As a leading opioid detox center in Florida, BoardPrep Recovery Center® is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Our mission is not only to help you get free from opioids but also to educate you about the effects of these substances on your brain and overall health. Contact our knowledgeable team in Tampa today at 866.796.4720 to learn more about the impact of opioid abuse and addiction on overall health and how we can help.
About Opioids and the Brain
Opioids are potent drugs that interact directly with the brain’s chemistry. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body. This interaction results in a decrease in the perception of pain, a sense of well-being, and a boost of dopamine, which contributes to their addictive properties:
- Opioids can cause a rush of euphoria – This is often the reason why people continue to use these drugs. The thrill of pleasure or relief from pain can be incredibly enticing, but this sensation is fleeting and leads to wanting more of the drug.
- Opioids slow down brain function – These drugs depress the central nervous system, slowing breathing and potentially leading to hypoxia, a condition where insufficient oxygen reaches the brain.
- Opioids change the brain’s structure and function – Long-term use can lead to changes in neural circuitry, leading to a decrease in the brain’s white matter, affecting decision-making abilities, behavior regulation, and responses to stressful situations.
It must also be noted that opioid withdrawal can also have adverse effects on the brain. Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and changes in cognition due to imbalances of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
About Opioid Abuse and Addiction
Opioid withdrawal is the natural consequence of chronic opioid usage and can be highly uncomfortable. As a result, many people continue to use opioids despite the risks associated with addiction. Individuals who develop opioid dependency may increase their dosage to maintain the same level of relief or pleasure, leading to even more severe health problems over time.
Opioid abuse is a severe problem affecting an individual’s physical and mental health. Unwanted effects of opioid abuse include the following:
- Physical dependence – This is when the body adapts to the presence of the drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken.
- Tolerance – Over time, higher drug doses are needed to achieve the same effect, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Increased sensitivity to pain – Chronic opioid use can make individuals more sensitive to pain, a condition known as hyperalgesia.
- Mental health issues – Opioid abuse can exacerbate or cause mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Overdose – This can occur when too much of the drug is taken, depressing respiratory function to potentially fatal levels.
Opioid abuse turns into addiction when the user cannot stop using the drug despite its adverse impacts on their life. This is because opioids change the brain’s reward system, leading to a powerful urge to use the drug. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to opioids, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken.
This vicious cycle can feel impossible to break free from without professional help. That’s where BoardPrep Recovery Center® comes in.
Find Opioid Detox and Addiction Treatment in Florida at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
At BoardPrep Recovery Center®, we understand the devastating effects of opioids on the brain and the complexities of addiction. That’s why we offer comprehensive detox services and customized treatment plans to help you reclaim your life from opioid addiction.
Don’t let the effects of opioids control your life. Reach out to BoardPrep Recovery Center® today at 866.796.4720 and take the first step toward a healthier, happier future. Your journey to recovery starts here.
