Prescription drug abuse affects people of all ages and backgrounds, with opioids in the lead. This is due to the powerful way that they relieve pain and bring feelings of euphoria to people who are suffering under the weight of severe discomfort. While many people begin taking prescription opioids for valid medical purposes, misuse of these substances can have dangerous consequences, including addiction and dependence. Along with opioid dependence, people can become susceptible to a multitude of other negative impacts on their personal and professional lives.
If you think that you or a loved one may have developed an opioid dependence, reach out to My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022. Our opioid rehab in Florida offers residential and outpatient options along with aftercare and alumni programs to ensure you feel fully supported for the long term.
What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Opioids are powerful pain-relieving medications prescribed for those experiencing moderate to severe pain, typically as a result of surgery or an accident. Some people also receive prescriptions for opioids to address chronic health conditions like cancer, which can also cause pain and discomfort.
Opioid drugs attach to opioid receptors in the brain, alleviating pain but also inducing euphoria and relaxation. These pleasurable effects can make it tempting to engage in prescription drug abuse, which entails:
- Taking a larger dose than advised by your doctor
- Taking your medication more frequently than directed
- Scheduling appointments with more than one doctor to access multiple opioid prescriptions
- Obtaining opioids for recreational use without a doctor’s prescription
Misusing prescription drugs can introduce a variety of adverse effects into your life, including opioid dependence, so it is important to use opioids as prescribed by your medical provider.
The Consequences of Opioid Dependence
Opioid dependence can be detrimental to your life as a whole. Some potential dangers of becoming dependent on opioids are:
Physical Health Risks
Just like many other prescription medications, long-term use of opioids can damage your liver and cause heart or respiratory issues. Opioids are also well known for causing chronic constipation, which can be severe enough to require medical attention.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are dependent on opioids, you can experience withdrawal symptoms when not using them. Some common opioid withdrawal symptoms are constipation, sweating, restlessness, nausea, and muscle aches.
Relationship Problems
Opioid dependence can cause changes in your behavior, such as isolation, secretiveness, and failure to follow through on responsibilities. This can put a strain on relationships with your loved ones. These behavioral changes can also transfer to your work life, which may put your job at risk if you are unable to keep up with your duties and obligations.
Legal Issues
Powerful cravings for opioids can lead you to engage in problematic behaviors like doctor shopping to get extra opioid prescriptions, purchasing opioids on the street, or stealing opioids from others. Of course, this can result in legal repercussions if you are caught participating in these activities.
Potential Overdose
Over time, you can develop a tolerance to your opioid dosage, meaning you will need higher doses to experience the same level of pain relief and relaxation. Taking higher doses of opioids can cause respiratory depression, a condition in which your breathing slows to dangerously low levels. You also run the risk of coma and fatal overdose.
Call My 5 Palms Today to Enroll in Our Opioid Rehab in Florida
/contact-promises-five-palms-ormond-beach-fl/The addictive qualities of opioids can make it easy to develop opioid dependence before you realize what’s happening. If you notice some of the aforementioned adverse effects while taking opioid medications, you may benefit from an assessment to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Reach out to My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 to schedule an appointment and discuss our residential and outpatient treatment options for opioid addiction. Call today or fill out our online form to get started.
