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Opioid addiction is more widespread than you think. According to a 2019 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 10.1 million people above the age of 12 misused opioids in the past year. Of those people, 1.6 million were diagnosed with opioid use disorder or opioid addiction. If you suspect that someone in your life may have an opioid problem, look out for the following signs.
Signs of an Opioid Addiction
Change in Appearance
A person with an opioid addiction may look tired, pale, sick, and unkempt. Because opioid dependence can increase a person’s desire for sweet food, it can lead to weight gain or a loss of glycemic control. Prolonged intake of sugary foods can lead to visible deterioration of the teeth and gums. In addition, people who are addicted to opioids spend most of their time focusing on drug-seeking and will display a general lack of hygiene and self-care. They may forgo meals, live in messy and dirty conditions, neglect to bathe or brush their teeth, and suffer from infections.
Denial and Lying
Denial is a common sign of opioid misuse. People with opioid addictions typically brush off concerns about their opioid use because they feel that they are in control of their situation and do not want others to worry. Often, they are not fully aware of their slow slide into addiction until it is too late. When confronted about their opioid misuse, people with opioid addictions will lie about the extent of their addiction. They may find ways to disguise or hide their drug use. They may also lie about losing prescriptions or visit multiple doctors for the same problem in order to get more drugs.
Relationship Problems
Because opioid desire becomes all-consuming, people with opioid addictions find it hard to keep up with routine commitments or perform as normal in school or at work. They will begin to behave in a way that is out of character. For instance, previously diligent students who become addicted to opioids may skip classes and fail grades. Formerly friendly and hardworking workers may fight with colleagues and lose their jobs. The same issues can happen at home as the opioid-addicted individual spends less time paying attention to and caring for their loved ones.
Money Troubles
People with opioid addictions need money to maintain their drug use. Opioid cravings and the desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms are strong motivators that can become more important than loved ones or the law. People with opioid addictions may try to borrow money from friends and family under false pretenses. They may sell prized family possessions or steal to fund their habit. When they are unable to access or afford legal prescription drugs like oxycodone, opioid-addicted individuals may turn to illegal substances like heroin.
Opioid Addiction Risk Factors
Certain individuals have a greater risk of developing an opioid addiction. People who experience severe chronic pain or are recovering from surgery or injuries may be prescribed opioids as part of their pain management plan. These medications are safe when used as prescribed. However, they can easily be misused. Some people take higher doses, increase the frequency of doses, extend the medication duration, mix medication with other substances, or use it in a non-prescribed fashion (such as injection instead of ingestion). These actions can lead to opioid addiction.
Additional risk factors for opioid addiction can include heavy tobacco use, a personal or family history of drug or alcohol misuse, and a background of criminal or legal problems. Often, people who suffer from opioid addictions live in high-risk environments and experience poverty, unemployment, and severe daily stress. Many people with opioid addictions are young and could have problems with social and working relationships. Others may have a history of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and are known for engaging in risky and thrill-seeking behavior.
How to Treat Opioid Addiction
Since many of the contributing factors of opioid addiction are social and psychological, effective addiction treatment should include not only opioid detoxification but also therapy, behavior counseling, and recovery transition support. People with opioid addictions usually enroll in a rehabilitation program where they are given assistance to manage drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In-patient treatment involves intense, round-the-clock care, and minimal exposure to triggers. Out-patient treatment is less intense, more flexible, and generally more affordable.
Drug rehabilitation doctors use medication such as Soboxone to treat opioid addiction. Suboxone is a medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. It binds to the same neural receptors as opioids like oxycodone and heroin and blunts the feeling of intoxication from these drugs. It also prevents cravings and suppresses withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone therapy has been proven effective in helping people with opioid addictions return to a normal life. However, since addiction relapses are common, after-care services should be in place to ensure that people in recovery stay drug-free.
If your loved one is suffering from opioid addiction, seek treatment as soon as possible by contacting a reputable substance abuse treatment provider near you. The right treatment setting varies for each individual so be sure to choose a treatment provider who focuses on lasting recovery and will customize a plan that addresses your needs.
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