Signs Your Loved One Is Struggling With Opioid Addiction
If you have a loved one who uses opioids, it’s important that you know the signs of opioid addiction. These drugs can be very addictive and can cause physical dependence, so it’s vital that you recognize the signs of addiction and get help for your loved one from one of the opioid treatment programs near you.
We all need to be there for a friend or family member struggling with opioid addiction. In this post, we’ll discuss signs that your loved one might be abusing drugs and how you can help them get back on opioid treatment programs.
Borrowing Other People’s Medication
If you notice that your loved one is borrowing medication from others, it could signify that they are struggling with opioid addiction. They may be using drugs to self-medicate or avoid withdrawal symptoms. They may also be trying to get high.
Mood Changes
One of the most common signs of opioid dependence is a sudden change in mood, often after taking opioids. During this “high” state, people may experience euphoria or feel more at ease and relaxed. They are less irritable than they usually are. However, when the drug wears off or is no longer available, their moods can quickly shift to anger and depression.
Do They Have a History of Opioid Use?
If your loved one has a history of opioid use, they are more susceptible to addiction. It is important to note that many people who have become addicted did not start using opiates for recreational purposes. Some people need prescription opioids for pain management, and others become addicted after using painkillers recreationally.
Any one of the following could indicate that your loved one may be addicted:
- They’ve been treated for opioid addiction in the past
- They have a family history of opioid addiction
- They are addicted to other substances, such as alcohol or cocaine
Looking for Clever Ways to Fill the Same Prescription
Your loved one may also be trying to get ahold of opioids by using other methods. Some people will switch pharmacies, which means they go from one pharmacy that fills prescriptions for their doctor to another that doesn’t know about their previous doctor or prescriptions.
Others change doctors entirely and start going somewhere else entirely. They may use false names and addresses when they call in their prescription requests or just request refills before their prescription has even run out.
Poor Decision-Making
Here are some examples of poor decision-making:
- Spending too much time alone in their bedroom instead of getting out into the world (or spending too much time on social media)
- Getting into relationships with people who have been negative influences on them (e.g., drug dealers)
- Keeping unhealthy habits like smoking cigarettes or drinking too much alcohol despite wanting better health outcomes for themselves
Key Takeaway – Opioid Treatment Programs Can Help
If you’re wondering if your loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, there are some telltale signs to look out for. But if you suspect someone in your life may be suffering from this disease, it’s important not to jump the gun. As discussed above, there are many reasons why someone might start using drugs—which may not have anything to do with addiction. But if you find they are suffering from an addiction, you should look for opioid treatment programs to help your loved one recover.
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