Sometimes an opiate addiction isn’t always easy to point out or see. Here at My Recovery Source, we want to raise awareness and talk about the warning signs of addiction. Whether you are taking the opioids yourself or you know someone who is taking them, there are certain signs that the use has turned into abuse. Within this article, we have provided information about what an opioid/opiate addiction is, the signs of narcotic/opioid use to look out for, the best way to get help with an opiate addiction, and how we can help.
What Is an Opiate Addiction?
Opioids are a class of drugs that can be either prescribed or illegal. The illegal drugs are heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The prescribed drugs are oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, just to name a few. A prescription drug can become an addiction and a problem when it is used incorrectly (not according to the health care provider’s direction). This misuse can risk dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction.
Opioid misuse, addiction, and overdoses have caused serious public health problems throughout the United States. When someone becomes addicted to opioids this causes dependence on the drug. Dependence means that the individual will feel withdrawal symptoms when they are not using the drug. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that will cause a person to compulsively seek out drugs even though these drugs cause negative consequences.
Signs of Narcotic Use to Look Out for in Others
There are various signs of narcotic use and opioid addiction a person will present. Some of these signs include things such as:
- Drowsiness/sleepiness
- Frequent flu-like symptoms
- Weight loss
- The inability to stop/control the opioid use
- Lack of hygiene (not bathing, changing clothes, brushing teeth, etc.)
- A decreased libido
- Changes in habits such as diet, exercise, etc.
- Social issues such as isolation and distancing from family or friends
- Stealing from others (family, friends, businesses, etc.)
- Newer financial difficulties
- Sleeping changes such sleeping at odd hours
- Being nervous, cranky, anxious
- Getting into trouble with the law/criminal issues.
- Not attending school or work, or attending them at erratic schedules
- Losing interest in some of the things you/they once enjoyed
What Is the Best Way to Get Help With an Opiate Addiction?
When having an opioid addiction or helping someone overcome that addiction, it is important to reach out to someone or find a treatment facility. Doing your research on different treatment programs, treatment facilities, support groups, etc., is a good way to start to find help for an opioid/opiate addiction. Finding a way to detox from the substance is also another good first step and going through a professional detox is the safest way to detox from a substance.
The best way to get help with an opiate/opioid addiction is to reach out to someone who you trust. This could be a coworker, friend, family member, church leader, etc. If there isn’t really someone that you can reach out to there are plenty of helplines and websites that you can trust to help you. Some of these sites/phone numbers include:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- SAMHSA’s – Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
- The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry – Patient Referral Program
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Step by Step Guides to Finding Treatment for Drug Use Disorders.
How My Recovery Source Can Help
Here at My Recovery Source, we want to help our clients find the best possible addiction treatment for them. Whether you are suffering from an opiate addiction or something else, we have the resources you need. We have the option to search for many different treatment programs, support groups, and resources, which can be individualized to each of your recovery needs. Reach out to us today to find treatment, to receive the help you need, and to get more information on how we can help you with your recovery process!
