What Happens to the Brain When You're Under the Influence of Opioid Addiction?

The brain's ability to function is altered by repeated opioid use, and the opioid user's brain wants
to repeat the action to experience the same pleasant feelings. The human brain typically regulates
the activity of billions of neurons throughout the body without the need for opioids, but opioids
completely overwhelm this ability, causing dysfunction. When a person consumes opioids
regularly, their brain becomes unbalanced and is always attempting to rebalance.
The prolonged use of opioids can lead to the elevation of pain sensitivity. Regular stimulation,
such as a gentle touch or a needle prick, is usually not painful, but opioids increase pain
sensitivity in the brain. Opioids trigger receptors in the brain that prevent pain signals from
reaching it. When this happens, the body activates other pain signals, leading to
hypersensitization.
What Are Some of the Treatment Programs That Can Help to Heal the Brain After Opioid
Detox and Withdrawal?
Opioid detox treatment programs comprise of the following:
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which explains why you might be using drugs,
strengthens your belief that you can solve your problems, and teaches you how to
better cope with difficulties.
• Motivational interviewing, which aids in the identification of reasons why you may be
hesitant to modify your habit.
• Contingency management employs incentives or rewards to assist you in achieving
objectives such as sticking to a medication regimen or attending treatment.
• Family therapy enlists the help of those who care about you to help you get better.
Experiencing Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome While Healing
After detox, patients may experience what is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome
(PAWS). Most people find it very unpleasant, and the length of time it lasts varies. Low impulse
control, melancholy, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, brain fog, poor memory, and severe cravings
are all symptoms of the brain recalibrating without the presence of opioids. Working with a
specialist to overcome these symptoms is critical in the recovery process because they can lead
to relapse.
What are the Other Side Effects of Opioid Detox and Withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawal is usually not a terminal process. However, if you have any underlying health
issues, the consequences can be disastrous. For instance, if you have a cardiac condition, a higher
pulse or blood pressure can be problematic.
Withdrawal has other side effects, such as:
• Dehydration, hypernatremia (excess salt in the blood), and heart failure can result from
vomiting and diarrhea.
• Pregnant women who bleed or leak amniotic fluid.
Healing the Brain After Opioid Detox and Withdrawal
At Taylor Recovery Centre, we are more than willing to assist you in starting the process of brain
healing following opioid detox. Our staff is always present and willing to assist you in getting
through the first few weeks of extreme withdrawal. Anxiety, chills, diarrhea, sleeplessness,
muscle spasms, and insomnia are among the symptoms that are greatly decreased or eliminated.
Contact us now to learn more about how Taylor Recovery Center may help you on your road to
recovery.