Opiates—sometimes also called opioids—are a class of drugs that can have powerful effects on the brain. The link between abusing opiates and the brain is full of unwanted health consequences. When taken in large doses or over long periods, opiates can cause severe physical and psychological side effects. Call 844.540.0357 to speak with someone from Painted Desert Recovery’s caring and compassionate team about opiate addiction treatment in New Harmony, Utah, and what opiate effects on the brain you should watch out for if you or someone you love is struggling with opiate abuse. Opiates can be deadly, so seek professional help at an opiate addiction treatment center immediately.
What Is the Difference Between Opiates and Opioids?
The terms “opiates” and “opioids” are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between them. Opiates are drugs derived from opium poppies, while opioids are synthetic versions of opiates. Both opiates and opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain and produce similar effects. The most commonly abused opiate drugs include:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
These drugs act as depressants in the brain by slowing down its activity and causing a feeling of euphoria or relaxation. Although these drugs can be prescribed for medical use by a doctor, they are also highly addictive when taken recreationally in large doses or over long periods.
How Does Opiate Abuse Affect the Brain?
When an individual abuses opiates for an extended period, their brain chemistry changes significantly due to increased tolerance and dependence on these substances. The continued use of these drugs causes changes in dopamine production—the neurotransmitter responsible for reward-seeking behavior—leading to more extreme cravings and increased risk-taking behaviors such as theft or illegal activities to get money for more drugs. These changes in dopamine production also affect memory formation and learning abilities when someone abuses opiates regularly over long periods.
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Opiates on the Brain?
In addition to changes in dopamine production levels caused by long-term abuse of opiates, there are also immediate short-term side effects associated with taking these medications, such as slowed breathing rate and decreased alertness or cognitive functioning due to sedation caused by the drug itself. Additionally, individuals may experience feelings of euphoria or a sense of detachment from reality that can lead to risky behaviors like driving while under the influence or engaging in unprotected sex, which may lead to potential harm not only physically but mentally as well due to increased anxiety levels after coming down off high induced by substance abuse within the short-term period.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Opiates on the Brain?
Long-term use can lead to severe physical damage, including organ failure, if left untreated. However, more often than not, chronic opioid abuse results in mental health issues such as depression or anxiety due to prolonged exposure to a chemical imbalance within the brain resulting from damage caused by substance abuse itself which then leads the individual towards other substance abuse, making it more challenging to break the cycle without professional help.
What to Expect from Opiate Addiction Treatment
At Painted Desert Recovery, our team understands that each individual is different, so we provide personalized care tailored to the client’s particular needs. Our goal is always to provide support and guidance to ensure success during recovery so the client can regain control of life free from addiction. A typical opiate addiction treatment program typically consists of the following:
- Detoxification
- Behavioral therapy
- Medication management
Following opiate addiction treatment, it is also vital to have a strong aftercare plan that includes support groups or individual counseling sessions to prevent relapse.
Find Opiate Addiction Treatment in New Harmony, Utah, at Painted Desert Recovery
Opiate abuse has severe consequences for both physical and mental well-being. If you feel like you or someone you love needs help to overcome opiate addiction, please don’t hesitate to contact Painted Desert Recovery today at 844.540.0357 to learn more about our opiate addiction treatment center in New Harmony, Utah.
