How Opioids Affect the Body

Author: Emily Oconnor

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About Opioid Addiction and Dependency

Opioids are substances that work to relieve pain by acting on opioid receptors in the brain. They are widely used to treat acute, surgical and chronic pain. Although critical for pain management, opioids are commonly abused.

Many people who are struggling with opioid addiction started taking the drug under medical supervision and with a legal prescription. Over time, any opioid use can lead to tolerance. Tolerance describes needing more of the drug to obtain the same effects. This may look like taking the drug more frequently or at higher doses than recommended. A person who experiences tolerance is also at risk of developing dependence. This happens when the body requires the drug to function normally. Some studies indicate that tolerance and dependence can develop in as little as a few days to 2-3 weeks with consistent use. Unfortunately, left unaddressed dependence can put a person at high risk of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). 

Opioids, especially when abused, can have detrimental effects on an individual’s vital organs.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a person who has developed an addiction to opiates will begin to go through opiate withdrawal once they stop using the drug. Opiate withdrawal consists of a mix of symptoms that cause intense psychological and physical distress.  For many people with opioid addiction, they expect to begin to feel the symptoms of the opiate withdrawal within six to twelve hours after their last use.

Opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult for a person to go through. This is a common reason why many people continue to abuse opioids even after they want to stop. However, if a person does not get help for their addiction or does not stop using the drugs, they can cause permanent damage to their body.

How Opioids Affect a Person’s Body

Opioid drugs affect a person’s mental, physical, and behavioral health. These detrimental effects include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Respiratory depression, which is a key factor in opioid overdose
• Hyperalgesia, or an increased sensitivity to pain
• Long-term digestive system issues, such as chronic constipation or bowel obstruction
• Heart and circulatory issues, which are key factors in opioid overdose
• Organ failure
• Withdrawal symptoms with dependence
• Strained relationships
• Isolation
• Work and school problems
• Financial difficulties
• Legal issues
• Stigma and discrimination

If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid use, don’t wait to get help.  Treatment can make a real difference, and recovery is possible. Reaching out today can be the first step toward rebuilding your health, your relationships and your future.  You don’t have to face this alone; help is available, and taking that first step could change everything. 

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