With opiate addiction becoming an epidemic in the United States, more than 130 people are dying every day from opiate overdoses, with opiate overdoses suddenly becoming the leading cause of accidental death in America. Identifying signs of opiate addiction can help you or a loved one access treatment and receive the support you need to recover to avoid the harmful, and sometimes fatal, consequences of opiate addiction. Addiction can deplete finances, hurt relationships and pose serious health threats and impacts all races, genders and age groups.
Over 2.1 million Americans struggle with an opiate addiction annually, and, in 2018, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency.
The signs of opiate addiction may not always be obvious, but below is a guide on how to identify the classic signs of opiate addiction, the risks that opiate addiction poses and how to find help.
Common Signs of Opiate Addiction
Sometimes, addiction is not easy to see. While some addicts may have physical symptoms that impact their appearance, many people struggling with addiction and chemical dependency can hide signs of opiate addiction. Opiate addiction can impact your physical appearance, causing weight loss, pale skin, and dark circles under your eyes. Weight loss can sometimes be severe. Other signs of opiate addiction are increased isolation, avoiding social activities, diminishing grades or work performance and changes in personality.
Classic signs of opiate addiction can also include:
- Financial issues, such as an inability to pay bills
- Suspicious behavior, such as staying out late or lying about whereabouts
- Poor decision making
- Failing to meet obligations
- An altered state of mind and mood swings
- Increased drowsiness, slurred speech, and issues with “nodding off”
- Difficulty keeping a job
Risks Associated with Opiate Addiction
Signs of opiate addiction carry serious potential risks, most notably the increases likelihood of experiencing a fatal overdose. Opiate overdoses have become more common and can carry risks other than death. Serious overdoses can lead to permanent brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.
Drug addiction also increases the risks of contracting infections and other preventable diseases. Because of the high financial costs of maintaining an addiction, opiate addiction can destroy your ability to pay bills, such as rent, car payments, and utilities.
Opiate addiction not only impacts happiness and your standard of living but can also interfere with work and school obligations and even custody of your children.
Relationships suffer from addiction issues. Partners are more likely to divorce their spouse if they are suffering from a substance abuse issue. Some health risks, such as severe weight loss, could be a sign of opiate addiction.
Finding Help
Dealing with opiate addiction is difficult, especially without help. If you are concerned that you are experiencing signs of opiate addiction, treatment is the best way to achieve long term recovery. An individualized treatment program that can provide therapy, counseling, detox, and aftercare support can greatly improve treatment outcomes. Treatment varies depending on the severity of your addiction. However, it can include medical detoxification services, short-term and long-term inpatient and residential care, sober housing and outpatient therapy.
If you are experiencing the signs of opiate addiction and looking for the best opiate addiction treatment center Denver Colorado offers, Red Rock Recovery Center provides years of industry-leading experience to help you on your journey towards recovery. Contact us today at *DM_DirectNumber format=period linked=true* for more information about our programs.
