Opioids, both prescription and illegal, profoundly affect the body, brain, and overall health. Their usage has life-altering consequences for millions of people.

Keep reading to answer “How do opioids affect the body?” and discover how addiction treatment can help!

We are your #1 destination for personalized addiction help, so don’t wait; let us get started helping you today. 

How Do Opioids Affect the Body?

Opioids impact the brain by binding to specific receptors in the brain and other central nervous system (CNS) areas. These receptors, called mu-opioid receptors, regulate pain, reward, and addictive behaviors.

When opioids bind to these receptors, they reduce pain perception and create a sense of euphoria or well-being.

This makes them effective pain relievers but also highly addictive.

Prolonged opioid use can cause tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Tolerance means more of the drug is needed for the same effect.

Dependence involves withdrawal symptoms when use is lowered or stopped.

Addiction is a chronic disorder marked by drug-seeking behavior despite potential harm.

What Health Conditions Are Associated with Opioid Use?

Long-term opioid use can have significant, sometimes irreversible, effects on physical health.

Some of the most common health issues associated with opioid use include:

Respiratory Depression

Opioids can slow down breathing, resulting in low oxygen levels in the blood.

This can cause damage to vital organs, including the brain, and may even lead to death in severe cases.

Constipation

Opioid-induced constipation is a common side effect of opioid use, as these drugs slow down the movement of the gastrointestinal tract.

Hormonal Imbalances

Long-term opioid use can interfere with hormone production, leading to low testosterone levels in men and menstrual irregularities in women.

Weakened Immune System

Opioids may suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Osteoporosis

Chronic opioid use has been linked to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of develping osteoporosis and fractures.

What Mental Health Conditions Are Associated with Opioid Use?

Besides the physical health consequences, opioid use can significantly impact mental health.

Some common mental health conditions associated with opioid use include:

Depression

Opioid use has been linked to an increased risk of developing depression, as these drugs can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters that regulate mood.

Anxiety

Individuals who use opioids may experience heightened anxiety, particularly during withdrawal periods.

Sleep Disturbances

Opioid use can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or other sleep disorders.

Cognitive Impairment

Long-term opioid use can cause memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive impairments.

How Do Mortality Rates Reflect the Opioid Epidemic?

The opioid crisis caused a significant increase in drug overdose deaths. Opioid use contributed to 70.6 percent of all drug overdose deaths in 2019.

Fentanyl, 50-100 times more potent than morphine, has been a major contributor and is often added to other drugs without users realizing the danger.

What Are Addiction Treatment Options?

Overcoming addiction is possible with the right support and treatment.

The goal is lasting recovery. Find a treatment plan that works best for you and seek support from family, friends, or other recovery community members.

Some of the most effective treatment options for opioid use disorder include:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT involves using medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, in combination with behavioral therapy and counseling.

These medications make it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of behavioral therapy can help individuals discover how to manage cravings, cope with triggers, and address underlying emotional issues contributing to the addiction.

Family Therapy

Family therapy can help families discover how to respond to the individual’s addiction positively and be supportive, helping them develop healthier communication skills and boundaries. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy allows clients to connect with peers on the same recovery journey, providing support, understanding, and encouragement. 

Support Groups

Support groups provide a safe environment where clients can share stories and learn from the experiences of others.

Inpatient or Residential Treatment

Inpatient or residential treatment is an intensive form of treatment that involves staying in a rehab center for an extended period to focus on recovery.

During this time, individuals will receive 24-hour care and support while they work through their addiction.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows clients to continue living at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions.

This option is often best for those with mild-to-moderate addiction who can benefit from structured support and counseling.

Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes provide supportive housing for those in recovery.

They provide a safe and sober environment where individuals can practice the skills they have learned while in treatment to help them maintain sobriety.

Find Treatment for Opioid Addiction Near You

At My Recovery Source, we understand the importance of finding the right treatment for opioid addiction.

We offer a full spectrum of evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s unique needs to help them achieve lasting recovery.

Find professional staff is dedicated to helping individuals develop the skills to manage their drug addiction and live a fulfilling life.

Contact us today to learn more about opioid treatment services near you.

Even if you do not currently know anyone suffering from addiction, hearing the word “heroin” probably gets your attention. Heroin is widely known as one of the most addictive drugs in existence. For those struggling with a heroin addiction, it can be impossible to get clean on their own, especially without a heroin detox program. If you suspect a loved one may have a drug addiction, the best thing to do is to try and get them to help with a rehab program that treats heroin addiction. First, you’ll want to be able to recognize the symptoms of heroin withdrawal because the longer a person is addicted to a drug like heroin, the worse the side effects and the harder it can be to get them into treatment. 

When they are ready to go into treatment, you will not have to spend a long time searching for help because My Recovery Source has a national network of addiction treatment centers and programs that can help with your loved one’s heroin addiction. We understand just how dangerous a drug like heroin is, and we have the partnerships and resources you need to find lasting support for you or your loved one’s addiction. We are your #1 destination for personalized addiction help, so don’t wait; let us get started helping you today. 

What Kind of Drug is Heroin? 

Before you understand the symptoms of heroin withdrawal and the signs of heroin abuse, it helps to know what type of drug heroin is and why it is so addictive in the first place. 

Heroin is a white or brown powder that is derived from the seed of one of the various types of poppy plants. Poppy plants are native to areas like Mexico and parts of Asia and Colombia. The poppy has been used for medicinal properties for centuries, but heroin was discovered in modern times and, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is classified as an opioid. 

You’ve probably heard of opioids due to the opioid epidemic that America is still dealing with. Opioids are powerful pain-relieving medications that are prescribed on a regular basis for control of both chronic and acute pain. While heroin is in this category, it was made illegal because of the highly addictive potential of the drug and the side effects, such as hallucinations and euphoria that it produces. Heroin is also able to be mixed with other substances to become even more potent but also more damaging and even potentially deadly if used too much. 

This is why, even among opioids, heroin is considered one of the strongest and easiest to become addicted to. 

What Are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal? 

Heroin has a very short time in which withdrawal can begin. In some people, heroin withdrawal begins as soon as 8 hours after stopping use. The range of time that withdrawal can start is 8 to 24 hours, with withdrawal lasting anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on multiple factors such as usage history, method of use, and time addicted. 

Symptoms that a person may experience if they are going through withdrawal include: 

• Flu-like symptoms 
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Chills/Sweating
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Excessive restlessness
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Insomnia 
• Paranoia 
• Mood swings 

These symptoms can come and go throughout the entire time a person is withdrawing and may be worse, depending on the individual. One reason that heroin withdrawal is so dangerous is that it can compound with existing health issues to create a serious health concern that may require medical attention. This is one of the primary reasons why it is never a good idea to stop using cold turkey or to try and detox alone. 

My Recovery Source Can Help Find the Heroin Addiction Treatment You Need 

Whether this is your first time going to rehab or your 10th, or you have a loved one that has tried to get sober and failed, we have the resources ready and waiting to help you get the right kind of treatment to get and stay sober. 

We work with a national network, so whether you want something close to home or a bit further away, we have treatment options to meet all your needs. Contact us today to find the best rehab center for your needs.

Substance abuse has always been a significant issue. But the pandemic fueled the flames. With many people alone at home, bored and depressed, drugs served as a recreational activity and a way to temporarily relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

After more than two years of dealing with the coronavirus, we have gotten a better handle on it. But many people have formed a habit that’s difficult to overcome. This article will look at substance use during the pandemic and what you can do if you or a loved one is dealing with dependency issues.

How Did COVID-19 Impact Addiction Rates? 

When the pandemic began, many people were forced to stay in their homes. Businesses had shut down their doors or were forced to operate through online means only. People were advised to keep away from friends and family for fear of spreading the virus.

But there was one thing people still had access to drugs. The illegal drug industry paid little heed to the shutdowns, and dealers were still out in full force. And online operations made it possible to access alcohol and other types of meds.

Drugs quickly became a recreational activity that took over the many business closures. It also temporarily relieved feelings of depression and anxiety caused by people not being able to see their loved ones and being uncertain about their financial situations. 

According to statistics:

• Nearly one-third of people who drink have increased their alcohol consumption since the pandemic’s beginning. 
• Nearly 30% of people that took drugs increased their drug activity. 
• Overdose deaths rose by 27% in the first year of the pandemic.

What are Some Trends of Substance Abuse During the Pandemic? 

The pandemic saw not only a rise in substance abuse, but new trends in the substances used and how they were used. Here are some trends to look out for. 

• Chemsex: Chemsex involves using drugs to enhance the sexual experience. 
• A Rise in Illegal Psychotropic Drugs: During the pandemic, people had limited access to doctors. Many who became addicted to prescription medications began sourcing them on the street, increasing the chances of taking drugs cut with more dangerous substances than the drug itself. 
• Drugs Being Sold on the Dark Web: With people wanting to refrain from face-to-face contact, many drugs are sold on the dark web, which also increases the risk of dangerous substitutions. 
• Increased Use of Synthetic Opioids and Designer Benzodiazepines: These have become more popular because they can be purchased online. 
• Increased Use of Psychotropic Drugs: Since people were in solitude more often, they avoided more social drugs, opting instead for psychotropic drugs that can be consumed in solitude. 
• Increased Chance of Serious COVID Symptoms: COVID is known to affect the respiratory system. It can be especially bad in people that smoke heroin and do crack cocaine as these drugs often cause asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Opioids also have respiratory depressant effects making users vulnerable to long COVID or COVID-related deaths. 
• More Treatment Programs, Including Online Programs: Substance abuse has gotten worse since the start of COVID, but providers are responding by making more treatment options available. These include digital programs that allow patients to get the treatment they need online. 

How to Find Addiction Treatment Programs Near You

If you or someone you love has developed a habit during the pandemic, there are several facilities that offer help. But it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for you. You must think about the type of care offered, the atmosphere, success rates, etc. 

You can spend hours trying to find a suitable facility, or you can save yourself time by calling My Recovery Source first. 

My Recovery Source is a free resource that specializes in matching people with a rehab facility that’s right for them. They offer assistance regardless of your financial and personal situation and location. They can help you or a loved one find the comprehensive care you need. Substance abuse is a problem that has gotten worse since the pandemic began. My Recovery Source can help you leave your dependency issues behind. Contact us to get on a path to overcoming your addiction.

When a person starts doing drugs, they will notice it affects their relationships personally and professionally. When it comes to working, an individual who is abusing drugs may be unable to function productively, or they may stop showing up completely. 

Being aware of signs of drug abuse in the workplace can be useful on many levels. It can be a wake-up call for the person using, as they recognize how the drugs are negatively impacting their performance and life.

Knowing the signs of drug use in the workplace can also let employers know when an employee is going too far so they can decide what steps need to be taken to get them the help they need.

This article will explore the signs of work drug use so you can take the right steps when someone is using drugs at work. 

How Can Substance Abuse Impact Work?

There are many functional drug users that may be able to balance work and addiction for some time. But after a while, it will catch up to you. You may find yourself so hungover you are unable to come to work. You may also get drug sick if you don’t have drugs in your system, which causes you to be unable to function. 

Your condition may leave you unable to drive, so you can’t get to work safely unless you can rely on public transportation. If you do make it to work, you may find you are unable to complete tasks and be productive. After a while, your employer and co-workers are likely to catch on, and are status at work could be in jeopardy.

What are the Signs of Drug Abuse in the Workplace?

If you work in an office, you may find that your employee or someone you work with has begun acting strangely. Here are some signs that drug abuse may be behind their newly acquired behavior. 

• A lack of self-care
• Moodiness and irritability
• Poor attendance and lateness
• Asking co-workers to borrow money
• Asking employers for payday advances
• Physical signs of addiction such as excessive sweating, changes in skin tone, pinned or dilated pupils, deteriorating teeth and gums
• A lack of interest in work and withdrawal from socializing
• Taking breaks frequently to get drugs or go to the bathroom to use

How an Employer May React to Drug Abuse in the Workplace

If an employer sees signs of drug abuse in the workplace, they are likely to take you into a private meeting so they can address your habit in the presence of the HR staff. 

They may offer to get you treatment. If you are a valuable employee who has been with the company for a while, they may be able to get you checked into a rehab program with costs covered by the business insurance policy. 

It may be difficult to agree to get help, but if someone is offering to cover your expenses, it’s advisable to say yes. This way, you can keep your job, get the affordable care you require and move on to a higher quality of life. 

How to Get Substance Abuse Help Today

Addiction can impact anyone. If you are dealing with substance abuse and it’s starting to affect your work performance, don’t wait to get the care you need. Reach out today. 

Finding the right facility can be difficult. You must think about choosing a center that offers the right atmosphere, appropriate treatment, and qualified staff. You can spend hours researching, or you can make the task easier by calling My Recovery Source first. 

My Recovery Source is a free service specializing in matching people with a rehab facility best suited to their needs. We provide help regardless of your location or financial or personal situation. We can assist you or a loved one in getting the care you require. Addiction can wreck your personal and professional life. Don’t let it get the best of you. Reach out to My Recovery Source today. We will give you the guidance you need to get on a healthier, happier trajectory.

Many drugs can lead to addiction, but some are more dangerous than others. Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs around. Read on to find out the answer to the question, why is fentanyl so deadly?

What is Fentanyl? 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, meaning it is made in a lab, and it is used for pain management of cancer patients and for those recovering from surgery. It is 80-100 times stronger than morphine. 

While fentanyl should be limited to medical use only, it is often sold illegally on the streets. It can be added to heroin, cocaine, or other drugs to make the effects even stronger. Some dealers may even sell fentanyl, pretending it is just heroin. This is generally a recipe for disaster as fentanyl is much stronger than heroin; if a person takes a dose of fentanyl thinking it is heroin, they ingest enough to cause a fatal overdose.

Fentanyl is sold on the street in a variety of forms, including eye droppers, nasal sprays, blotter papers, and powder. It is often referred to by the following nicknames:

• Apace
• China Girl
• China Town
• China White
• Dance Fever
• Goodfellas
• Great Bear
• He-Man
• Poison
• Tango 
• Cash

How Does Fentanyl Impact the Body?

Like most opioids, fentanyl binds to the opioid receptors in the brain that control pain and emotions. In doing so, it dulls pain and causes feelings of sleepiness and drowsiness. It can also produce side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Constipation
• Sedation
• Unconsciousness

Fentanyl can also become addictive. After doing the drug a few times, the body begins building a tolerance to it. The person will need to take higher doses to get the same effect.

They may also start to get withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not in their system. These occur when the body becomes so used to the drug, it’s unable to function properly without it.

The person knows the only way to get rid of these symptoms short-term is to do more of the drug. This sets them on a vicious cycle. 

Other signs of addiction include the following: 

• Mood swings
• Impaired judgment
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Digestive issues
• Convulsions
• Loss of appetite
• Ulcers or sores in the mouth 
• Sunken eyes
• Swelling of the extremities
• Pale skin
• Withdrawal from society
• An inability to enjoy the things you once loved
• Financial issues
• Legal issues
• Engaging in dangerous and dishonest behavior

Why is Fentanyl So Deadly? 

Fentanyl is very dangerous. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids caused 56,516 overdose deaths in 2020.

There are several reasons why fentanyl worse than heroin. Here are some to consider. 

• It’s Extremely Powerful: Fentanyl is 50-100% more powerful than morphine. This means it’s very easy to take a dose that is more than your body can handle. This is especially likely if you don’t realize you are taking fentanyl because it’s disguised as another drug. 
• It’s Extremely Addictive: Fentanyl is highly addictive. It activates the rewards system of the brain, reinforcing its use and making negative consequences seem unimportant. Some say that the brain will crave the drug after taking it just once. 
• People Don’t Always Know They are Using It: Fentanyl is cheaper than heroin and cocaine. Therefore, many drug dealers will mix it into their products. People that take it may not realize they are using such a powerful drug, so they end up taking more than they can handle.

How to Find Fentanyl Addiction Treatment

Fentanyl is a very dangerous drug, but fortunately, fentanyl treatment is available. It can be difficult to find the right treatment center for you. You must think about the cost, environment and the type of therapy offered. It can take hours to determine the best route to take, but you can make the process easier by contacting My Recovery Source first. 

My Recovery Source is a free resource that specializes in matching people with the right rehab facility. We offer help regardless of your location and personal or financial situation. We can assist you or a loved one in finding the comprehensive care you require. 

Addiction can keep you from fully enjoying life. Don’t let it take over your ability to find happiness. Call My Recovery Source today. We will set you on the road to recovery and personal success.

Adderall is a stimulant commonly prescribed by doctors to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, some misuse it, leading to addiction and dependency problems. This article will provide more information on the drug, its addictive effects, and how you can find Adderall addiction treatment. 

What is Adderall? 

Adderall is made from a mix of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. These are stimulants that affect the brain and the nervous system. They are effective in controlling hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. 

The drug is commonly prescribed to people with ADHD, and it also may treat narcolepsy. 

Why is Adderall Addictive?

Although Adderall is usually prescribed by a doctor, it also runs a risk of becoming addictive when misused. Because it has stimulating effects, people may take it recreationally to produce feelings of euphoria, increase confidence, improve their concentration, and boost mental and physical performance. The drug is abused for many purposes including:

• Weight Loss: Adderall is a stimulant that may boost metabolism and cause weight loss. 
• Studying: Adderall increases focus making it commonly abused for some students. It also keeps them awake for those all-night study sessions.
• Athletic Performance: Athletes may take Adderall to feel more energetic when they perform. 
• Staying Awake: People that don’t get much sleep may take Adderall to feel more alert during the day. 

Adderall may produce dependent tendencies no matter why you use it. Adderall is habit-forming and will cause withdrawal symptoms after extended use. 

After using Adderall for a long period, your body gets accustomed to having the drug in its system. Without the drug, the body begins to produce react, causing withdrawal symptoms. Often, symptoms of Adderall withdrawal can appear similar to severe cold and flu symptoms. In some instances, hallucinations may occur. 

Even if someone is attempting to quit Adderall use, they may cave in an attempt to lessen their withdrawal symptoms. This produces a cycle that makes it very difficult to stop using. 

Signs of Adderall addiction include the following:

• Needing more of the drug to achieve the same effects
• Wanting to cut down usage but being unable to do so
• Not being able to complete basic tasks unless the drug is in your system
• Spending a lot of time and money trying to get Adderall
• Taking the drug despite being aware of the harm it is causing 
• Losing interest in the things you love
• Mood swings

In addition to being addictive, Adderall can also cause dangerous side effects including: 

• Heart problems
• Insomnia
• Seizures
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Digestive issues
• Agitation

How to Find Adderall Addiction Treatment

If you are dependent on Adderall, it’s essential to get treatment as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment centers that can get you the help you need. 

Care typically includes a three-part process of detox, therapy, and aftercare. During detox, you will go through the process of allowing the drug to leave your system. Although you will experience withdrawal systems, medical professionals will supervise to keep you as comfortable as possible. 

Next, the clinic will work out a customized therapy that is best suited to your needs. It will target your addiction and its underlying causes. 

After treatment is completed, the facility will provide follow-up to ensure you make a healthy adjustment to sober living. 

With so many clinics out there, it can be difficult to find the right one. My Recovery Source can get you headed in the right direction. 

My Recovery Source will find you the help you need regardless of your location, background, financial and personal situation. They will provide you with free, personalized recommendations.  Adderall addiction is not easy to overcome. My Recovery Source will help you find the treatment center that’s right for you. Call now and take the first step to healthier living.