Longer-term symptoms of addiction
If you continue using over the long term, opioids can have an impact on your cognitive function, according to Kevin Gilliland, PsyD, executive director of Innovation360. In addition, says Scott Dehorty, LCSW-C, executive director at Maryland House Detox, you may feel increasingly lethargic and less motivated to do the things you used to do and enjoy.
“Your primary relationships are no longer with your friends and family but with the drugs,” says Dr. Myer. “Overall wellness suffers as you begin to ignore all your physiological needs, including food, exercise, and hygiene, with the primary focus being obtaining your drugs.” At this point, the risks become even more dire, debilitating weight loss, including heart valve disease, hepatitis, and HIV.
