A recent article published by Pleasanton Weekly and authored by Riya Upadhyaya examined some of the underrecognized effects of opioid use which may not be obvious and yet pose a serious risk to individuals who use opioids.
Increased pain sensitivity
One lesser-known effect of long-term or high-dose opioid use is opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), a condition in which individuals become more sensitive to pain. Although relatively uncommon, OIH can lead users to increase their opioid intake in an attempt to relieve worsening pain, potentially creating a cycle of continued use. This paradoxical effect highlights that opioids may, in some cases, contribute to increased pain rather than reducing it.
Progression to more harmful substance use
In addition, opioid use may increase the risk of progression to more harmful substances. Research suggests that the use of prescription opioids can sometimes precede the use of illicit opioids, which may be contaminated with highly potent drugs such as heroin or fentanyl. This potential “gateway” effect highlights the importance of preventing opioid misuse and monitoring early substance use behaviours.
Hormonal suppression and reproductive effects
Furthermore, opioids can interfere with the body’s hormone regulation system, reducing the production of sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. This may lead to symptoms including fatigue, mood changes, reduced libido, and infertility. Research suggests that opioid-induced hormone suppression is common among long-term opioid users, even when the drugs are taken as prescribed.
Chronic gastrointestinal effects and constipation
Another important side effect that may not be well known is the negative impact of opioids on the gastrointestinal tract, often leading to chronic constipation. This side effect is common among long-term opioid users and may persist or worsen over time. Unlike some other opioid-related effects, constipation does not typically improve as tolerance develops.
Altered perception of time
Finally, continuous opioid use may alter an individual’s perception of time, causing time intervals to feel shorter or longer than they actually are. This distortion may influence how frequently a person takes opioids, potentially increasing the risk of misuse.
“The dangers of opioid use extend far beyond the commonly recognized effects,” concludes the article. “Many lesser-known symptoms can still have severe physical and mental consequences, especially for teenagers. As opioid use continues to impact thousands of young people across California, greater awareness, education, and prevention efforts are essential to protecting teen health and reducing the long-term risks associated with these drugs.”