How Opioid Use Affects User Behavior
The use of opioids such as prescription painkillers or heroin can have a number of adverse effects on the user’s behavior. In the most minimal state, these drugs can lead to compulsive actions, in a more severe instance, opioid use can impact a user’s ability to engage in proper behavior and routines.
Here’s a look at how the use of opioids can affect the behavior of the user:
Effects on Behavior
Over time, compulsive drug-using behaviors become habitual in nature regardless of whether a drug delivers the desired effects. The urge to engage in this habitual behavior can stay with a person long after he or she stops abusing opioids, according to Harvard Health Publications. Consequently, the mental effects of opioid addiction become the single biggest challenge to a person’s ability to maintain abstinence on a continued basis.
How Addiction Impacts Behavior
The compulsive behavior associated with opioid addiction will take over your life.
When an individual becomes addicted, he or she will usually turn to compulsive actions that lead to the use of more drugs. Compulsive needs to lie, cheat or steal to obtain drugs ensue as do compulsive actions involved in the obtaining and use of drugs.
The compulsive behaviors that occur will interfere with everyday routines essentially ruling the individual’s life. There is no longer time to think about or do anything else except those things related to finding or using the next dose of drugs.
Treatment Considerations
In spite of the physical origins of compulsive drug use, opioid addiction lives inside a person’s thoughts and behaviors and can persist long after drug use ends. For these reasons, it’s essential for people struggling with opioid abuse, as well as those in recovery, to seek out some form professional treatment help.
If you or someone you know struggles with opioid abuse or addiction, please don’t hesitate to call our toll-free helpline at 800-598-5053 (Who Answers?) to speak with one of our addictions specialists. We can assist you in finding and choosing a program of treatment that will offer supportive care for your needs.
https://www.disorders.org/opioid-use-disorder/effects-of-opioid-abuse-on-your-mental-health/
Compulsive behaviors, such as those associated with opiate addiction, can be changed through therapy. Behavioral therapy will assist in the changed routines and actions in response to triggers or stress. You can live a healthy, happy life that is not ruled by your addiction—call 800-598-5053 (Who Answers?) for help.
