Signs of Opioid Abuse and Addiction
Opioids, including prescription opioids, opioid painkillers, and heroin, are all highly addictive. It is very easy for opioid users to quickly develop an opioid addiction. The good news is that there are highly successful drug addiction treatment centers and treatment programs that can help anyone with opioid addiction. However, your chances of recovering from opioid use disorders increase the sooner you get help. The sooner you see the common signs of opioid addiction, the better chance it is to help yourself or a loved one gets addiction treatment.
Opioid abuse disorder is a medical condition and mental health disorder in which a person cannot stop taking opioids and it is interfering with their daily lives. Physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when opioid users attempt to stop using. Some common prescription opioids that are abused include Oxycodone, Morphine, Fentanyl, Codeine, Hydrocodone, and Tramadol. Often, people who start abusing prescription opioids for acute or chronic pain end up turning to heroin because it is less expensive and easier to obtain. There are several physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of someone abusing opioids, including:
- Constricted, “pinpoint” pupils
- Constantly itching themselves
- Needle marks on arms and legs, if they are using intravenous
- Trouble staying awake or falling asleep at inappropriate times
- Sudden and dramatic mood changes
- Impulsive actions and decision-making
- Risky behavior or activities, such as driving under the influence
- Withdrawing from activities once enjoyed
- Visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies to get more prescriptions
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Opioid Side Effects
The short-term symptoms of opioid dependence depend on the specific substance, how it was administered, and how much was used. There are several immediate signs and symptoms of opioids, including:
- Feelings of calmness
- Slowed or shallow breathing
- Impaired judgment
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchy, flushed skin
- Relaxed state of mind and body
- Increase confidence
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea
- Hallucinations
- Lightheadedness
- Weight loss
- Euphoric mood
- Risk of overdose and death
Long-Term Effects of Opioid Abuse
There are several long-term effects of opioid abuse, mostly on vital organs. Many people will experience mental effects and psychological issues, including anxiety disorder and depression. Some of the common long-term effects of opioid abuse include:
- Lack of concentration
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Emotional instability
- Vein damage (if they were using intravenously)
- Severe constipation
- Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
- Liver damage
If the person is using intravenously and is sharing needles, they are risking contracting several diseases, many with no cure, such as HIV and Hepatitis C. There is also the risk of infection with intravenous use. With long-term opioid addiction, the brain relies on the drug to produce many chemicals and when the person stops using, they develop severe withdrawal symptoms. Many relapses quickly to stop these withdrawal symptoms which can make opioid addiction very difficult to beat drug addiction on your own.
How to Help Someone with Opioid Addiction
The sooner a person gets help for their opioid addiction disorder, the better the outcomes for their recovery. Seeing the warning signs of opioid addiction is key. If you think someone you love is abusing opioids, it is important to talk to them and encourage them to get help from an addiction treatment center. It is important to remember that opioid addiction is not a choice, but a chronic disorder, and you should come from a non judgmental place when talking to them about overcoming addiction. Let them know you are concerned about their health and how the disease has affected them and you. There are also intervention programs that can help you talk to them and to get help from a treatment center.
How Union First Can Help
Recovering from opioid addiction disorder is often a long journey. Union First can help you or your loved one along the way for opioid abuse disorder through addiction treatment program placement and ensuring your job is protected while you get behavioral health treatment. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use disorder, please give us a call. We can help you find the right treatment center.