Opioid addiction is a growing epidemic in the United States. Each day, more than 150 Americans die from opioid overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that drug overdose is the leading cause of death among adults aged 25 to 64.
This may be surprising—after all, we commonly hear about alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking as the top addictions in America.
This could be because many people struggling with opioid addiction do not realize it until they find themselves in need of professional help from opioid treatment programs.
If you or someone you know struggles with opioid addiction or has a tendency to abuse these drugs in any way, it’s important to be aware of these common signs and symptoms. If you or someone you know is addicted to opioids, you should get help as soon as possible from a professional that also offers medication-assisted treatment for Opioid help.
1. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
If you notice that a loved one suddenly has little or no interest in eating and they lose a lot of weight very quickly, this could be a sign of opioid addiction.
Many people who struggle with opioid addiction find that they have little or no appetite. They may simply not feel hungry and therefore have no desire to eat. However, some people may lose their appetite because of cravings and withdrawal symptoms which can slow down digestion, leading to a lack of hunger.
Additionally, opioids slow down the metabolism and the digestive tract, which can slow the process of digestion even further. When a person does not get enough nutrients from their food, their body will start taking nutrients from their own muscles. This can lead to significant weight loss.
2. Poor Decision Making
One of the clearest signs that someone has a substance abuse problem is poor decision-making.
When someone struggles with an addiction to opioids, they are likely to make decisions that are dangerous, unhealthy and uncharacteristic of themselves. This could include driving while drowsy because of the drugs, putting themselves at risk of seriously injuring or even dying. Others might find that they have financial troubles because of the cost of their opioid use.
Someone addicted to opioids might also find themselves making poor decisions in terms of when and how to take the drugs. They could take more than the recommended dose or take it more often than they should, potentially leading to an opioid overdose.
3. Can’t Stop Using Opioids
Someone with a mild opioid addiction may be able to stop using opioids entirely for a few months, but someone with a severe addiction may find it almost impossible to quit. This inability to stop using opioids can be a sign of opioid addiction.
4. Muscle Weakness and Shaking
When someone has an opioid addiction, they may experience a lack of energy or a feeling of being very “weary.” This feeling may come from an excessive amount of substance use or from withdrawal symptoms as a result of the central nervous system being affected.
Therefore, they can slow down a person’s metabolism, which can lead to a lack of energy. At the same time, they speed up a person’s breathing and heart rate, which can cause excessive sweating, shaking and a racing heart.
5. Depression and Anxiety
When someone uses opioids, they depress the central nervous system, which can slow the metabolism and lead to feelings of lethargy. This can make a person feel hopeless, anxious and depressed.
These feelings can become worse if a person has a physical dependence on opioids. This means that the body has become dependent on the drug to function properly.
6. Irritability and Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating and irritability are signs of opioid withdrawal. When a person is dependent on opioids, they experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug.
During withdrawal, the body starts to go through physical pain as it tries to break the addiction. Some people experience excessive sweating, headaches, and irritability.
Luckily, these symptoms are usually mild, but unfortunately, some people will go to great lengths to avoid going through withdrawal. This can lead to a full-blown opioid addiction and more serious withdrawal symptoms.
7. Constant Craving of Opioids
If someone has an opioid addiction, they may experience cravings for opioids. This is not the same thing as having an occasional desire to use drugs or alcohol. Instead, it is an intense and uncontrollable desire to use opioids.
This craving is due to a physical dependence on the drug and their body is used to having the drug in the system.
8. Irregular Behaviour and Unusual Behavioural Changes
When someone has an opioid addiction, they may change the way they behave. This can mean that they do things they normally would not do or that they do not act like themselves.
Some examples of abnormal behaviours include:
- Secretive behaviour
- Changes in hygiene
- Uncharacteristic aggression
- Disregard for basic safety
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Increased risk-taking behaviour
In Conclusion
If you or someone you know is addicted to opioids, you should get help as soon as possible. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms highlighted above get better. Addiction is a serious issue and it is best dealt with as soon as possible.
You can get in touch with a treatment center to learn more about opioid treatment programs. With the right treatment, you can overcome your addiction to opioids and achieve a healthier, happier life.
Comments