Opioids are prescribed for pain management all over the country every single day. These drugs can be helpful for many to alleviate pain caused by a variety of injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, and other maladies, but their strong addictive qualities mean that they can do a lot of harm as well. Opioid addiction is quickly becoming one of the most talked about substance abuse disorders, so what are the effects, and how can someone overcome an addiction to a substance that their physician may have originally prescribed? The simplest answer is that an opioid addiction treatment plan facilitated by professionals can take the burden off an individual struggling with opioid addiction and help them regain control of their daily lives.
If you’d like to explore your options for opioid addiction treatment, consider reaching out to Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach. Our client-focused plans put your specific needs at the helm of your recovery, and we have a variety of different programs to suit different individuals, from our career-minded executive rehab program to our residential treatment program, which offers supervision, support, and care 24 hours a day. If an addiction to opioids is ruling your life or the life of someone you care about, reach out today and contact us at 877.296.7477.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Opioid Use?
The natural first thing we think of when considering the long-term effects of opioids is dependence. Ongoing use of an opioid can easily lead to a major physical dependence or psychological addiction, and overdose death in opioid users has skyrocketed in recent years.
Whether opioids are being used for pain management or recreation, higher doses will be needed to achieve full effects after building a tolerance to the substance. You may not even realize a loved one is developing a dependence as it grows. Signs of opioid addiction can include:
- Feeling constantly irritable or cranky
- Lack of interest in hobbies that once brought them joy
- Lack of motivation to perform basic hygiene tasks
- New or abnormal trouble with law
- Missing usual appointments and obligations
- Preferring to spend time alone rather than with loved ones
The Link Between Opioids and Depression
Substance abuse disorder and depression can often feed into each other. Research has suggested that people with depression and other mental health disorders are more likely to develop addictions. Likewise, those with substance abuse disorders may be more likely to see their mental health decline.
Because of these inexorable links between opioid use and mental health disorders, including depression, it’s important for a treatment program to keep the entire individual in mind, rather than focusing on only the addiction. This is why dual diagnosis treatment and mental health-minded care are at the forefront of the substance abuse treatment world right now. Mental healthcare in rehabilitation centers is invaluable, not only to the client but also to their loved ones. Poor mental health can easily feed into behavior that may cause a relapse, and the better the mental health of someone in treatment, the more likely it is they will want to take steps toward recovery.
Learn More About Opioid Addiction Treatment at Oceanfront Recovery
When you work with Oceanfront Recovery to address your substance abuse disorder, you go in knowing that you will be treated as an individual and not as a statistic. From intake to treatment to aftercare, our patient and highly trained staff will be working steadily toward your specific goals and needs. Our dual diagnosis and mental health treatment programs can also help you in managing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues that may be impacting your substance abuse. If you are interested in hearing more about what we can do for you, contact us today by calling 877.296.7477 or by visiting us online.
