Which of the following is a risk of long-term opioid use?

Long-term opioid use is associated with the development of tolerance and an increased risk of overdose, which is why this answer is correct. Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of a drug, leading to a need for higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. This can lead to a cycle where the patient requires escalating doses to manage their pain effectively, increasing the risk of accidental overdose.

When someone develops tolerance, they might also experience withdrawal symptoms if they reduce their dosage or miss a dose, which can complicate their treatment plan. Over time, as dosages increase, there is a significant risk that the individual could take amounts that exceed safe levels, resulting in overdose, which can be life-threatening.

This understanding helps in managing pain effectively while recognizing the potential dangers associated with long-term opioid use.