If you are worried that someone close to you has a problem with opioid addiction, then you might be looking for more information that can help you determine if your feelings may be right. The information you are about to read here can help to answer some of the questions that you may have about the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction.
Physical signs of opioid addiction
There are many signs and symptoms that can come with an addiction to opioids, and if you know what some of those signs are, then you will know specifically what to watch for in your loved one. Here are some of the physical signs that someone may exhibit if they are addicted to opioids:
A significant change in their appearance — Someone who is addicted to opioids will likely show some drastic changes physically. They may have lost weight without appearing to be dieting or working out. They may also start not bathing regularly, stop caring about doing their hair, stop putting on makeup when they used to wear it regularly, start dressing in sloppy clothing when they used to dress nicely, etc.
They may have dopey looking eyes — It may be hard for you to tell if they are on anything by looking at their pupils if you have no idea what to look for in different types of lighting. But, a person who is addicted to opioids will likely have pinpoint pupils. What can be easier to notice is that they will have periods where their eyelids will droop, covering more of their eyes than what's normal, and they will look out of it.
They may nod out — A person who is high on opioids may nod out anywhere and at any time, and then, they can jump when the slightest noise is made or even for no reason at all.
Behavioral signs of opioid addiction
There are a lot of different behavioral signs that you may notice in your loved one if they are addicted to opioids, and just some of the many changes you might see in their behavior can include:
Lying about use — Someone who is abusing opioids will be good at lying, and they will lie any time they are questioned about their usage.
Becoming unreliable — Someone with an addiction problem will be unreliable. They will miss work, miss meetings, and miss family gatherings; they will miss any plans, or if they do show up, it will be on their time frame.
Stealing — Many people who are addicted to opioids will steal in order to get more. These people won't have their own money to buy more because they may have been fired for being unreliable, as described above.
Conclusion
Now you have a better idea of some of the things you may notice happening with your loved one if they are addicted to opioids. If you think you or someone you know needs help with opioid addiction, contact an opioid addiction treatment center.