7 Signs Your Loved One is Addicted to Opioids

Do you think a loved one might be addicted to opioids? Have you experienced behaviors of a loved one that doesn’t add up, or doesn’t seem like “them”? Knowing the signs can help you identify whether a loved one might be using drugs or addicted to a substance.

 

Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription pain medicines and illegal drugs such as heroin. Users either use a prescription drug form or as an illegal drug on the streets like heroin.  Opioid addiction can come out of nowhere for the most unexpecting of users. Though opioids can be prescribed by a doctor to treat pain, their misuse may lead to a dependency or addiction, resulting in what is known as an “opioid use disorder.” 

 

The Signs all Lead to…

 

The signs can vary when someone is suffering from Substance Use Disorder. While not all of the signs below mean someone is using opioids or another drug, these are common differences you might see in people with Opioid Use Disorder.

 

Priorities

The user will almost every time move their priorities to the back seat. There comes a time when a user no longer cares for things they used to care for in the past. The drug is put before everything including relationships, family, job, hobbies and friends.

 

Isolation

The user becomes extremely isolated and would rather be alone than be with their family and loved ones, for fear of being found out. Functioning addicts work only to fuel their addiction. The drug becomes more important than rent, bills and even food. 

 

No longer caring

The only thing a user cares about is how they are going to get the next high. When a user becomes addicted to a drug it has all the power over the user. Drugs don’t care what color your skin is or if you are a male or female, rich or poor, young or old it will take over the user’s life. Money disappears to the drug constantly. It doesn’t matter how much a user spend it only matters that they get their fix. It can become so bad that a user doesn’t take the drugs to get high anymore they take them so they don’t get sick with withdrawal. 

 

Stealing

It makes a user rob, steal, pawn precious items of meaning, even steal from friends and family. It’s not to hurt them it’s so a user doesn’t go into withdrawal. An addict will drop anything and everything he is doing to get drugs. We stay by our phones at all times and pray the dealer calls. 

 

A user becomes a slave to the drug and it takes over their life. Nothing matters but the drug. 

 

Financial Problems

When a person without addiction holds twenty dollars in their hand they can see countless ways they can use it. When an addict sees twenty dollars in hand it is seen as drugs PERIOD. Users get to the point where they don’t care about personal hygiene or how they look and dress. A user may lose weight because they have no money for food. Any money they have is going to the habit first before taking care of their own wellbeing. Users run out of money much faster due to their addiction. Addiction is so powerful that it can make users do things they would never normally do. It’s powerful 

 

Mood

Extreme anxiety and mood swings can kick in sporadically. If someone you know seems to go through periods of extreme mood swings, along with any of the signs above, they could be suffering from Substance Use Disorder.  Extreme mood swings can be part of a physical symptom withdrawal.

 

Physical symptoms of use and withdrawal.

  • The inability to control opioid use
  • Uncontrollable cravings
  • Drowsiness
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent flu-like symptoms
  • Decreased libido
  • Lack of hygiene

 

What do I do now?

Seek the support of your family and friends and choose a program that fits your life. 

 

When considering a program, look for inpatient or outpatient facilities that will accommodate your needs. Talk with someone who can help you choose what fits your needs. These things will help set you up for success in your recovery.

 

If you suspect that someone you know might be struggling with substance use, reach out to them in a supportive manner and encourage them to seek help and assure them you will help them every step of the way. 

 

 

 

Call us today at 844.728.4929 or Text HOPE TO 47177, we can help.

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