Recognizing the Early Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is becoming more and more common each year. In fact, statistics show that prescription opioid drug overdoses have increased to three times the amount in the past three years. If you or your loved one is using opioids, you need to watch out for these early signs of opioid addiction.

Using More Than What the Doctor Prescribed

This is one of the first signs that someone is addicted or getting addicted to opioids. If you start using more than what the doctor prescribed, it might be time to consult your doctor or seek opioid dependence treatment. This can also be accompanied by a failure to stop using opioids. Usually, when you get a prescription for opioids, it will be used to address a particular issue, and once that issue is resolved, you must stop using the drugs. If you can't stop, then it's a sign you are addicted.

Physical Signs of Opioid Addiction

There are several physical signs that point to opioid addiction. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to seek opioid dependence treatment as soon as you can:

  • Slow breathing rate
  • Getting agitated a lot
  • Poor decision making
  • Mood swings
  • Abandoning your responsibilities
  • Getting irritated easily
  • Being depressed all the time
  • Lack of motivation
  • Anxiety attacks

If you notice any of these signs, combined with the abnormal craving of the drug, and you feel like you no longer have control over the urge to take it, then you must quickly seek treatment.

Troubles Caused By Early Opioid Addiction

Once you start getting addicted to opioids, you will start experiencing some problems that you didn't have before. For instance, the troubles may be with your health, finances, and school. Opioid drugs can even affect your relationships. These changes in your behavior are an early sign of opioid addiction as well. If you keep taking too much of the drug, you can even end up overdosing. Please note that opioid overdose is a serious medical condition. Signs of an overdose include unresponsiveness, slow breathing, vomiting, and passing out. This should be treated as an emergency medical condition.

These are some of the signs of early opioid addiction. Once you notice any of these signs, it's advisable to seek treatment as soon as you can. The sooner you seek opioid dependence treatment, the sooner the problem can be addressed, and you can return to your life.

Copyright © 2020 - Desert Palm MAT Clinic. All rights reserved.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram