If you’re concerned that a friend or family member could be abusing their prescription medication, It’s essential to be familiar with the signs of abuse. Although symptoms of opiate abuse aren’t always apparent, it can help identify a possible problem early and regularly encourage your loved ones to seek the help they need. If you have concerns about possible opiate addiction, Please call Sunstone Recovery today at 855.833.9199 for more information about our opiate rehab center.
What are The Dangers of Opiate Painkillers?
Opiates are a painkiller that includes codeine, morphine, heroin, and opium. These drugs are derived from opium, a natural chemical produced in poppy plants. These medications treat severe pain and are off-label for other health issues. These substances are similar to opioids, but they are naturally derived, while opioids are manufactured synthetic versions of these drugs. Despite their legitimate medicinal purposes, people who misuse opiates often develop increased tolerance and physical dependence, leading to long-term opiate addiction.
Abusing opiates, whether prescriptions or their street-level counterparts, poses a great danger for individuals. The most extreme side effects of opiate abuse are coma and death. The most significant risk from abusing painkillers is quitting with no outside professional help. Many people lose tolerance so quickly that they overdose on their first relapse after attempting to ingest a larger amount of the opiate than they can handle.
Signs of Opiate Abuse
Family members can often quickly determine when a loved one is battling drug or alcohol addiction. Their behaviors often spiral out of control, wreaking havoc on their environment and themselves. However, signs of opiate abuse might be more subtle. That’s why it’s so important to know what changes to look for and tell if someone is abusing opiate painkillers. Whether a person is using their prescriptions or purchasing heroin on the streets, many physical and behavioral signs indicate someone is under the influence of opiates. By catching opiate abuse early in its course, you can prevent an addiction spiral before it starts. Some signs of opiate abuse are:
Physical Changes
Individuals may display superficial changes in physical appearance due to hygiene, taking a backseat to their drug use. This could be a disheveled appearance or changes in how a person smells. Additionally, opiates depress the central nervous system, leading to actual physical changes in the body. Some physical signs that someone is high on opiates include:
- Constricted or pinpoint pupils
- Nodding off or having trouble staying awake
- Pale or flushed skin
- Itching of the face or arms
- Needle marks on the arm from shooting up
- Feeling nauseous or being constipated
- Decreased energy
- Confusion, delirium, or lack of responsiveness
- Slowed breathing
- In an opioid overdose, a person might appear to have a bluish tint and feel clammy and cold to the touch. If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 right away.
Behavioral and Emotional Changes
In addition to the physical changes that occur when someone is high on opiates, there are emotional and behavioral changes possible, as well. These include:
- Increased confidence levels and euphoria
- Defensiveness when asked about the drugs
- Impaired judgment and making risky choices
- Dramatic mood swings
- Sleeping more often than usual
- Buying medication off the street or visiting multiple doctors for the same prescriptions
- Slurred speech
Find Treatment for Opiate Abuse at Sunstone Recovery Today
If you or a loved one is abusing or addicted to opiates, it’s crucial to seek help as soon as possible. Although some people can adjust their destructive behaviors with guidance from a doctor, most need to receive substance abuse counseling services. Overcoming opiate addiction might seem scary, but it is entirely possible with the help of a licensed detox and rehab program. If you or a loved one is abusing opiates, contact us today at 855.833.9199 to sign up for our telehealth addiction treatment programs.
