The signs of opioid addiction are in the numbers, but those that are struggling with it can not see that at first. It is estimated that 10.1 million Americans abused opioids within the last year. At centers such as https://www.vsmdetoxaustin.com/ experts know that this disease kills. In 2019, that led to the deaths of 50,000 people.
In America, that equates to approximately 136 overdose deaths a day, or 6 overdose deaths in the nation every hour. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use, treatment is the safest way to prevent a serious health crisis or fatality. Learn more about how to recognize the signs of opioid abuse here.
Risk Factors of Opioid Addiction
Understanding the risk factors of opioid addiction will help you to determine if you or a loved one has a problem. When someone has a risk factor, they are more likely to become addicted to an opioid, and the signs will be easier to recognize.
The risk factors for opioid addiction are:
* Age; often starts in teens or the early twenties
* Stressful life circumstances, extreme life changes such as job loss or poverty
* Family history of substance abuse
* Relationship problems with family and friends
* History of legal problems, specifically DUI
* In regular contact high-risk people or environments
* Severe anxiety or depression
These are just a starting point of risk factors, but they are the most common ones. Experts at centers know that there are additional risk factors that will come into play. The individual’s environment, genetic factors, and the presence of other psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression will play a role.
Signs of Opioid Addiction
The most common signs of opioid addiction are changes in behavior. Much of this behavior is drug-seeking behavior. Often the behavior is illegal, as obtaining opioids generally requires a prescription from a doctor. Too often when that source runs out, the person will seek the medication through illegal channels. This behavior will also produce noticeable behavior changes.
Here are the most common signs of this addiction:
* Taking medication when it’s not needed
* Excessive mood swings
* Sleep changes
* Taking medication from others, or pretending yours is lost so that more prescriptions need to be written
* Bad decision-making skills
* Normally responsible people begin to have legal problems or life problems
* Sudden unexplained job or relationship losses
* Loved ones begin to worry excessively about the behavior changes
* Persistent and chronic anxiety, for fear of getting caught, or for fear of not being able to obtain the medications
* Social isolation, but for a few select people that also engage in this behavior
* Chronic lying
Again, these are the most common signs of an opioid addiction. There are many others that can point to an addiction. If you or a loved one has this problem, treatment is the safest way to solve this problem.
Seek Support Today
An opioid addiction is a crisis in the country, and in every family that it hits. This crisis is impacting millions of American families right now. The results could be fatal. Seek support from a qualified clinician and start your path to wellness today. You are not alone.