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Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

It can be difficult to tell if someone you care about is using heroin or fentanyl, or is misusing prescription pain medication. This is particularly true if that medication has been prescribed for an injury or illness. Individuals misusing opioids may develop a dependency, leading to increased usage of the drug. When someone takes more of the substance at higher doses, a tolerance may be built up, causing the person to take even more to feel the desired effect.

As an individual’s use progresses, whether recreationally or medically, the same physical tolerance develops. In certain people, their use of opioids will develop into full-blown addiction. There are some tell-tale physical and behavioral signs that a person is misusing opioids and has developed an opioid use disorder or “addiction”.

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Physical Signs of Opiate Addiction

These common physical signs of opioid use or addiction can be seen when a person has recently used opioids, but might also become more common as a side effect of long-term opiate use.

Lady Showing Symptoms Of Opioid Abuse
  • Sedation, drowsiness, lack of energy
  • Very small pupils
  • Nodding off
  • Slowed, shallow breathing
  • Constipation
  • Itching or constant scratching
  • Lack of coordination
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • “Track Marks” or scars from intravenous use in arms, hands, or other parts of the body.

Behavioral Signs of Opiate Addiction

When an individual is misusing opioids, there can be noticeable changes to their behavior and moods. Each person is different, but some or all of the following signs may be present.

  • Noticeable elation or euphoria
  • Sudden, dramatic mood swings
  • Avoiding social situations, isolation
  • Dishonesty, secrecy
  • Issues with work, family and friends
  • Legal issues, arrests
  • Inability to fulfill commitments
  • Sudden financial problems, seeking quick cash
  • Changes in habits or routines
  • Using more medication than prescribed
  • “Doctor shopping” or visiting multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions for opioids

Opioid Withdrawal
Symptoms

Once a person has begun to misuse opioids, their body will begin to depend upon the presence of the drugs for them to feel “normal”. When they do not have opioids, they may experience the following withdrawal symptoms similar to having the flu.

  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Preoccupation with obtaining more drugs
  • Runny nose, tearing
  • Gooseflesh
  • Restlessness
  • Lack of energy, fatigue, yawning
  • Sleeplessness
  • Irritability, anxiety
  • Shaking, tremors
  • Stomach cramps
  • Leg cramps

Long-Term Effects of Opiate Addiction

There are a number of serious side effects and health issues associated with the long-term use of opiates. These can range from the persistent presence of those symptoms experienced in early addiction to chronic, life threatening illnesses as use progresses. Some effects are more prevalent for individuals who used drugs intravenously.

  • Gastrointestinal issues including constipation, intestinal obstruction and bowel perforation
  • Weakened immune system function
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Significant respiratory deterioration, pneumonia, tuberculosis
  • Hormonal imbalances which are difficult to stabilize or repair
  • Depression, anxiety and other mental disorders
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Scarred, collapsed, damaged veins with abscesses, boils
  • Bacterial infections of blood vessels and heart valves
  • Blood-borne viruses including Hepatitis B and C, HIV and AIDS

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