Learn the Signs
Information provided by DMHAS Live Loud:
Opioid addiction does not discriminate. It could happen to anyone at any point in life. However, there are some risk factors to look out for if you’re worried that you or your loved one is involved with opioids.
Emotional Signs of Addiction:
- Confusion
- Depression
- Acting out
- Language
- Mood swings
- Strong desire to use opioids
Source: Opioid Addiction (2020)
Physical Signs of Addiction:
- Increased tolerance (needing to use more over time to get the same effect)
- Having signs of withdrawal after stopping or reducing use
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Constipation
- Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Itching and sweating
- Inability to control or reduce use
Source: Opioid Addiction (2020)
Lifestyle Signs of Addiction:
- Trouble meeting social or work commitments and/or responsibilities
- Spending large amounts of time and money to get opiates
- Loss of job
- Weight loss
- Change in housing (i.e. losing home, homelessness)
- New, unfamiliar friends
- Having legal problems due to drug use
Source: Opioid Abuse (2020)
Environmental Signs of Addiction:
- Burned carpets
- Black fingers/smudges
- Pen parts/straws
- Torn corners of plastic baggies
- Crushed pills/white powders
- Burnt foil/spoons/tea candle tins
- Torn Q-tip buds, cut cigarette filters
- Plastic bottle caps
- Folded receipts/lottery tickets
- Blood Spots in sink/bedding/clothes
Source: Know the Signs (2020)
Long-Term Health Effects:
Using opioids for a long time can harm the body with health effects that include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakened immune system
- Slow breathing rate
- Coma
- Increased risk of HIV or infectious disease
- Increased risk of hepatitis
- Hallucinations
- Collapsed veins or clogged blood vessels