Opioids are extremely addictive, and moving from medical use or casual recreational use to misuse, dependence, and addiction can happen quickly. If you are concerned about a loved one who is using opioids, you don’t want to be blindsided by a serious problem.
Understanding some of the red flags associated with opioid addiction can help you make informed decisions about broaching the topic with your loved one. You must talk to them about seeking an opioid abuse treatment program for professional, evidence-based care. At Insight Recovery Center near Asheville, NC, our mission is to provide comprehensive, quality care for those struggling with addiction.
Opioid dependence vs. addiction
The terms dependence and addiction are often used interchangeably, but they are actually different. A key factor in both scenarios is the development of tolerance. This occurs when a person using a drug, whether for pain relief or recreational purposes, needs increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effect. For instance, their pain may resurface before the next scheduled dose, or the euphoric high they once experienced diminishes despite taking the same amount. Tolerance often leads to individuals taking an opioid at an increased amount or frequency, which is a dangerous step that can lead to physical dependence, addiction, or both.
Opioid dependence is physical and means that the body cannot function normally without it. If the drug is withheld, withdrawal symptoms follow. Opioid addiction comes with complex psychological and behavioral symptoms such as cravings and an inability to stop despite risks and obvious negative consequences. Addiction and dependence often co-exist, but each can be present without the other. Physical dependence does not require rehab intervention, whereas addiction is a chronic psychological condition that needs to be treated.
How to tell if someone is addicted to opioids
You may notice some changed behaviors that don’t seem that significant, but when there are increasing signs and symptoms that concern you, pay attention to your gut. If your loved one is taking a prescription pain reliever like oxycodone, they have received information about the risks of dependence and addiction. However, that does not mean they cannot become addicted. At least you know they are using an opioid and can keep your antennae up for any possible concerning behaviors.
If you don’t know that your loved one is taking opioids but suspect they might be accessing them illegally, there are three main symptoms of opioid use.
What are three symptoms of opioid use?
Recognizing the signs of opioid misuse early can be key to getting someone the help they need. If someone is using opioids without a prescription or not as prescribed, you may notice:
- Pinpoint pupils not caused by direct bright light
- Drowsiness severe enough that they nod off at inappropriate times
- Secretive behavior, the result of trying to keep the truth of their drug use from family and friends
What are the five warning signs of addiction?
The key to identifying the signs of opioid addiction is to understand the types of symptoms that are common among those with an opioid use disorder (OUD). They include physical, behavioral, psychological, and cognitive aspects.
Perhaps the five overarching signs of addiction that are easiest to recognize are:
- Extreme changes in behavior such as secretiveness, lying, or stealing
- The onset of mood swings and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and dissociation
- Social changes such as self-isolation or an entirely new friend group
- Disorientation and poor concentration
- Degraded communication skills affecting interpersonal relationships
If you recognize any signs or symptoms of addiction in your loved one, consider professional treatment.
How professional treatment can help someone with an OUD
Accessing evidence-based care from licensed professionals has many benefits for those struggling with opioid addiction. Professional treatment provides not only medical support to manage withdrawal and reduce cravings, but also counseling and behavioral therapies that address the root causes of addiction. At Insight Recovery Center, your loved one will:
- Receive support and treatment in a trigger-free setting among caring peers and professionals
- Have access to a range of evidence-based treatments such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Have access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Attend peer support groups such as a 12-step program
- Learn mindfulness practices that are helpful in lasting recovery
- Learn life skills to ease the transition back to sober living
- Be supported by our aftercare program, post-discharge
Wrap-around care that includes these opportunities can significantly enhance the long-term success of your loved one’s sobriety.
Enroll in the opioid abuse treatment program at Insight Recovery Center today
If you are still not sure how to tell if someone is addicted to opioids, reach out to us by calling 828.826.1376 or using our online form to initiate contact. We want to help you help your loved one. The future is wide open for those suffering from addiction, and we offer the support that can make that future more accessible.