liver to be overworked and suffer damage. Long term opiate abuse can lead to conditions like fatty liver disease, jaundice, and cirrhosis.

Addiction to opiates can create changes to your brain chemistry, making your brain dependent on opiates after becoming used to the surge in dopamine caused by opiates. Opiate side effects can also include changes to your mood, such as increasing depression and anxiety. Opiates have a sedative effect, which can cause difficulties with concentration and impact your ability to stay alert. Others may experience insomnia from opiate use.

Side effects of opiates can also include constipation and other bowel problems and lower your pain tolerance.

Finding Treatment for Opiate Addiction

Struggling with an opiate addiction is difficult, especially considering the harmful side effects of opiates. Addiction has the ability to impact all aspects of your life, including your relationships, finances, and career. Finding the best opiate addiction treatment Jacksonville FL offers is a great first step towards recovery, and Beaches Recovery boasts a nationally recognized addiction treatment center that specializes in treating opiate addiction. Call us today at 866.605.0532 for more information on how our award-winning programs can help you or your loved one.