What happens when you misuse or become dependent on opioids?

Due to ease of availability, the misuse of opioids has increased. Opioids are highly addictive, and they trigger the release of endorphins. Endorphins reduce the perception of pain and immensely boost feelings of pleasure. Adverse effects of opioids lead to constipation, drowsiness, mental confusion, euphoria, nausea, and even slow or stopped breathing. Long-term use of opioids can lead to drug dependency, where drug use needs to be increased to achieve the same effect. Abrupt discontinuing opioids after long-term use leads to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms include both physical and psychological symptoms. Physical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and bone pain, fatigue and exhaustion, restlessness, headaches, heart palpitations, shaking and shivering, etc. In contrast, psychological symptoms can be depression, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, difficulty focusing or concentrating, intense cravings for opioids, etc.