Opioid addiction is a serious problem in the United States, and it’s only getting worse. The people who are most at risk for opioid addiction are those who have been prescribed opioids for pain relief. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are more than 2 million Americans currently struggling with opioid addiction, many of whom were initially prescribed these drugs by their doctors.
The good news is that you can help your loved ones avoid this crisis by learning how to recognize the signs of opioid addiction in yourself or others around you. This guide will teach you what to look out for so that you can get help right away if you suspect someone is suffering from addiction—whether that person is you or a loved one.
1) Uncontrollable Cravings
When you’re trying to help a loved one with opioid addiction, it can be hard to tell whether or not they’re getting better. You want to believe that they are, but it can be hard to tell for sure.
One of the ways you can tell if someone is addicted to opioids is if they have uncontrollable cravings for the drug. If your loved one has been using opioids for a long time and has developed an addiction, they might experience intense cravings for the drug when they haven’t taken any. These cravings can be so strong that they make it difficult for your loved one to function normally without taking more opioids.
If your loved one is experiencing uncontrollable cravings, there are steps that you can take to help them overcome their addiction and live a life free from opioids.
2) Disinterest in Activities
The second sign of opioid addiction is disinterest in activities.
You may notice that your friend or family member is no longer interested in the things they used to love. They might have stopped going out with friends, or they don’t want to hang out anymore. They might be avoiding their favorite sports teams, which they’ve been a fan of since childhood.
If your loved one isn’t interested in anything anymore, it’s time to talk to them about their feelings. It could be that they’re depressed because they’re still using opioids and don’t know how to stop. It could also be that they’re feeling trapped by their opioid use and don’t know how to get out of the cycle of addiction.
Whatever the reason for their lack of interest, it’s important that you encourage them to talk about it so you can help them get the help they need before it’s too late!
3) Decreased Hygiene
If you have a loved one who is addicted to opioids, you may have noticed their hygiene is starting to slip. In fact, this can often be a sign of opioid use disorder.
It’s important to remember that people who are addicted to opioids will often feel like they want to hide their addiction from those around them. This can mean that they won’t shower for days or even weeks at a time. They’ll also tend to wear the same clothes over and over again without washing them.
If you notice that your loved one is not taking care of themselves physically and emotionally like they used to, it might be time for you to talk with them about their drug use—and help them get the treatment they need.
4) Mood Swings
Mood swings are one of the most common signs of opioid addiction. Opioid addiction can lead to mood swings as a result of the changes in brain chemistry caused by the drug, but it can also be a side effect of withdrawal.
Mood swings usually start out as euphoria, which is a feeling of intense happiness and pleasure. This can be the first sign that someone has become addicted to opioids. After this initial high, addicts will often feel depressed and irritable, which is why they may become angry or upset at others—even people who are not responsible for their feelings.
The best way to deal with mood swings is to understand them and learn how to manage them. If you’re dealing with a friend or loved one who has an opioid addiction, it’s important to try and understand what they’re going through. You should also be prepared for any changes in behavior that may come along with withdrawal or treatment.
You should also know how to talk about these issues so your loved one knows that you’re there for them and want to help them fight their addiction.
5) Blackouts and Sleeping for Long Periods of Time
If you suspect someone is addicted to opioids, but they’re not ready to admit it, you may be able to notice their opioid use by looking out for blackouts and long periods of time spent sleeping.
Opioids can cause a person who uses them to pass out after taking them. This can happen even if they’ve used the drug in a safe way (like taking it as prescribed). Opioid users who want to stay awake may also take other types of drugs or drink alcohol to counteract the effects of opioids. This can lead to blackouts or periods of time when the user doesn’t remember what happened.
The most common reason for a person using opioids in this way is because they want to avoid withdrawal symptoms (which make them feel sick). The more often someone uses opioids, the more likely they are to have problems with their memory. This can make it hard for them to remember things from the past (even things that happened recently), which makes it difficult for others around them who care about them to understand what’s going on in their lives right now.
The Conclusion
Opioid addiction is a serious problem in the United States, and it’s important to recognize the signs of opioid addiction in yourself or a loved one. If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the above signs, it’s important to get help right away. You can talk to your doctor about treatment options and the medications used to treat opioid addiction for help. The sooner you can get help, the better chance you have of recovering from opioid addiction.
If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction or substance abuse, please contact us today. We are here to help you along the way and throughout your road to recovery.