You may have often read headlines about the opioid crisis in Georgia, but do you know the connection between opiates and the brain? At Atlanta Detox Center, we know that it is vital to consider the detrimental effects of opiate addiction and the fatal consequences of opiate abuse. That’s why our team believes that, for many people with opiate addiction, the most effective way to heal the connection between opiates and the brain is opiate detox for the brain. Our opiate detox center provides a safe environment staffed by addiction specialists where those addicted to opiates can begin their road to genuine, long-lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is stuck in the endless cycle of opiate addiction and ready to make a positive change, reach out to Atlanta Detox Center today by filling out our online form or calling 470.450.2355.
Effects of Opiate Abuse
Opiate addiction is common in Georgia, and the United States as a whole, since it is readily prescribed and highly addictive. Opiates are found in substances that include:
- Oxycodone
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
These substances are derived from the sap of the opium poppy and are primarily used to manage pain. You already have naturally occurring opioid receptors in your brain. When someone takes opioids, the brain is flooded with more dopamine, which regulates motivation, feelings of pleasure, cognition, movement, and emotion.
Opiate addiction can lead to withdrawal symptoms, and while dependence can be relieved after attending a drug detox center, the addiction and its effects can be more long-lasting and complex. Aside from affecting the brain, opioids also affect a person’s central nervous system.
Some of the short term effects of opioid use include:
- Euphoric feeling
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Pain relief
Additionally, some of the long term effects of opioid abuse are:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Slowed breathing
- Liver and brain damage
Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
Once you’ve decided to admit yourself to a residential addiction treatment program and reclaim your life and sobriety, you can expect to feel some intense withdrawal symptoms. These will end in a few days, although it may take months or years to recover from your addiction.
During the first twelve hours of your withdrawal, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Body aches
- Poor sleep pattern
- Anxiety and frustration
- Intense craving
In the next few days, you may encounter other withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Intense mood swing
- Drug cravings
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Chills
Chemistry of the Brain
Drugs are addictive, mostly because of how they change your brain chemistry. While the main purpose of opiates is to relieve pain, a high dose can also bring a powerful high.
Opiates mask pain and provide a stronger version of positive feelings associated with sex, sleeping, eating, and other pleasurable behaviors. This may come as a side effect because of the prescribed drug, but it may also be the reason why someone abuses it or takes it without guidance from a doctor.
If you continue to use opioids, the benefit of pain relief will start to fade because the brain chemistry adjusts to these drugs and develops tolerance. When this happens, a person may be tempted to take a higher dose of the opiate. Over time, the brain chemistry will keep adjusting to a larger dose, which is when dependence and abuse become worse.
Treatment Plan for Opiates and the Brain
If you’re still going through the negative repercussions of your opiate addiction, you may be intimidated to seek a drug addiction treatment program. However, it is not too late to act and seek medical assistance. It is crucial to know that there is no set formula for the treatment length since every addiction is unique. If you’re in Georgia, Atlanta Detox Center can give you a holistic treatment plan that includes detox, counseling, and aftercare support to avoid relapse.
Our Atlanta Detox Center team provides a wide range of addiction treatment therapy options, depending on your specific needs in recovery. Our addiction treatment therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Family therapy program
Explore the Connection Between Opiates and the Brain at Atlanta Detox Center
Overcoming opiate dependence or addiction can be a difficult journey. Don’t worry, as our team at Atlanta Detox Center is ready to guide you every step of the way. Now that you know the relationship between opiates and the brain, you are ready to learn more about our therapies, programs, and other services.
If you are in need of comprehensive and compassionate treatment for opiate addiction, our Atlanta Detox Center team has the knowledge and experience to get you on the road to recovery. But, the first step is up to you. Contact Atlanta Detox Center today by calling 470.450.2355 or completing our confidential online form for more information about our addiction treatment programs, therapy options, and services.
