10 Telltale Signs That You’re Addicted to Opioids

Opioids consist of both synthetic opium and opium derived from poppy plants. This substance group contains morphine, heroin, hydrocodone, codeine, and oxycodone. Seemingly, Opioids are potent medicines or analgesics. When used as prescribed, they can relieve discomfort. On the other hand, using opioids recreationally provides feelings of well-being and euphoria.

Opioids are highly addictive substances. In fact, they are known to be the most addictive group of substances. Therefore, when someone is addicted to opioids, it should be dealt with adequate importance and urgency. So, in this article, we’ve discussed some telltale signs to confirm whether you are addicted to opioids. Check them out.

Understanding Addiction to Opioids

Opioids, which are more commonly known as narcotics, are typically employed for pain management and sleep induction. These medications are generated from the seeds or byproducts of opium poppy plants. Opium and morphine are examples of naturally occurring opiates. Most opiates are synthetic. For assistance regarding opioid addiction, you can check out NC online Suboxone doctors and get help for you or your loved ones.

In addition to its pain-relieving qualities, this class of drugs generates a tremendous sense of euphoria and security. Unfortunately, this makes opioids highly addictive. Numerous individuals with pain issues develop an addiction to pharmaceutical opiates such as hydrocodone and oxycodone.

Opiate abuse results in numerous harmful consequences for the user. The inability of the brain to generate endorphins is caused by prolonged opioid use. When the body cannot regulate and control pain adequately, opiate users might increasingly rely on the substance, as opiates are now utilized to manage pain and produce a general feeling of euphoria and contentment.

With time, a person will require more substance to achieve the base level of intoxication they initially experienced. This phenomenon is known as tolerance.

If opiate addict decides to quit taking opiates, their bodies will withdraw. A clutch of highly unpleasant symptoms may lead the person to seek more opiates to soothe these extremely unpleasant feelings.

Opiate addicts can, however, have a sober and fulfilling life after completing a proper treatment program and medical detoxification process.

Telltale Signs of Opiate Addiction

If a person is suffering from opioid addiction, they might display a wide variety of signs and symptoms. Following is a list of signs and symptoms of opioid addiction:

Lack of Motivation

Opioid addiction and withdrawal are known to cause a lack of motivation in the user. This is best described as becoming lethargic and reluctant to participate in regular activities, responsibilities, and chores.

Depression

Opioids are known to cause severe mood abnormalities. Depression is one of the more prominent ones. This includes having significantly low mood, hopelessness, and feeling almost incapacitated to regular activities.

Depression is a prevalent psychological issue that could have various reasons. However, opioid users are almost always known to suffer from it.

Weight Loss

Opioid use can severely affect the body in terms of appetite and metabolism. They are known to alter the chemical balance in the human body. In most cases, opioids affect the user’s appetite making them reluctant towards a usual food habit.

Moreover, Pantoprazole gastro resistant and domperidone in Hindi the effect of opioids on the human body’s metabolism can often get significantly severe. As a result, even with a good diet and food habits, an opiate user can lose significant weight unintentionally.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is more of an opioid withdrawal symptom. Regardless, it can indicate opioid dependence. If a regular opioid user or an addict does not use the substance for 1-2 days, most will get diarrhea as a withdrawal symptom. This can last anywhere from 3-5 days.

Cramping

Cramps are one of the most common withdrawal symptoms among opioid users. These cramps mainly affect the muscles in the arms, thighs, calf, upper and lower back, abdomen, and inner stomach. This symptom might last up to 2 weeks.

Cramps can be a severe discomfort. They are known to start from approximately 36 hours after the last opioid intake. Most opioid addicts report cramping whenever they are not using the substance.

Muscle and Joint Pain

This is a more severe version of cramping. Opioid users can get intense and debilitating muscle and joint pain. This symptom can start anywhere from 12 hours to 3 days after the last intake of opioids.

Regular painkillers typically do not provide any relief from the muscle and joint pain induced by opioid withdrawal. However, if an opioid addict takes another dose of the substance, this symptom tends to resolve.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be caused by opioids and are a physical manifestation of opioid withdrawal. It might be challenging to differentiate between the two. However, the majority of opioid addicts report nausea and vomiting after using opioids and after 4-6 days of taking the last dose of it.

Itchy Skin

Itching all over the body is a common sensation among opioid users. This happens mostly after using an opioid and not as a withdrawal symptom. People addicted to opioids are often scratching and itching all over their arms, legs, and bodies, sometimes violently.

Loss of Concentration and Coordination

Opioid addiction almost always leads to a loss of concentration and coordination. Addicts often find themselves struggling to focus on even the simplest tasks. It is also challenging for someone addicted to opioids to coordinate anything once they crave the substance.

Mood Swings

Opioid addiction causes severe and significantly unpredictable mood swings. An individual addicted to opioids might find themselves going through emotional turmoil. It’s almost like a roller coaster ride. This makes them very difficult to deal with.

Conclusion

Now that we discussed the top 10 telltale signs that you’re addicted to opioids, you can tell if you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction. Be mindful of the signs and symptoms and take the necessary course of treatment with utmost urgency.