Opioid abuse is a growing problem in the United States. Opiates are used by both adolescents and adults looking for euphoria. Opioids can be used in several ways. Some users enjoy taking it orally, while others snort, inject or smoke. Opioids are the cause of prescription drug abuse in substances such as codeine, fentanyl, heroin, Vicodin, Dilaudid, morphine, and Oxycontin. However, opioid addiction presents many challenges not only to users but also to family and friends. Addiction causes physical and mental health challenges and a loss of relationships with peers. If you believe your friend or family member is using drugs, it is time to seek an opioid addiction treatment center.
Rise Above Treatment offers addiction treatment, detox programs, and psychiatric care. Contact (877) 641-0717 to learn more about how we can help end your addiction.
Signs of Opiate Abuse
Recognizing the signs of prescription drug abuse is essential so that you can begin persuading your loved one to seek treatment. Although the signs for opiate abuse are not always present, it is important to note the most common signs. Prescription drug abuse should not be ignored, as users can overdose and die.
Here are several signs of abuse:
- Changes In Behavior. One of the first indicators of opioid abuse is behavior change. Mood swings, irritability, and nervousness followed by excitement or euphoria are very common. In addition, activities that were once enjoyable have now been replaced with drug abuse. And users are often known to have memory loss. They appear confused and cannot concentrate. Since drug use is expensive, users will become isolated and secretive as they find new ways to fund their habits.
- Physical Changes In Appearance. A person who is abusing opioids will have noticeable weight loss. When a user walks, it can appear unbalanced and uncoordinated. In addition, when users speak, their words are often slurred. It is also not uncommon for users to have a raspy voice and slow breathing. In addition, users also have flushed skin and drowsiness. And as time goes on, the appearance of scars and needle marks is always present.
- Cannot Maintain Relationships and Responsibilities. Because the user is often disoriented and unable to concentrate, they often ignore their responsibilities. As a result, their performance at work or school decreases. In time, relationships with family and friends will also deteriorate as they neglect their responsibilities to themselves and others.
- Nodding Off. Users will nod off or fall asleep in an instant. As a result of constant nodding off or falling asleep, they will always appear disoriented and unable to handle daily responsibilities.
- Presence of Drug Paraphernalia. Specific items such as burned tinfoil, medication bottles with the labels ripped off, syringes, bent spoons, rolled money, straws, and even bloodied cotton swabs are all indications of opiate abuse.
- Going “Doctor Shopping.” Since many opioids are prescription drugs, they can be gotten through a physician. When a person gets multiple opioid prescriptions from medical practitioners, this is known as doctor shopping. And if the prescription drug becomes too difficult to attain, users will use an opioid such as heroin. Heroin is a popular substitute for prescription drugs because it will fill users with excitement and relaxation.
- Withdrawal Symptoms. When a person decides to stop using drugs, they will experience painful, flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can begin just hours after the high-association with a drug is no longer present.
End Your Prescription Drug Abuse at Rise Above Treatment
The signs of opioid abuse do not exist because there is no problem. Instead, these signs are important and signal to everyone that it is time for you to get help. At Rise Above Treatment, our professional staff will support you throughout your recovery. Contact us (877) 641-0717 to begin.
