Why Laser lipo and fitness go hand and hand
Why Laser Lipo and Fitness Go Hand and Hand
June 26, 2020
These 5 foods help with metabolic detoxification
5 Healthy Foods Perfect for Metabolic Detoxification
July 30, 2020
Show all

7 Telling Signs of Opioid Addiction

Telling signs of opioid addiction

Change in Behavior | Physical Changes | Increased Drowsiness | Memory and Relationship Issues | Going Doctor Shopping | Drug Paraphernalia | Dope Sickness

Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction stems from the impulsive use of the drug and the inability to consume it. An opioid addict shows alien and compulsive behavior and can become outrageously aggressive. Another angle of understanding is the continuous usage of the drug despite the appearance of certain symptoms and consequences. Withdrawal symptoms like sweating and craving can also assure opioid disorder. But certain cases have been observed, where individuals have misused the drug without showing any physical dependence. Physical dependence can affect relationships, financial conditions, and routines.

Opioid has many forms including, codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, heroin, and fentanyl. Opioid addiction has certain symptoms that include but aren’t limited to drowsiness, weight loss, changed sleeping patterns, staying isolated, stealing from the family, frequent flue, and bad hygiene. The Case Clinic’s research in this respect reveals that there are 7 most common signs of opioid addiction(1) are as follows. 

Change in Behavior

This sign is the first to be observed. The addict is usually found in a euphoric or excited state. He can easily become nervous or irritable on small things and may experience sudden mood swings. Moreover, such a person may also not make eye contact. His addiction will force him to avoid family gatherings and staying inactive. Such a person may have many secrets and tend to steal from the family. Identifying such a person is not difficult based on his eccentric behavior.   

Physical Changes

An opioid addict undergoes certain physical changes(2) that cannot go unnoticed. He may either lose weight or gain it rapidly. While talking he will have a raspy voice and may slur at certain words. They may experience coordination issues and their gait is slow and unbalanced.  

Increased Drowsiness

An opioid addict will grow more distant and isolated day by day. The close relationships will observe excessive drowsiness(3) and sleeping spells over time.  He will appear detached from the outside world and even friends and family. His eyes will appear less bright and small. He will show a lack of interest in surroundings, people, and activities. Moreover, gradually he will abandon his hobbies as well. Another symptom is that you’ll find him nodding off, frequently and losing consciousness several times a day. He will take more naps than usual, moreover, his decision making power is weakened.  

Memory and Relationship Issues

His relationships may not get affected directly but may have an adverse impact due to other factors like disorientation, confusion, trouble concentrating(4), and finding it hard to recall something. He will be a slow responder, may not show courage to face problems, and ignore his obligations. His performance in studies or at work may fall slowly. Another reason for deteriorating relationships could be his favoring of opioids over family and friends. He will have a hard time recalling commitments and appointments, staying attentive, and often drop out of plans and skip any other gathering. This behavior results in negligence towards chores, family responsibilities, and even personal hygiene.

Going Doctor Shopping

This term refers to the patients who get several prescriptions from healthcare officials, without informing anyone about the other prescription. Upon inquiring they may make the excuse of losing the previous description and in dire need of another prescription because of the rising pain. If the availability of the prescription seems difficult to obtain, then he may turn to easier options like Heroin. Heroin is more potent than opioids and satisfies the cravings and urges.

Drug Paraphernalia

There are several ways in which an addict can abuse opioids. Family members may find medication bottles with ripped labels, piles of burned tinfoil, bloodied cotton swabs, or even small pieces of balloons. Certain other items like needles, syringes, small pieces of straws or tubes, rolled up dollar bills, bent spoons and hose clamps may also be identified.

Dope Sickness

This refers to withdrawal. This occurs when the addict has a complete psychological or physical dependence on opioids. At this stage, the person is referred to as ‘dope sick’(5), as he develops flu-like symptoms; runny nose, and unbearable headache and body pain. These symptoms may appear when the effect of the drug starts to wear off, within a few hours. He may complain about being sick and take leave from work or school. This may also result in his heavy engagement with the drug.

Opioid addiction treatment is available and successful. The addict will require professional medical help, without that getting rid of this addiction may be extremely painful and hard. The Case Clinic provides complete guidance and treatment for opioid addiction. The clinic holds experienced staff and supervised programs and therapies.

If You or Someone You Know Shows Signs of Opioid Addiction, We Can Help.

The Case Clinic has helped many patients in your position.


References

  1. What are some signs and symptoms of someone with a drug use problem?
  2. Levels of opioid physical dependence in heroin addicts
  3. Sleep disturbances and pain among individuals with prescription opioid dependence
  4. Sudden amnesia resulting in pain relief: The relationship between memory and pain
  5. What ‘Dope Sick’ Really Feels Like

Please follow and like us:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *