The effects of opioid misuse on the body - Opioid addiction, part 5
Resource Properties
This two-page handout with accompanying video and audio recording educates people about the potential effects of opioid misuse on the body. It explains how repeated opioid use can cause tolerance, which can increase overdose risk during a relapse after a period of recovery. The document discusses other effects to the body caused by repeated use of prescription or illegal opioids, including withdrawal, breathing problems, intestinal problems, weakening of the immune system, liver damage, blood vessel damage, and infections such as hepatitis C, HIV, and heart infections brought about by injection of drugs and needle sharing. Contact information for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is provided.
Text and audio are in the public domain. Graphics are copyrighted content.
The English language resource was created or reviewed by a medical professional for quality and accuracy.