Opioid addiction is a significant concern worldwide. Not only does it affect the body, but it also takes a toll on mental health. Understanding how substance abuse affects mental health is important for those struggling with addiction and their families. The connection between addiction and mental health is complex, but addressing both aspects is important for successful recovery.
At Crossroads Treatment Centers, we specialize in opioid use disorder treatment that addresses both the physical and mental challenges of recovery. We support our patients with a comprehensive approach to help them rebuild their lives.
The Connection Between Opioid Use and Mental Health
Opioid misuse is not only a physical issue but also a mental health challenge. Many individuals suffering from addiction also experience mental health disorders like depression, anxiety and PTSD. Substance abuse can worsen these conditions or even contribute to their development.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people with substance use disorders often have other mental health disorders. Common mental health conditions that co-occur with substance use disorders include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and others. These co-occurring disorders can interact with each other and affect a person’s symptoms and health outcomes.
Substance use can lead to changes in some of the same brain areas that are disrupted in other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, mood or impulse-control disorders. Drug use that precedes the first symptoms of a mental illness may produce changes in brain structure and function that kindle an underlying predisposition to develop that mental illness.
Additionally, SAMHSA reports that in 2024, nearly half of adults who had a substance use disorder also had another mental illness. Among adults who have a serious mental illness, nearly half also had a substance use disorder.
Opioid abuse can lead individuals to self-medicate, attempting to relieve emotional pain or psychological distress. However, this often leads to a vicious cycle of addiction, where the opioids mask the symptoms temporarily but worsen them over time. Mental health disorders, if untreated, often make recovery from addiction even more challenging.
How Opioid Use Alters Brain Function
Opioids, including heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkillers, have a significant impact on the brain’s reward system. These substances bind to opioid receptors, which are responsible for regulating pain and pleasure. When opioids are used, they trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter. This causes feelings of euphoria and relaxation. However, this powerful effect is not without consequences.
Addiction and Dependency
The brain becomes accustomed to the surge of dopamine triggered by opioid use. Over time, this leads to dependency, where the brain requires opioids to feel pleasure, or to function at all. The brain’s natural reward system gets hijacked.
As opioid use continues, the brain’s ability to produce dopamine naturally diminishes. This leads to a cycle of using the drug to achieve normal functioning, creating a physical and psychological dependency. The more opioids a person uses, the greater the risk of developing long-lasting brain changes that complicate recovery.
Mood Swings and Emotional Instability
Chronic opioid use disrupts the brain’s emotional regulation system, often leading to intense mood swings. Initially, opioids may cause feelings of euphoria.
However, over time, the emotional highs are followed by deep emotional lows, anxiety and irritability. This pattern can cause mood swings, where the person experiences rapid shifts in emotions. As the brain becomes more dependent on opioids, the ability to regulate mood becomes compromised, which contributes to a range of emotional challenges.
These fluctuations not only affect the individual but also strain relationships with family and friends. The inability to manage emotions effectively makes it difficult for those suffering from opioid addiction to maintain stable, healthy relationships with others.
Impaired Cognitive Functions
Long-term opioid use can have detrimental effects on cognitive abilities. The brain relies on healthy neural connections to process information, make decisions and remember important details. Opioids interfere with these processes, leading to impaired cognition. Individuals may experience:
- Memory Problems: Difficulty remembering things, both short-term and long-term.
- Attention Deficits: Struggles with concentrating on tasks, leading to forgetfulness and distractions.
- Poor Decision Making: Impaired judgment and reasoning abilities, making it harder to make rational decisions.
These cognitive impairments can persist long after an individual has stopped using opioids, making recovery more difficult. For people who need to regain cognitive function to resume daily activities, these effects can be particularly discouraging.
The Long-Term Impact on Recovery
The brain’s dependency on opioids creates significant barriers to recovery. Even after detoxification, the effects on mood, cognition and emotional regulation can make the road to recovery more difficult. Individuals recovering from opioid addiction often experience:
- Relapse Triggers: The brain’s altered reward system can cause intense cravings, pushing the person to seek opioids again. Stress, emotional instability or even certain environmental cues can trigger these cravings.
- Difficulty in Therapy: Cognitive impairments can make it harder for individuals to fully engage in therapy. Concentration, memory and decision-making problems can be obstacles in receiving the full benefits from counseling or support groups.
- Emotional Struggles: Regaining emotional stability can take time. The emotional toll of addiction can linger long after the person has stopped using opioids. This makes it difficult to maintain long-term recovery.
The complex brain changes caused by opioid addiction require a multifaceted treatment approach. Medications, counseling and emotional support are necessary to help individuals regain their emotional and cognitive stability.
Opioid Use and Mental Health Disorders
The effects of opioid addiction on mental health are extensive. In many cases, people with opioid use disorder also suffer from mental health disorders. These include:
- Depression: Many people with opioid use disorder experience depression. The chemical changes in the brain caused by opioid use can interfere with mood regulation and increase feelings of hopelessness.
- Anxiety: Opioid abuse can lead to heightened anxiety. The constant need for the drug, along with the fear of withdrawal, can create overwhelming feelings of worry and unease.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Individuals with PTSD may turn to opioids to numb the emotional pain. While opioids bring temporary relief, they can worsen symptoms and make it harder to process trauma.
When both addiction and mental health issues exist, this is known as a dual diagnosis. Treating both conditions at the same time is necessary for achieving lasting recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Dual Diagnosis
Medication-assisted recovery support is an evidence-based approach that combines medications like Suboxone, Sublocade or Methadone with counseling and therapy. It is particularly effective for individuals with dual diagnosis, as it helps manage cravings while addressing mental health issues.
With the combination of medication and counseling, individuals can receive comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of addiction, increasing their chances of long-term recovery.
Insurance and Financial Assistance
At Crossroads, we are committed to making treatment accessible. We accept most major insurances, including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance to help cover the costs of treatment. We also offer self-pay options and financial assistance for those who qualify. As a CARF-accredited provider, we meet high standards for quality and effectiveness to make sure you receive the best care possible. Our opioid use disorder treatment services are designed to support you at every stage of your recovery.