The Dark Side of Opioid Addiction

Refined sugars and addiction
There is a not-so-interesting connection between and sugar and opioid. In both children and adults, having diets rich in processed sugars could potentially lead to opioid overdose. In return, individuals may get addicted to the drug. This is According to many behavioral neuroscientists all over the world. They attribute this addiction to changes in the central nervous system. Changes in the neurobiological system lead to relapsing disorders. Then, the individual is unable to control his/her drug intake. After relapsing for a considerable time, the individual phases an alternating phase of negative emotions and depression. The end result is an escalated urge to abuse the drug. Dependence rises at this stage. 



Effect of sugar on dopamine
Refined sugars enhance addictive behaviors by interfering with the natural dopamine production. Dopamine is the 'feel-good’ hormone. These sugars activate the brain’s reward system in the same way as opioids. Studies also showed that opioid abuse goes hand in hand with poor food preferences – including the love of refined sugars and malnutrition. Because of this, doctors argue that there may be a connection between consuming refined sugars in their excesses and being vulnerable to addiction to opioid. 

Fructose sweeteners 
In many countries, high fructose sweeteners are added to processed foods and drinks. During its production, fructose is added at the expense of sugar. Soft drink lovers are the most affected. When they take these drinks, they are more likely to gain weight, face metabolic syndrome as well as suffering from hypertension. 

Fighting addiction 
Once our bodies develop persistence to this drug, our brain grows to be dependent on it. Essentially, we train our brains not to function well without it. Soon as you deprive your body of this drug, withdrawal kicks in. When we try to stop using this drug, we are faced with harsh symptoms. They include; sweating excessively, a running nose and teary eyes. We get confused, anxious and with time; depression develops. These severe withdrawal effects force us to go back to the drug. At this stage, we have reinforced addiction. Any withdrawal attempts that we may try, do more harm than good. 


Seeking legal help 
If we try to withdraw at a later stage, our brain sends a craving that’s even stronger than the previous one. It does this knowing that getting access to the drug has solved similar problems earlier. These withdrawal symptoms are at their peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dosage. If you’re fighting opioid addiction, you may need an attorney’s help. They may even help you file an opioid lawsuit if a given drug is responsible for this addiction. There is a guide on opioidlegal.com explaining this procedure. 

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