Tolerance to opioids occurs when your body becomes less responsive to the medication over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This phenomenon is a common physiological response and does not necessarily indicate misuse or addiction. However, recognizing the signs of tolerance is important to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Let’s learn more about this unfortunately common occurrence and the steps to take if you believe that you or someone you care about is developing tolerance to pain medication.
Signs of Developing Opioid Tolerance
The main warning sign that your body is becoming tolerant on a medication is reduced effectiveness. You might notice that the same dose of opioids provides less relief from pain or other symptoms than it initially did. As a result, you might feel the need to take higher doses of the medication to achieve the same level of relief. However, this is considered misuse, and it does put you at a higher risk of dependence and addiction.
Another sign that you are developing opioid tolerance is a shorter duration of relief. The effects of the medication may wear off more quickly than they used to, requiring more frequent dosing. Taking the medication more often is also considered misuse, and it can lead to dangerous outcomes such as addiction and overdose. Experiencing breakthrough pain or other symptoms that were previously controlled at your prescribed dose can also indicate tolerance.
Why Does Tolerance Develop?
Tolerance develops through a process called neuroadaptation. When opioids are used repeatedly, the brain adjusts by reducing the sensitivity of opioid receptors or decreasing the number of receptors available for binding. Due to these effects, opioids are typically recommended for short-term use only.
When a person uses opioids for a longer period of time, neuroadaptation can occur, and more of the drug will be needed to achieve the same effect. Additionally, the brain’s natural production of endorphins—the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals—may also decrease, further contributing to tolerance.
It’s important to know that tolerance is not the same as addiction. This is a natural response to opioids, but it can complicate pain management and increase the risk of dependence or misuse if not managed carefully. This is why it’s important to pay attention to the signs of tolerance and get ahead of the problem before it progresses.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Tolerance?
If you think you’re developing tolerance to opioids, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider. Avoid increasing your dose without medical guidance, as this can lead to serious risks, including overdose.
Your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting your treatment plan. This could include changing the dose, switching to a different medication, or incorporating non-opioid pain management strategies. You may also want to gradually reduce the amount of medication you’re using to reset your tolerance. Or, you can consider alternative therapies that can help manage your pain, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Preventing Opioid Tolerance
While tolerance cannot always be avoided, there are several strategies you can follow to minimize its impact. First, always use the lowest effective dose. This means taking the smallest amount of the medication needed to manage your symptoms. Second, follow your prescribed schedule, sticking to the dosing schedule provided by your doctor. Avoid taking extra doses. Lastly, there are certain medications that you can combine with opioids to enhance pain relief, such as non-opioid medications and therapies.
What Happens If I Ignore Drug Tolerance?
Becoming tolerant to a drug is not unusual, especially if you take it for an extended period of time. However, tolerance can lead to addiction in some people, which is why it’s important not to overlook it. Ignoring drug tolerance can have serious physical and psychological consequences for your health, such as:
- Increased Risk of Overdose. Continuously increasing the dosage to combat reduced effectiveness can lead to dangerous levels of the drug in your system, significantly increasing the risk of overdose.
- Heightened Dependence. As tolerance builds, dependence on the drug can deepen, making it harder to stop or reduce use without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
- Diminished Quality of Life. Constantly chasing relief by increasing doses can lead to frustration, fatigue, and a reduced ability to engage in daily activities or responsibilities.
- Potential Transition to Addiction. Tolerance and dependence can escalate into addiction, where psychological cravings and compulsive behaviors take hold.
- Organ Damage. Prolonged and excessive use of opioids or other substances can lead to liver, kidney, or heart damage, especially when high doses are taken.
Signs of Opioid Dependence
Opioid dependence is a serious condition that happens when someone becomes physically or psychologically reliant on opioids. Having a dependence on opioids does not mean that you have a full-blown substance use disorder, but it does put you at risk for one. Here are the signs that your tolerance may have progressed to dependency:
- Increased tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Changes in appearance
- Constricted pupils
- Drowsiness or “nodding off”
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Changes in priorities
- Social isolation
- Risky behaviors
- Mood swings
- Financial issues
- Legal troubles
- Relationship problems
How is Opioid Dependence Treated?
Opioid dependence is treatable, and seeking help early can prevent a more serious substance use disorder from forming. Options like medication-assisted treatment (MAT), therapy, and support groups can significantly improve outcomes. If you are taking opioids to manage chronic pain, learning new ways to cope with your pain will also be part of your treatment plan. It’s also helpful to develop new interests to pass the time and free your mind, such as exercise, creative arts, or meditation. Remember that dependence or addiction to opioids is not your fault. These medications hijack the brain’s reward system and can become habit-forming very quickly.
Opioid Addiction Treatment in Easton, PA
Recovery Cove offers comprehensive treatment services for opioid use disorders. We look at the whole person, ensuring all aspects of their health and wellness are addressed. Our programs are offered on an outpatient basis, allowing individuals to remain in their homes and with their families, which is ideal for many families. During the day, you will visit our recovery center and work on healing through a wide range of therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). To learn more about our service and how they can help with an opioid problem, contact us today at 484-549-COVE.
