Addictive substances can affect your body in different ways. It can be emotional, psychological, and physical, making it challenging for a person to lead a normal life. While substance addiction treatment centers aim at helping individuals detox from substance abuse and restore their lives, the extent of damage these substances cause to the body is devastating. 

Opioids, in particular, are notorious for stressing the organs and the nervous system. In fact, opioid medicines get into the bloodstream and travel to the brain cell receptors. This, in return, blocks the pain signal nerves, boosting intense feelings of pleasure. While there are ample options for a detox facility in Los Angeles that can help individuals get rid of their opioid addiction, it is essential to understand the lasting effects the substance has on the body. 

What Is Opioid Addiction

Opioids are natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic chemicals that interact with the opioid receptors in the brain and body. They lower the body’s ability to experience pain, giving the person consuming the substance an extreme sense of joy and relief. When the substance is consumed in lower quantities, it makes a person feel drowsy and sleepy. 

If consumed in higher doses, it can increase the heart rate, causing dizziness and a strong fleeting feeling of being ‘high.’ Over time, as the body becomes resistant to the effects of smaller quantities of opioids, the person resorts to consuming higher doses, eventually leading to addiction. 

Besides, the effect of the substance is potent, making it challenging for the brain and the body to control cravings, eventually leading to frequent consumption. During detox, the person is barred from accessing the substance and is given treatment methods to flush out toxins and residuals from the body. While the process initially is brutal, as time passes, the person with addiction starts feeling normal again, regaining their composure and control of self. 

What Are the Effects of Opioid on the Body

Opioids can trigger an unnatural and massive release of endorphins in the body, making the person feel immensely happy and relaxed. These feelings are so intense that they give a person a near ‘out of body’ experience. 

The substance also increases feelings of pleasure and power. When the effects of the chemical substance start fading, the person is likely to start feeling agitated, desiring to consume the substance again. Besides, as the chemical connects to the brain receptors, it can influence pain endurance, mood, breathing pace, and even motor control (in worst cases). 

As this cycle continues, the body accumulates substance traces, making the individual resistant. This is how a person gets accustomed to consuming larger amounts of opioids, eventually taking the shape of an addiction. 

What’s the Difference Between Opioids and Opiates

Often used interchangeably, opioids and opiates are different from each other. Opiates are derived from naturally occurring plants known as Papaver somniferum, commonly identified as the poppy plant. Most commonly found opiates include morphine, opium, and heroin. 

On the other hand, opioids are chemically synthesized in the labs. Due to this, they are either semi-synthetic or completely synthetic. Common opioids include oxycodone, fentanyl, and hydrocodone. Despite the differences, opioids and opiates can be highly addictive substances. 

Some common types of opioids commonly found include the following:

• Morphine

• Fentanyl

• Tapentadol

• Oxymorphone

• Hydrocodone 

Note: Opioids are legally available as an ingredient in prescribed pain medications.

Who Is at the Risk of Developing an Opioid Addiction

Following are some categories that are often at risk of developing opioid addiction:

• People with a history of substance abuse.

• Individuals who have been using pain medication for managing their chronic pain conditions. 

• Have thrill-seeking behaviors or have been subjected to sexual or emotional abuse during growing years.

• Have been the problem-causing child in the family with a history of poor academic performance. 

Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Opioids have harmful effects on the body, including:

• Slow breathing

• Confusion

• Drowsiness 

• Constipation

• Nausea 

• Muscle pain

• Extreme joy

• Slowed metabolism

Bottomline

There are various reasons a person may decide to use substances. It can either be due to the extreme feelings of happiness it causes or the ability to skip from reality in an instant. Unfortunately, only a few days of opioid use can increase the chances of addiction. Through adequate detox treatments, the residuals and traces will be removed to ensure the person can heal while working on their inner conflicts.