Which of the following adverse effects is specifically associated with long-term opioid use?

Long-term opioid use is particularly associated with the development of dependency and tolerance. When opioids are used over an extended period, the body can adapt to their presence, leading to tolerance, which means that higher doses may be required to achieve the same level of pain relief or effect. This occurs because the body becomes accustomed to the drug's effects, necessitating adjustments in dosage. Additionally, dependency can develop, where the body relies on the drug to function normally, resulting in withdrawal symptoms if the medication is abruptly discontinued or reduced.

This phenomenon of dependency and tolerance is a critical consideration in pain management when prescribing opioids, as it influences treatment plans and necessitates careful monitoring of the patient’s use of the medication.