Opiate Addict Behavior Red Flags
Learn about opiate addict behavior, so you can help a loved one, or yourself, before it's too late.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reports that drug overdose deaths are the leading cause of injury deaths in the country today. The U.S. is home to a growing opioid epidemic. This national crisis has become a serious health issue that several government departments are working together to vigorously address. If you are concerned that a loved one may have an addiction to opiates, you should become familiar with what typical opiate addict behavior looks like:
- The individual displays a lack of motivation.
- The individual appears to be depressed.
- Conversely, the individual displays sporadic periods of hyperactivity.
- The individual often appears to have itchy skin.
- It appears that the person has lost a significant amount of weight.
- Mood swings or extreme behavior changes from one moment to the next are often witnessed.
- He or she seems to have a distorted perception of reality.
- The individual exhibits diminished coordination or slurred speech.
- The individual has become withdrawn socially and has lost interest in activities that he or she used to enjoy.
- The individual has been caught stealing or is involved in other illegal activities.
These are typical opiate addict behavior red flags to look for if you suspect a loved one is addicted to opiates. If you observe these signs, you can seek Shreveport opiate addiction treatment that is effective and can help save the life of your loved one before it is too late. Opiate rehab facilities offer programs that are very effective in helping those addicted to opiates get clean and back on track to living a sober life. Other signs that someone you know may be addicted to opiates, aside from the typical opiate addict behavior red flags mentioned above include problems at work or at school, financial difficulties, or isolation from friends/usual social network.
Opiate Rehab: Shreveport opiate addiction treatment facilities provide safe, medically managed detox.
If you spend enough time with a person who displays opiate addict behavior, you will most likely be around to witness when the addict goes through withdrawal at some point. Extended use of opiates leads to physical and psychological dependence. When an opiate addict suddenly stops taking opiates, whether they choose to or simply run out of a supply, withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear that include:
- Irritation or agitation
- Intense cravings for opiates that even become apparent to those around the addict, as he or she becomes unable to hide their desperation for the drug.
- Profuse sweating
- Muscle aches and cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Suicidal ideations
- Diarrhea
When a person makes the commitment to get help at an opiate rehab, they can undergo withdrawal that is safe and medically supervised by a team of doctors at a Shreveport opiate addiction treatment facility. Withdrawal from opiates is an ordeal that can be made much more comfortable for the addict when they choose to go through it at an opiate rehab. Treatment facilities are fully equipped to provide medications to ease the discomfort of opiate detox as well manage any other coexisting medical conditions the patient may have that could be affected by the detox process.
What are the risk factors for becoming addicted to opiates? According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors to be aware of before you start taking any prescription opioid medication include:
- If you have any past or present addictions to other substances, such as alcohol or tobacco.
- If there is any family history of substance abuse problems.
- Those who are in their teen years or early 20's are of higher risk of opiate addiction.
- If you have certain preexisting psychiatric conditions.
- If you have limited knowledge of or are not aware of the potential harm of the drug you are being prescribed.
Prescription drug use is also a growing problem for older adults. Not having enough knowledge about a medication before taking it can be deadly, especially for older adults who drink alcohol and unknowingly combine their prescription opiate medication with an alcoholic drink. This can lead to misuse, addiction, or even a fatal overdose. For more information about opiate addiction and opiate rehab help that is available, or to find help at a Shreveport opiate addiction treatment facility, call 318-550-3059 today, and learn about the programs offerd that can help you or a loved one break free from opiate addiction and begin a life in recovery.
Sources:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction