Opioids have proven to be an effective medication for treating pain. While they can be beneficial, the meds come with risks besides dependence and addiction. One of the little-known risks is how taking opioids can lead to depression. But exactly how are they connected? Opioids and depression are related due to a number of factors, but the most common link is people using opioids to manage their depression. Unfortunately, using opioids to treat this condition can often exacerbate the problem as well as lead to possible addiction.
Another connection that can arise is during the addiction treatment process since both conditions need to be considered during the recovery phase. The difficulty occurs during the withdrawal period, with opioid withdrawal symptoms often mimicking depression, making effective treatment difficult. Depression and opioid use increase the chance of developing health risks, including overdose and suicide. Knowing how their relationship works can help people struggling with the conditions find proper treatment methods, including addiction treatment at a dual diagnosis treatment center like Muse Treatment, to overcome these connected issues.
Can Opioids Cause Depression?
A recent study found that long-term opioid therapy increased the risk for new depression issues by 40% compared to occasional users. Long-term opioid use has been shown to alter brain chemistry, which can cause or even increase depression among users. Dealing with opioid addiction can cause many challenges, like physical withdrawal and financial uncertainty, which can trigger depression. Opioids also impact neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine and serotonin, and changes to these can disrupt mood regulation, increasing the likelihood of depression symptoms that will require mental health treatment.
Like any long-term use of a drug, as users develop tolerance, they may experience diminished pleasure from everyday activities they once found rewarding. Opioid use can also lead to social isolation, financial problems, and relationship issues. When trying to manage these issues, the coping skills needed can be diminished by opioid use.
Despite the causes of depression linked to opioid use, overcoming both conditions is possible. Researchers have determined patients could reduce depression risk by limiting opioid use to only when necessary to treat paid. Finding effective depression treatment that doesn’t involve taking opioids is the key to overcoming the effects of both conditions.
Can You Use Opiates to Treat Depression?
Opium has long been used to treat depression, and it was once considered effective. Nearly 30% of people suffering from depression are unable to overcome the condition, which is known as ‘treatment-resistant depression.’ As the addictive nature of opium became well-known and many patients developed dependence and addiction, the use of opioids to treat the condition stopped after other medications were introduced. However, the debate over its usefulness continues, and researchers suggest that more controlled clinical studies are needed to establish the effectiveness of using opiates to treat people with treatment-resistant depression and the optimal dosage of drugs prescribed.
What Are Signs of an Addiction to Opioids and Depression?
The signs of opioid addiction and depression are sometimes connected. While there are different signs for each condition, there are some shared symptoms as well:
Here are the signs of opioid addiction:
- Physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
- Increased tolerance, needing higher doses for the same effect.
- Inability to control or cut down on opioid use.
- Neglecting responsibilities due to opioid use.
- Continued use despite negative consequences.
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids.
- Cravings for opioids.
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Social isolation or changes in social circles.
- Financial problems related to opioid use.
Next, let’s explore the signs of depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
- Changes in appetite and weight.
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping).
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
- Restlessness or irritability.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
- Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues.
Here are the shared or overlapping signs:
- Social withdrawal and isolation.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- Mood swings or irritability.
- Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance.
- Decreased motivation and energy.
- Cognitive impairment.
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Physical health problems.
- Work or school performance issues.
- Relationship difficulties.
These signs can vary for each user and can vary in severity. If you or someone you know is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help to determine the proper treatment plan.
What Are the Mental Effects of Opioids?
Opioids have numerous effects impacting the mental health of the user. Opioids are used to reduce pain, but they can also cause drowsiness, physical uncertainty, joy, nausea, constipation, and shallow breathing. Long-term opioid use may result in memory loss, cognitive decline, and emotional instability, causing mood swings.
Using opioids may also impact pre-existing mental health conditions. The severity of the impact can vary based on the dosage, duration of use, individual cognitive function, and other substance use. These wide-ranging mental impacts highlight the need for careful medical supervision when opioids are prescribed and how the misuse of the prescribed medication can lead to addiction and many other issues.
Find Treatment for Opioids and Depression
Addiction to opioids is one of the most common forms of addiction. With it being so prevalent, there are many addiction treatment centers providing help tailored to opioid abuse. Muse Treatment offers personalized treatment programs for our patients struggling with opioid abuse. Our therapy programs tackle the mental and physical side of addiction to ensure the patient is able to maintain their sobriety after leaving treatment. If you’re looking for effective and affordable drug rehab in Los Angeles, Muse Treatment offers the type of detox, inpatient, outpatient, and sober living programs needed to overcome this disease. Please contact us today by calling 800-426-1818 to discover the various treatment options available for opioids and depression.
External Sources
- Saint Louis University — Frequency of Use Increases Risk for Depression Among Long-Term Prescription Opioid Users
- National Libary of Medicine — Depression Effects on Long-term Prescription Opioid Use, Abuse, and Addiction
- National Libary of Medicine — Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Is the Opioid System Involved?
The post How Are Opioids and Depression Connected? appeared first on Muse Treatment.
source https://musetreatment.com/blog/opioids-and-depression/
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