The opioid epidemic has ravaged individuals and families across our society. If you have not personally had a family member who has faced problems with opioid addiction, it’s sadly likely that a friend of yours has. Opioids are potent and addictive substances.
Since the opioid epidemic is now well-known, doctors and patients are better informed. Even still, opiates are often prescribed for pain relief following an injury or surgery. Recovery from opioid addiction is possible, especially with early intervention. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, we encourage you to reach out to Fresh Start Recovery Center today to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment program in Maryland. Contact Fresh Start at 833.625.0398 to speak with a trained professional who can help discuss a personalized treatment plan that makes sense for your particular situation.
5 Common Signs of Opioid Use
1. Uncontrollable Cravings, Tolerance, and Withdrawal
If you or your loved one has been spending more time seeking out opioids than previously, then it is likely their substance abuse disorder has shifted from mild to moderate.
Someone may have been initially prescribed pharmaceutical opioids but is now seeking more or claiming to need higher doses than previously or else has taken an even more worrisome step and started to seek out street drugs such as heroin or fentanyl.
Over time, an individual with an opioid addiction develops tolerance and feels the need to increase their use in order to battle withdrawal symptoms.
Contrary to popular belief, those with addictions are often not seeking a better high or even a high at all so much as a sense of relief. A habit turns into a routine. Those with addictions are often simply doing what feels like daily maintenance.
2. Instability
A person suffering from an addiction is likely to experience mood changes as well as changes in their sleep patterns. Behavioral changes are also extremely common.
2. Lies and Excuses
Addiction tends to turn people into liars. This is not because they are bad people but because their addiction causes them to make poor decisions. A person with a substance abuse disorder is often embarrassed and feels a deep sense of shame about the way their life has become increasingly focused on their addiction. This results in people making excuses for risky behavior and other problematic choices.
4. Loss of Interest and Isolation
Addiction rewires a person’s brain, so they become hyper-focused on obtaining and using an addictive substance. Those with substance abuse disorders will often spend more and more of their time focused on their habit. They often lose interest in hobbies, stop seeing friends and family, and become more and more isolated.
5. Suicidal Ideation
Those with addictions are at an increased risk of suicide. If a person you care about is talking about having thoughts of suicide, it is always a serious matter. People with substance abuse disorders are often in a great deal of psychic pain. Without proper help, it can feel like your life is spinning out of control. If a person cannot see the path to recovery, they may think the only way out is to take their own life. It’s important to keep in mind that recovery is always possible. If someone is talking about suicide, it is a call for help and time for an intervention.
Reach Out to Fresh Start Today for Opioid Addiction Treatment
The medical professionals at Fresh Start Recovery Center in Maryland are ready to help you on your path to recovery. Don’t let your fears about cravings and withdrawal stop you from seeking the treatment you need. The road to recovery is always possible. Contact Fresh Start at 833.625.0398 to address any of your concerns with a trained professional who can help you develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
