Opiate addiction can grab hold of people from any background. It often starts with pain meds from a doctor. Then it can turn into a bad cycle. Spotting the signs of opiate use disorder is super important. This article will help you see those signs. We’ll talk about ten symptoms of opiate addiction. Plus, we’ll advise you to help yourself or others.
Millions struggle. They may hide it from their family. Knowing the signs can help you step in. You could guide them to get better. Knowing is power, so spotting it early can help.
This article breaks down hard stuff into easy stuff. It will help you know what to look for. Let’s check out ten clear signs of opiate addiction. As to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, lacrimation or rhinorrhea, piloerection “goose flesh,” myalgia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pupillary dilatation, photophobia, sleeplessness, and autonomic hyperactivity are all Symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
1. Intense Cravings and Preoccupation with Opiates
Addiction messes with your head. Opiates can have a strong grip. You might feel like you can’t stop thinking about them. These thoughts can be tough to deal with.
1.1. Constant Thoughts About Obtaining and Using Opiates
Opiates can take over your thoughts. It can change your day. It even changes what you decide to do. Everything becomes about getting and using. Is this happening to someone you know?
1.2. Prioritizing Opiate Use Over Other Responsibilities
When someone is addicted, things change. Work and family might not matter as much. They might skip work or ignore family. Getting and using opiates becomes #1.
2. Tolerance and Escalating Dosage
Your body can get used to opiates. This means you need more to feel the same way. It’s like your body is saying, “Give me more!” This is called tolerance.
2.1. Needing More Opiates to Achieve the Same Effect
Over time, the drug does less. So you need more to get that high feeling. It’s a dangerous road. Are you seeing someone take more and more?
2.2. Taking Opiates More Frequently
At first, someone might use opiates sometimes. As they become addicted, they might use every day. Some might use several times a day. This is a big red flag.
3. Withdrawal Symptoms Upon Cessation
When you stop or cut back, your body reacts. This reaction is called withdrawal. It can be really rough. It includes both physical and mental symptoms.
3.1. Physical Withdrawal Symptoms: Flu-like Symptoms, Muscle Aches, and Gastrointestinal Distress
Withdrawal can feel like a bad flu. People get nauseous. They might throw up or have diarrhea. Their muscles ache, and they could get a fever. It’s a terrible feeling.
3.2. Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms: Anxiety, Irritability, and Depression
It’s not just physical. Withdrawal messes with your mind. You might feel really anxious or mad. You could feel super sad. These feelings can be very strong.
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4. Loss of Control Over Opiate Use
Addiction makes it hard to stop. Even if you want to, you can’t. Opiates control you, not the other way around. It’s a scary feeling.
4.1. Taking More Opiates Than Intended
Someone might plan to take a certain amount. But they end up taking way more. They lose control. It’s a sign of addiction.
4.2. Repeated Attempts to Cut Down or Stop Unsuccessfully
People try to quit many times. They might fail over and over. This happens even if they know it’s bad for them. It shows how strong addiction is.
5. Neglecting Responsibilities and Relationships
Opiate addiction hurts everything. It affects work, family, and friends. Life gets worse in many ways. It’s important to notice these changes.
5.1. Poor Performance at Work or School
Someone addicted might do worse at work or school. They might miss days or not focus. Their grades or work quality might drop. This is a sign something is wrong.
5.2. Strained Relationships with Family and Friends
Addiction causes fights. It can push loved ones away. People get isolated. Relationships get damaged. It’s a sad part of addiction.
6. Engaging in Risky Behaviors
People on opiates might do dangerous things. These things could be life-threatening. They might do them to get more drugs or while high. It’s very risky.
6.1. Driving Under the Influence
Driving high on opiates is super dangerous. It can cause accidents. People get hurt or even die. Never drive under the influence.
6.2. “Doctor Shopping” or Illegal Activities to Obtain Opiates
Some people go to many doctors to get more pills. This is called “doctor shopping”. Others might steal or do other illegal things to get drugs. These are signs of desperation.
Conclusion: Recognizing the Signs, Seeking Help, and Embracing Recovery
Spotting the signs of opiate addiction is key. The symptoms show a real need: help from pros. If you see these signs in yourself or others, get help. Talk to doctors or addiction experts. Getting help early makes recovery more likely. You can get your life back. Don’t wait, do something today. Recovery is possible.