Are you craving to do something bigger? If you or someone in your family is suffering from this same feeling, then this may be a sign of Opioid Abuse and addiction. Opioid addiction has become a serious issue in the United States, affecting millions of people’s lifestyles in many communities.
Even so, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that over 2 million Americans abuse opioids, and that over 90 Americans die from opioid overdoses on average every day, illustrating the severity of the crisis.
If you are becoming a victim, it’s critical to identify the warning signals and take proper action. This article will assist you in recognizing the signs of opioid addiction and abuse and will offer practical solutions.
So, let’s get into it!
Opioid Abuse and Addiction: An Overview!
Opioids are highly addictive drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl as well as illicit substances like heroin. Opioids have a high potential for addiction and dependency even though they can be useful in the treatment of pain.
Doctors usually recommend these drugs in case of injuries, dental procedures, and surgeries. Sometimes cough medicines are also infused with opioids.
How can Opioid use make you addicted?
Opioids mimic the body’s endorphins or feel-good hormones, to provide transiently pleasurable experiences. Opioid users may experience a rush or higher mood, less tension or worry, and/or decreased pain. These effects pass quickly.
Regular opioid users quickly develop a tolerance to opioids. This implies that greater dosages are required to produce the same results. People who stop using opioids may get flu-like symptoms, perspiration, and anxiety as withdrawal symptoms. Some people want to relieve and avoid withdrawal, so they use opioids even if they know they shouldn’t and wish to stop.
To alleviate pain and avoid withdrawal symptoms, people may start purchasing fake medications or experimenting with alternative opioids, including heroin or fentanyl. According to statistics, 4 out of 5 new heroin users began by abusing prescription opioids for non-medical uses.
Warning Signs That You’re Addicted to Opioids
- People who abuse opioids may seem particularly sleepy or euphoric, frequently nodding off at strange hours.
- Nausea, sweating, and vomiting are all possible signs of opiate usage or withdrawal.
- Use of intravenous drugs may be indicated by excessive scratching or the emergence of strange skin diseases.
- Prolonged opiate misuse might result in significant weight loss.
- A noticeable drop in performance at work or school combined with a disregard for family responsibilities.
- Repeated demands for cash, misplaced assets, or inexplicable financial difficulties may indicate drug-related costs.
- Forming relationships with fresh or diverse social circles that might be drug users.
- Unpredictable mood swings characterized by agitation, impatience, and sharp highs and lows.
- Depression and anxiety may occur by persisting feelings of hopelessness and sadness.
How can you avoid being addicted to Opioids?
Being a chronic illness, opioid addiction needs to be treated similarly to other chronic conditions. Medical personnel who are sufficiently qualified to treat the disease should be in charge of managing and supervising it.
Each person requires a particular course of treatment for opioid addiction. Assisting you in quitting the substance is the major objective of treatment. However, to aid your addiction, addiction therapy programs will help you take substances ever again.
With that said, if you’re looking for professional aid, join hands with River Rocks Recovery substance abuse treatment program. Our team will thoroughly understand your circumstances and develop a customized treatment strategy.
Depending on which evidence-based therapies and other techniques would be most helpful for your rehabilitation, this plan will consist of a special combination of them. So, what are you waiting for? Contact River Rocks Recovery today!
FAQs About How to Identify Opioid Abuse
What are common signs of opioid abuse?
Common signs of opioid abuse include excessive drowsiness, confusion, constricted pupils, sudden mood changes, and neglect of personal hygiene. You might also notice changes in social behavior, such as withdrawal from family and friends.
How can I tell if someone is addicted to opioids?
Signs of opioid addiction can include an increased tolerance to the drug, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using, inability to stop using despite negative consequences, and spending a lot of time seeking or using opioids.
What physical symptoms indicate opioid abuse?
Physical symptoms of opioid abuse can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, slowed breathing, and noticeable weight loss. Track marks or needle marks on the body may also be present in those who inject opioids.
How does River Rocks Recovery help families identify opioid abuse in a household member?
River Rocks Recovery provides educational resources and consultations with addiction specialists to help families recognize the signs of opioid abuse and addiction. They offer guidance on what to look for and how to approach a loved one with concern.
What should I do if I suspect a family member is abusing opioids?
River Rocks Recovery recommends approaching your loved one with care and concern, expressing your worries without judgment, and encouraging them to seek professional help. Our team offer support and guidance on how to have this conversation effectively.
Can River Rocks Recovery provide intervention services?
Yes, River Rocks Recovery offers intervention services to help families and loved ones guide someone toward accepting treatment. Our experienced interventionists can assist in planning and conducting a supportive intervention.
How can River Rocks Recovery support the family members of someone struggling with opioid addiction?
River Rocks Recovery provides family therapy and educational programs to help family members understand addiction, develop healthy coping strategies, and support their loved one’s recovery journey.
Does River Rocks Recovery offer aftercare support?
River Rocks Recovery offers comprehensive aftercare support, including continued counseling, support groups, and resources to help individuals maintain sobriety and prevent relapse after completing their primary addiction treatment program.
How can I get more information or start the process of treatment with River Rocks Recovery
To learn more or begin your treatment journey with River Rocks Recovery, you can reach out by phone at (888) 905-6281, or fill the contact form. Our compassionate team is available to answer any questions and guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you receive the support you need.
