Opioids are a class of drugs that can be prescribed for pain relief or obtained illegally in the form of heroin. Although safe when used correctly, opioid misuse can lead to dependence and addiction. Certain changes in a loved one who is taking opioids can indicate addiction requiring “drug rehab programs near me.” Here are some signs to watch for.
Physical Signs
There are several physical signs that can indicate a loved one may have developed an opioid addiction. They may seem to be exhibiting a noticeable amount of intense happiness or euphoria.
Addiction can also manifest itself in the form of intense drowsiness. They may also exhibit signs of confusion, be breathing more slowly than normal, or have constricted pupils. Problems sleeping can be another physical sign.
Social Signs
Those who are struggling with addiction will typically abandon social activities they once enjoyed in favor of isolation. They may also miss appointments, workdays, and other obligations they were previously able to meet. They may spend a lot of time curled up in their room.
Where they may previously have maintained emotional stability, a loved one can exhibit intense mood swings. They may also become defensive at being asked even the most general questions about their life. If it seems like your loved one is consistently losing their medication, this is also a sign of possible addiction.
They may also seem to be calling multiple doctors to get a prescription or taking opioids in case they experience pain. Both of these are signs of misuse. Making poor decisions that place others at risk is definitely a concern.
Financial Signs
Your loved one may be experiencing financial problems where there wasn’t a problem before. They may be borrowing money, which can indicate that they are no longer meeting their work obligations. They may downplay their financial problems or lie about why they need to borrow money.
Pay Attention to Changes in Yourself
In addition to the changes you may notice in your loved one, there are also signs to look for in yourself. For example, if you’re increasingly worried about your loved one, this is a sign you should pay attention to. The same is true if you’ve made excuses for or lied to protect your loved one.
Because of their behavior, you may have found yourself withdrawing from your loved one to avoid getting into confrontations with them. As well, you may have thought about calling the police on more than one occasion when you suspected your loved one was using.
Although it can be difficult to admit a loved one has a problem with opioids, the reality is that by waiting it out, the danger to their physical, mental, and emotional health increases. Addiction is a disease with several signs, and the only way to break the cycle is to get opioid detox and treatment.
BriteLife Recovery is dedicated to providing personalized addiction treatment for adult men and women. Our effective treatment programs give those struggling with addiction the tools they need for long-term recovery. Find “opioid treatment centers near me.”