Opioid addiction involves compulsive use of opioid drugs and a lack of control. Once addicted, a person may find it difficult to stop using the drug.

Opioids is a group of drugs that includes –

• codeine
• fentanyl
• heroin
• hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• morphine
• oxycodone (Oxycontin)

In order to overcome addiction, it is important to know the signs.

Behavioral Changes

These are usually the first signs spotted by people around an opioid addict. The person may avoid making eye contact with friends or family, exhibit mood swings, irritability and nervousness. They undergo sudden changes in energy levels and become hostile without warning. The person may hang out with new friends, and become secretive behavior and isolated. Overall, they act differently.

The person frequently appears distant and detached. They lack awareness of what is happening around them, and are no longer interested in pursuing their usual activities. Their personality may seem different and they have trouble making decisions.

Physical Changes

Opioid abuse harms the body. You may notice changes in their physical appearance, like sudden weight loss or gain. Their words may slur, their breathing may be slower than usual and they may face problems with balance and coordination.

Other physical changes include –
• constipation
• pinpoint pupils
• reduced sexual desire or performance
• flushed skin
• extreme drowsiness
• scarring or needle marks on their arms, hands or feet

Neglect

The addict’s confusion, disorientation and poor decision making adversely affects relationships and other aspects of life, for example, poor performance at work or school. These people tend to neglect daily chores, friends and family, even personal hygiene and appearance.

Doctor Shopping

Doctor shopping refers to patients trying to get opioid prescriptions from multiple doctors, by claiming to have “lost” their prescription or complaining about severe pain. When they aren’t able to obtain prescription drugs, they turn to other opioids, such as heroin.

Drug Paraphernalia

Opioids are abused in several ways – orally, snorting, smoking and injections. Loved ones may find drug paraphernalia, like burned tinfoil, medication bottles with the labels ripped off, rolled up dollar bills and straws or tubes cut into smaller pieces or bloodied cotton swabs in their rooms.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Once a person develops a dependence on opioids, stopping use would lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can occur just a few hours after the drug wears off. For example, the person may complain of feeling sick during the week, if they’re engaging in heavy opioid use on the weekend, and going through withdrawal during the week.

To learn more, call one of the most trusted medical detox and alcohol treatment centers in San Diego, call Pacific Bay Recovery at 858-263-9700 Today. Pacific Bay Recovery offers both inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment in San Diego.