The signs of opioid addiction will vary depending on the substance of abuse and other variables. Today’s guide will help you to establish whether someone you love might be struggling with opioid use disorder.

Since the late 1990s, the United States has experienced an ongoing opioid epidemic. By 2017, the government declared the opioid crisis a Public Health Emergency. The most recent data from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) shows that over 2.6 million U.S. adults met the criteria for opioid use disorder in 2020.

Physicians are now prescribing fewer opioid-based painkillers, although CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that the opioid epidemic is in a third wave due to the ongoing dangers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Familiarizing yourself with the warning signs of opioid addiction is worthwhile if you know someone using this class of medication. While opioids can be highly effective, they are classified as schedule II narcotics under the Controlled Substances Act. This scheduling is due to the high potential of opioids for abuse and addiction.

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Early Warning Signs Of Opioid Addiction

Addiction to opioids or opiates can involve any of the following substances:

1. Oxycodone
2. Hydrocodone
3. Fentanyl
4. Heroin
5. Morphine
6. Codeine
7. Opium
8. Methadone

The signs and symptoms of opioid addiction differ from person to person, and according to the specific substance. Some indicators might be detectable soon after the initiation of opioid use. Other symptoms may not manifest for many months.

From the onset of opioid use, any of the following signs may be visible:

1. Depression
2. Anxiety
3. Mood swings
4. Insomnia
5. Reduced libido
6. Weight loss
7. Flu-like symptoms
8. Impaired coordination
9. Drowsiness
10. Slurred speech
11. Lowered personal hygiene standards
12. Reduction in fitness levels and activity
13. Isolating behaviors

If you notice the presentation of any of those symptoms in a loved one using opioid painkillers, you should monitor for the signs of a developing opioid addiction. Like all addictions, opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing, and incurable brain condition. Fortunately, opioid addiction responds favorably to MAT (medication-assisted treatment) and psychotherapy.

What Signs Of Opioid Use Disorder Should You Look Out For?

When looking for signs of opioid use disorder in someone you know, it’s important to look for certain key indicators that something might not be right.

Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:

1. Changes in behavior: People with opioid use disorder may start behaving differently than they normally would. They might become more secretive, start to isolate themselves, and may experience mood swings and irritability.
2. Physical symptoms: Opioid abuse can cause physical symptoms such as drowsiness, constricted pupils, slowed breathing, and nausea. Constipation, itching, and dry mouth are also common.
3. Changes in appearance: Opioid use disorder can lead to changes in a person’s appearance. They can lose weight, have poor hygiene, and sometimes neglect their physical appearance.
4. Financial problems: Individuals with opioid use disorder may have financial problems from spending their money on drugs. They may also start selling their possessions or engaging in illegal activities to get more drugs.
5. Withdrawal symptoms: If a person with opioid use disorder cannot access opioids, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like muscle aches, insomnia, anxiety, and sweating.

It’s important to note that not all individuals with opioid use disorder will exhibit these signs. However, if you suspect that someone you know may be struggling, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Opioid use disorder is a treatable condition, and with the right treatment, individuals can recover and lead fulfilling lives.

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What Does Opioid Addiction Look Like?

The clinical descriptor for opioid addiction is opioid use disorder, sometimes abbreviated to OUD. OUD is a diagnosis applied to addiction to either opioids (prescription opioid painkillers) or opiates (natural opioids like morphine and codeine).

Opioid use disorder is diagnosed according to the number of symptoms listed in DSM5-TR — the most current edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

If a friend or family member is unable to control their use of opioids and daily functioning is impaired, they may already have opioid use disorder.

Using opioids causes tolerance to form rapidly, meaning more opioids are required for the same effects. Continued use causes dependence. When dependent, withdrawal symptoms occur as opioids wear off. Tolerance and withdrawal are both diagnostic criteria for opioid use disorder.

Over time, opioid use brings about functional and structural brain changes. At this stage, opioids are required for normal functioning. The severe withdrawal symptoms that present during detox mean many people benefit from supervised medical detox followed by inpatient or outpatient care.

Signs And Symptoms Of Opioid Addiction

Ongoing opioid abuse is typically characterized by physical and psychological symptoms. Due to overdose risk, prompt treatment is essential.

Physical Signs

These are some of the most reported physical signs of opioid addiction:

1. Slurred speech
2. Dilated pupils
3. Drowsiness
4. Slow movements
5. Reduced blood pressure
6. Slow heart rate
7. Low body temperature
8. Less sensitivity to pain
9. Weight loss
10. Vomiting
11. Nausea
12. Diarrhea
13. Cramping
14. Joint pain
15. Muscle pain
16. Itchy skin
17. Headaches
18. Seizure
19. Coma

Psychological Signs

Taking opioids triggers dopamine release. Over time, the brain becomes less responsive to natural dopamine, leading to reduced pleasure from normal activities and changes to the brain’s reward pathways.

Look out for the following psychological signs:

1. Anxiety
2. Depression
3. Mood swings
4. Difficulties with focus
5. Confusion
6. Disorientation
7. Extreme behavior changes
8. Distorted perception
9. Tolerance
10. Strong cravings
11. Difficulty controlling use
12. Withdrawal symptoms

Overcome Opioid Addiction At Gratitude Lodge

Whether you or a loved one is addicted to opioids, support is available at Gratitude Lodge.

Choose from our three California rehab centers in Newport Beach, Long Beach, or San Diego. We offer supervised medical detox and inpatient care.

Medications for opioid addiction can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The FDA approves several medications for opioid treatment.

You’ll also have access to interventions at our Southern California rehabs, including:

1. Group counseling
2. Individual counseling
3. Psychotherapy (CBT and DBT)
4. Family therapy
5. Holistic therapy
6. 12-step immersion program

Contact Gratitude Lodge today at 844-576-0144.

Sources

1. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt35323/NSDUHDetailedTabs2020v25/NSDUHDetailedTabs2020v25/NSDUHDetTabsSect5pe2020.htm
2. https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2018/04/rxawareness/
3. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/
4. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/prescription-opioids.html
5. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
6. https://neuroscience.mssm.edu/nestler/nidappg/brain_reward_pathways.html