Opioid addiction is the compulsive use of opioids even though someone suffers harmful consequences, and there are 12 signs of opioid addiction you should watch for.
Opioid addiction is an epidemic in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated 105,303 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2023.
If you are worried your loved one is using opioids, there are 12 signs to look for.
Signs of opioid addiction
- Inability to control opioid use
- Uncontrollable cravings for opioids
- Sleepiness
- Changes in sleep habits
- Weight loss
- Frequent flu-like symptoms
- Decreased libido
- Lack of hygiene
- Changes in exercise habits
- Isolation from family or friends
- Stealing from family, friends or businesses
- New financial difficulties
If you think a loved one, or even you, may have an addiction, contact your Marshfield Clinic Health System primary care provider.
Types of opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs doctors can prescribe to patients to reduce pain. But, opioids are addictive even when taken as prescribed.
“Many people start their opioid addiction by using opioids that are prescribed by a doctor,” said Dr. Matthew Stoflet, internal medicine physician for Marshfield Clinic. “However, once addicted, they might seek out other opioids like heroin that are cheaper and easier to get on the street.”
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There are three types of opioids:
- Prescription opioids can come from a doctor to treat moderate to severe pain. Common types of opioids used to treat pain include hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, morphine, codeine and fentanyl.
- Fentanyl is a synthetic or chemically-made opioid for pain relief. Fentanyl and similar compounds, like carfentanil, can be 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is more powerful than other opioids and is approved to treat severe pain, typically for advanced-stage cancer patients.
- Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive drug made from morphine, which comes from opium poppy plants. Heroin is an illegally-made opioid and its use has increased among all age groups and income levels. Some prescription opioids have effects like heroin. Research suggests misuse of these drugs may open the door to heroin use, according to the CDC.
How does someone become addicted to opioids?
Opioids interact with parts of the brain that relieve pain. They also create feelings of euphoria, or a “high” because dopamine is released that creates pleasure and reward. The person wants to continue to use the drug to get these feelings.
As the person becomes more addicted, they can find it harder to get pleasure from other activities. They will also start to use higher amounts of an opioid at a time increasing the risk of an overdose. High doses of an opioid can reduce breathing and lead to death.
After someone has repeatedly used an opioid, it can lead to a physical dependence on the drug. In this state, the body adapts to the presence of the drug and craves it. If someone tries to stop using the opioid, it can be extremely hard to stop.
“When someone has an opioid use disorder, he or she becomes physically dependent on opioids,” said Dr. Stoflet. “Opioid abuse symptoms can include cravings and sweating, also known as withdrawal.”
Treatment for opioid addiction
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT), counseling and support groups are typically involved in the treatment for opioid addiction.
“Treatment for opioid addiction is a long road and can be different for each person,” Dr. Stoflet said.
Doctors can prescribe medicines such as methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Therapy can help people address the underlying mental health issues that may have led to opioid addiction, and it can help with coping strategies to avoid relapse.
It can also be helpful for people with an opioid addiction to go to a support group. These can provide a sense of community, encouragement and accountability for the person.
RELATED ARTICLE: Steps after returning to alcohol or drug use
If you think a loved one, or even you, may have an addiction, contact your Marshfield Clinic Health System primary care provider.
Talk to your primary care provider if you think you have an opioid addiction.
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