Opioid addiction is a growing problem worldwide, even here in the United States. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “Of the 20.5 million Americans 12 or older that had a substance use disorder in 2015, 2 million had a substance use disorder involving prescription pain relievers…”1 Unfortunately, this number is continuing to grow year after year. If you have concerns that you or a loved one may be dependent on opioids, watch out for these signs listed below and seek help from a treatment professional or facility
What to Look For?2
Signs of an opioid addiction may not appear suddenly, but rather, gradually. Some physical signs may include:
- Drowsiness
- Poor memory and concentration
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Slowed breathing
- Slow movement and reactions
- Mood swings
- Apathy and depression
These physical signs alone do not always signal an addiction, so it is important to also factor in behavioral changes such as:
- Becoming out of touch with family and friends
- Using larger amounts over time
- Neglecting things that used to be important to them
- Using money for drugs instead of necessities
- Having a change in attitude and a shorter “fuse”
- Asking for monetary loans
- Caring less about physical appearance
Steps Towards Treatment
If you are still unsure if you or a loved one shows signs of addiction to opioids, feel free to take a free assessment that may give some clarity. If there is a risk for addiction, treatment is available to help you find a solution towards a opioid-free life. AppleGate Recovery’s focus is to help those who have an opioid addiction make a positive change in their lives by beginning their journey towards recovery. If you live near Lake Charles, Louisiana, there is a clinic there that can help. They also have other locations if you do not live close to that area, there are options for treatment and people that care to help with your road to recovery. 1American Society of Addiction Medicine. (n.d.).
Opioid Addiction 2016 Facts & Figures . Retrieved May 4, 2017, from http://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf 2Signs & Symptoms of Prescription Pain Reliever Abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved May 04, 2017, from http://www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/signs-symptoms-pain-relievers.html