Long-Term Effects of Opioids
Opioids and opioid use disorder (OUD) have devastated millions of lives over the years, and they are still doing so in similar numbers. This includes people struggling and suffering with the short-term and long-term effects of opioids. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for helping individuals recover from the effects of opioids.
Better Understanding the Opioid Epidemic in the U.S.
The opioid epidemic is still going strong regardless of the plans put in place to combat it. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, “Years of sustained, coordinated, and vigilant effort will be required to contain the present opioid epidemic and ameliorate its harmful effects on society. At least 2 million people have an opioid use disorder (OUD) involving prescription opioids, and almost 600,000 have an OUD associated with heroin. These numbers are likely to increase in the coming years, regardless of what policies are put in place.”
However, even though these statistics are staggering, it is important to be motivated by them rather than devastated by them. There remains a lot of work to do to combat the effects of opioids. Yet, many people struggle to spot the signs and symptoms of OUD.
The Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of OUD are going to vary based on the individual. However, there are many universal signs and symptoms that one should look out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Struggling with lack of sleep or sleeping too much (insomnia and hypersomnia)
- Loss of appetite
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Harming oneself or others
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Feeling excessively anxious, nervous, or “stressed out”
- Having feelings of depression, including loneliness and hopelessness
- “nodding out” or “passing out”
- Having suicidal ideations
Clearly, these are serious signs and symptoms, which is why, if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is critical that professional help be sought as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
The Effects of Opioids
Now, the effects of opioids can be damaging to everyone involved. These effects are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
The effects of opioids also damage one’s ability to function effectively at school or at work. Also, the effects of opioids can be particularly damaging in the home, hurt relationships between partners, and can especially have negative effects on the well-being of children.
There are many long-term effects of opioids, too. This can be long-term financial damage, extreme physical ailments, and irreversible cognitive damage. The good news is there are many effective recovery options for treating opioid use disorder.
Recovery Options for Opioid Use Disorder
OUD must be treated with a multi-angled approach. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These should almost always be the foundation of any recovery plan because they are “evidence-based” treatments. They also get to the underlying issues that cause addiction. It is important to remember that addiction is not just about the drink or the drug; it is about the thoughts that lead to taking that drink or drug.
Another effective way to treat OUD is with experiential therapies. This includes nature-based experiential therapies like art therapy and nature immersion therapy. These can help individuals recover via creativity and connecting with nature.
Nature immersion therapy offers a myriad of benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Besides physical health improvements, nature exposure can bring about positive influence upon psychological constructs such as boredom, friendliness, well-being, and liveliness. However, across more than one hundred studies on nature/wildlife exposure, stress mitigation has been shown to be one of the most consistent and important psychological benefits.” There are also other effective nature-based experiential therapies like surf therapy and horticulture therapy.
Our Primary Purpose at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, our primary purpose is to ensure all our clients are treated with individualized and comprehensive recovery plans. We also focus on long-term success over short-term “fixes” for all our clients.
We also believe in what we call The Phoenix Difference: “Empowering individuals and families who have addiction and mental health disorders to celebrate life through lasting solutions.” We are addiction experts, and our expertise has one purpose: success.
Recovery is all about the journey, never the destination. That successful journey can start right here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, where we know that recovery is right over the horizon line. Recovery is waiting. The key is to go out there and get it.
There is little doubt that there remains an opioid epidemic in the U.S. (and abroad). The long-term effects of opioid use disorder (OUD) can also be devasting to bother the individual and the entire family. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one fully recover from OUD. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with OUD or any other issues of addiction and/or mental illness, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about how to best recover from OUD, reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
