DRUG REHAB
Signs & Symptoms of Opiate Addiction
The terms “opiates” and “opioids” are often used interchangeably when discussing addiction, however, from the scientific point of view, there is a difference.
Opiates are naturally derived from plant matter and include morphine, codeine, heroin and opium. Opioids are synthesised in a lab and include drugs such as tramadol, hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl.
Getting help for Opiate Abuse
Regardless of definition, opiate abuse or opioid abuse can cause physical and psychological symptoms. Recognising the signs is the first step toward getting help.
Though the road ahead may seem dark, opiate addiction can be treated effectively with the right medical support and by addressing the root causes. The fight against addiction starts with awareness of the signs and symptoms, enabling you to take the necessary steps for yourself or a loved one.
Signs of an Opiate Abuse Problem
The signs and symptoms of opioid abuse can manifest physically, behaviorally, and psychologically. A definitive indicator of addiction is the inability to cease using opioids. This may appear as using the medication more frequently than prescribed, taking a higher dose than recommended, or using someone else’s prescription. Another hallmark of addiction is prioritising the immediate rewards (the “high”) of the drug despite being aware of the potential consequences.
Being aware is the first step to getting help for yourself, a family member, or anyone in your community you’re concerned about. Opiates are highly addictive and can change brain chemistry after just a few uses. The rush of dopamine and endorphins takes over your central nervous system, leading to physical dependence. Many people turn to opiates to deal with stress, discontent, or trauma, which creates a tough psychological hold. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and help break the cycle.
The signs of opiate dependence and addiction are physical and mental symptoms, differences in behaviour, and disruptions in an individual’s personal and professional life. Seeing these signs in a loved one will allow you to convince them to seek professional help and intervene as quickly as possible before the condition worsens.
Opiate addiction is a serious condition, but it can be overcome with mutual support and help from qualified professionals. Regardless of past attempts and setbacks, the battle against addiction is not hopeless, so never give up. The first step towards recovery is to acknowledge the problem and seek help. Treatment options include inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, therapy sessions, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment.
In addition to seeking professional help, there are steps individuals can take to prevent opioid abuse. These include properly disposing of unused medications, following prescription guidelines strictly, and finding alternative ways to manage pain or cope with stress. It’s also crucial for healthcare providers to carefully monitor patients who are prescribed opioids and regularly assess their need for continued use.
Furthermore, communities can play a significant role in combating opioid abuse by raising awareness, providing access to resources, and implementing harm reduction strategies. This can involve educating the public on the signs of addiction and how to safely use and dispose of opioids.
Physical Signs of Opiate Dependence
Despite their euphoric effects, chronic opiate use causes visible signs and long-term health problems. Opiates alter brain chemistry, disrupting your body’s balance. Thus, physical signs of dependence stem from both harmful chemicals and your body’s inability to function without them.Identifying opiate abuse can be crucial for early intervention and treatment. Here are some of the main physical signs of opiate abuse:
- Constricted Pupils - Often referred to as "pinpoint" pupils, which remain small even in low light conditions.
- Drowsiness or Sedation - Frequent nodding off or extreme lethargy.
- Slurred Speech - Difficulty speaking clearly due to impaired motor functions.
- Flushed or Itchy Skin - Users may exhibit red, flushed skin or frequent scratching due to histamine release.
- Nausea & Vomiting - Common side effects of opiate use.
- Constipation - Opiates slow down the digestive system leading to bowel movement issues.
- Respiratory Depression - Slowed or irregular breathing patterns, which can be life-threatening.
- Injection Marks - Visible injection sites on arms, legs, or other areas, often accompanied by bruising or scarring. This is however true only for heroin and other cases of administering opiates or opioids intravenously. People taking codeine, tramadol and other per os substances take much longer to develop physical signs that their friends or family could recognise.
- Coordination Problems - Impaired ability to perform physical tasks smoothly.
- Weight Loss - Sudden and significant loss of weight due to neglect of nutrition and overall health.
Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day
Start the Opiate Rehabilitation Process Today
Finding the best opiate treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
Psychological Signs of Opiate Addiction
Although less visible, especially since the person struggling with addiction can try to hide those symptoms, opiate addiction can severely hurt a person’s mental health. The “high” you experience after taking opiates comes due to the rush of dopamine, serotonin, and other brain chemicals, but unfortunately, it comes with a huge price. Opiates and opioids, much like other drugs, create significant chemical, neuronal, and hormonal imbalances.
People who are addicted to opiates can experience mood swings, irritability, aggression, and even depression. The mental health effects of opiate addiction can also have a significant impact on relationships. The changes in brain chemistry and behaviour can strain family dynamics and lead to withdrawal from social activities and isolation.
It’s essential for loved ones to understand the complexities of addiction and provide support without enabling destructive behaviours.
Studies on opiate addicts have shown disruptions and deterioration in various brain circuits due to substance abuse. Opiate abuse can disrupt cognitive function, exacerbate symptoms of other mental health disorders, and leave trauma and other sources of stress unaddressed because it’s used to hide those issues. Unfortunately, prolonged opiates and opioids abuse will lead to cellular and molecular changes in the brain, some of which can be irreversible.
Psychological signs of opiate dependence to watch out for
Opiate abuse not only affects the physical health of an individual but also has significant psychological impacts. Here are some of the main psychological signs of opiate abuse:
- Euphoria - A heightened state of well-being and happiness that is often followed by periods of depression.
- Mood Swings - Rapid changes in mood, ranging from elation to irritability or depression.
- Anxiety - Increased feelings of worry or fear that may be unfounded or exaggerated.
- Depression - Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of interest in activities once enjoyed.
- Cognitive Impairment - Difficulty concentrating, poor decision-making, and memory problems.
- Paranoia - Unjustified suspicion and distrust of others.
- Agitation - Restlessness and discomfort, sometimes leading to aggressive behaviour.
- Social Withdrawal - Isolation from family, friends, and social activities.
- Obsession - Preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug.
- Impaired judgement - Engaging in risky or reckless behaviours without considering the consequences.
- Memory Loss - The person suddenly becomes more scattered. Both long-term and short-term memory can be affected.
If you notice these psychological signs in someone, it’s crucial to encourage them to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Behavioural and Social Consequences of Opiate Use
The damage to a person’s physical and mental health and the need to constantly manage cravings will inevitably change how an individual treats loved ones and friends, carries themselves at work, and their general attitude toward life. The combination of physical and psychological symptoms can lead to poor decision-making, risky behaviours, and strained relationships.
Additionally, opioid abuse can also have a significant impact on society. It is estimated that over 250,000 people in the UK and two million people in the United States are addicted to opioids. This not only affects individuals and their families but also has economic implications due to lost productivity and healthcare costs.
Behavioural and social signs of opiate abuse
Opiate abuse can have profound behavioural and social consequences that affect various aspects of an individual’s life. Here are some of the main consequences:
- Neglect of Responsibilities - Ignoring personal, professional, or academic obligations.
- Risky Behaviour - Engaging in dangerous activities such as driving under the influence or unsafe sexual practices.
- Secrecy & Lying - Being dishonest about whereabouts, actions, and usage to hide the addiction.
- Stealing & Fraud - Committing theft or fraud to obtain money for drugs.
- Loss of Interest - Disinterest in hobbies, activities, and relationships once enjoyed.
- Poor Performance - Decline in work or school performance due to lack of focus and absenteeism.
- Aggressive or Violent Behaviour - Heightened irritability leading to conflicts and physical confrontations.
- Strained Relationships - Conflict with family, friends, and loved ones due to behaviour changes and trust issues.
- Isolation - Withdrawal from social activities and support networks.
- Financial Problems - Spending large amounts of money on drugs, leading to debt and financial instability.
- Legal Issues - Arrests and legal problems related to drug possession, theft, or other illegal activities.
- Homelessness - Risk of losing housing due to inability to pay rent or mortgage.
- Unemployment - Job loss or difficulty maintaining employment.
- Loss of Custody - Risk of losing custody of children due to inability to provide a stable environment.
Addressing these behavioural and social consequences often requires comprehensive treatment and support systems, including counselling, rehabilitation, and community resources.
Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawals
Occasionally, opiate addicts might feel “brave” and attempt to fix their addiction by going “cold turkey”. This is a highly risky strategy and can lead to severe health implications and even death. Lethal outcomes of opiate withdrawals are well-documented. Symptoms of opiate withdrawals include dysphoria, insomnia, muscle aches, fever, sweating, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The latter two are incidentally the most widespread causes of death – in simple terms, the person can die of dehydration unless weaning off opiates happens in a medically-controlled environment. Suddenly stopping opiates or trying to lower doses can shock your body and create many withdrawal symptoms affecting your physical and mental health.
Opiate withdrawal symptoms to look out for
Opiate withdrawal can be intense and challenging, involving a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Here are some of the main opiate withdrawal symptoms:
- Muscle Aches - Pain and discomfort in muscles and joints.
- Sweating - Excessive perspiration even without physical exertion.
- Chills - Feeling cold or experiencing shivering.
- Nausea & Vomiting - Gastrointestinal distress leading to frequent vomiting.
- Diarrhoea - Loose, watery stools and abdominal cramping.
- Dilated Pupils - Enlarged pupils, often sensitive to light.
- Runny Nose & Watery Eyes - Similar to cold or allergy symptoms.
- Yawning - Frequent yawning unrelated to tiredness.
- Elevated Heart Rate and Blood Pressure - Increased cardiovascular activity.
- Insomnia - Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Anxiety - Heightened sense of worry or fear.
- Irritability - Increased agitation and frustration.
- Restlessness - Inability to stay still, feeling unsettled.
- Depression - Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Cravings - Intense desire to use the drug again to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Opiate withdrawal symptoms to look out for
Nearly half of drug-poisoning deaths still involve opiates. In 2022, a total of 2,261 drug-overdose deaths involved opiates, marking a 1.9% increase from the 2,219 deaths recorded in 2021. Opiates were implicated in nearly half (46.1%) of all drug-poisoning deaths registered in 2022.
Chronic use of opiates increases the chance of overdosing because your body builds a tolerance toward the substance.
In the beginning, the “high” you get from a dose of opiates can feel like a stark difference in how you feel and think.
However, the more you take, the more your body gets accustomed to the substance leading to requiring more frequent and higher doses to get the same “high”.
Here is a comprehensive list of opiate overdose symptoms
Opiate overdose is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Here are the main symptoms of an opiate overdose:
- Pinpoint Pupils - Extremely small pupils that do not respond to light.
- Unconciousness - Inability to wake up, even when shaken or spoken to loudly.
- Slow or Shallow Breathing - Respiratory depression, characterised by very slow or irregular breathing.
- Blue Lips and Fingernails - Cyanosis due to lack of oxygen.
- Cold, Clammy Skin - Skin that feels unusually cold and sweaty to the touch.
- Weak Pulse - Slow or erratic heartbeat.
- Gurgling Sounds - Also known as the "death rattle," indicating airway obstruction.
- Muscle Weakness - Lethargy and lack of physical strength.
- Vomiting - Nausea and expulsion of stomach contents.
- Seizures - Uncontrolled shaking or convulsions in some cases.
- Extreme Drowsiness - Unable to stay awake even when stimulated.
- Disorientation - Confusion and inability to understand surroundings or follow simple instructions.
If you suspect someone is experiencing an opiate overdose, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Recognizing these symptoms and acting quickly can save a life.
f you suspect that someone near you is experiencing an opiate overdose, immediately call 999. While waiting for medical help, try to keep them awake and resting so they don’t start choking.
Dealing with opiate addiction can be challenging, but it is not impossible. The first step is recognising that you have a problem and seeking help. Many people try to hide their addiction or deny it because of shame and guilt. However, acknowledging your addiction is crucial in starting your recovery journey.
Opiate addiction treatment requires a comprehensive approach, which tackles all the underlying reasons behind addiction and also offers effective management of the various symptoms and problems that arise due to the use of opiates.
The most effective treatment for opiate addiction will begin with an individual action plan, which considers a person’s health condition, potentially co-occurring conditions, the severity of the addiction, and other essential factors to craft a personalised treatment strategy.
Opiate dependence treatment begins with a detox, preferably in an inpatient programme, due to the highly addictive nature of opiates, which can cause intense withdrawal symptoms that qualified medical professionals must manage.
Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day
