The Dangers of Opioid Addiction (And What to do About It)

Do you ever wonder how a medication meant to ease pain can become a source of major distress? Opioid addiction represents a significant public health crisis, impacting millions across the globe. 

Understanding the dangers of this problem is the first step toward finding a path back to health and wellness. 

At Magnolia Medical Group in Denver and Wheat Ridge, Colorado, we specialize in the compassionate and comprehensive treatment of opioid addiction. 

Our approach combines the latest medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with personalized support to address both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. 

Led by a team of experts, including board-certified addiction medicine specialists, we're dedicated to guiding our patients on their journey towards recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, recognizing the signs, understanding the dangers, and learning about effective treatments can make a real difference. 

Understanding opioid addiction

Opioid addiction can start innocently—with a prescription for pain relief following surgery or an injury. 

However, the euphoric effect of opioids, caused by the release of endorphins in your brain, frequently leads to their misuse. 

Over time, your brain can start to rely on these drugs to stimulate pleasure and reward responses, setting the stage for addiction. 

Recognizing the signs of opioid addiction

The first step to addressing addiction is recognizing the signs that point to a dependence on opioids. These include:

• Cognitive impairment, like difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Mood swings, rapid emotional changes, or depression
• Signs of physical dependence, like constricted pupils, slurred speech, or changes in breathing patterns
• Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction or decreased libido
• Social and behavioral changes, such as withdrawal from social activities

Identifying these signs early can be key for timely intervention and effective treatment.

Why opioid addiction is dangerous for your health

Opioid addiction is not only a devastating psychological condition but also a serious physical health hazard. Its impact goes beyond the immediate effects on the mind and body, posing long-term dangers that can be life-threatening, including:

Overdose risk

One of the most immediate and severe risks of opioid addiction is the potential for overdose. Opioids can depress your respiratory system to the point of failure, leading to fatal outcomes. 

The risk increases as tolerance develops, and users use higher doses in an attempt to achieve the same euphoric effects.

Increased risk of infections

Chronic opioid use can weaken your immune system, making your body more susceptible to infections. These are called opioid use-associated infections (OUAIs).  

Opioid users are especially at risk for contracting HIV, hepatitis C, and other infectious diseases through unsafe injection practices.

Organ damage

Long-term opioid abuse can lead to significant damage to vital organs, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. 

These drugs put stress on your liver, which processes the medication and can lead to liver failure or severe liver disease over time.

Mental health decline

Beyond the physical health risks, opioid addiction often co-exists with mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and increased stress levels. 

It can also make it challenging for you to concentrate or recall important information. This can trigger stress and the desire to use more to escape that stress. 

The cycle of addiction can make these conditions worse, leading to a deteriorating mental health state that affects all areas of your life.

Understanding these risks makes clear the urgency of addressing opioid addiction as soon as possible. 

It also shows how important comprehensive treatment strategies, which include medical intervention and psychological support, are to your ongoing success.

How we can help you overcome opioid addiction

At Magnolia Medical Group, our treatment plans are personalized to meet each patient's unique needs.

The goal is to not only treat the addiction but also to address the underlying causes and prevent relapse. 

We consider factors like the severity of your addiction and any co-existing health issues during our evaluation.

We address opioid addiction using a dual approach that focuses on both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder:

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

We use FDA-approved medications like Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Sublocade®, Zubsolv®) and Naltrexone (Vivitrol®) to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. 

These medications help normalize your brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, and relieve your physiological cravings—without the euphoria associated with the opioid.

Counseling and support groups

Individual counseling and group therapy sessions are a key part of our treatment approach, giving you the emotional support you need for recovery. 

These sessions help you understand your triggers, develop coping strategies, and rebuild your lives without dependence on substances.

Don't let opioid addiction control your life any longer. Schedule an appointment today at Magnolia Medical Group and take the first step on your path to recovery.