6 Main Signs of Opioid Abuse and Opioid Addiction Treatment Options in Houston

Opioids and Opiates  

Opioids and opiates have medicinal applications, such as pain treatment. However, long-term usage may result in addiction and other negative outcomes. Opioids are synthetic, whereas opiates come from plants. While “opiates” refers only to naturally occurring substances, the word “opioids” encompasses both natural opiates and synthetic opioids.

Opioids are intended to alleviate severe pain, but chronic opioid abuse may cause tolerance, addiction, and physical dependency. Heroin and pharmaceutical pain relievers like Dilaudid, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl are all examples of opioids. The epidemic of opioid addiction exacerbates overdose fatalities in the United States. Overdose fatalities reached a record high of 70,630 in 2019, with opioids being the primary cause in 70.6% of these cases. The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on the lives of countless people and their communities. Opioid addiction cannot be cured but may be managed via opioid addiction treatment programs like one from an online MAT clinic.

Warning Signs for Opioid Abuse

Because physicians often prescribe opioids for very reasonable reasons, simple possession of the medicine does not always imply misuse. Opioid addiction, like other addictions, may be hard to detect, particularly if the user is adept at covering up their drug use. However, we have prepared a list of some of the signs of opioid addiction.

  1. Signs of Opioid Abuse: Loss in weight

Opioids slow the metabolism. Opioid addiction causes a person to lose their appetite. Opioid abuse is characterized by drastic dietary shifts, including the increased frequency with which meals are skipped. Deficiency in food causes fast wasting and, in some cases, hair loss.

  1. Signs of Opioid Abuse: Unable to reduce Opioid misuse

Relapse after attempting to cut down on opioid abuse is a telltale symptom of addiction. You may end up taking more opioids than planned or taking them for extended periods of time. You may have tried to wean yourself off the drugs but have been unsuccessful.

  1. Signs of Opioid Abuse: Mood Outbursts

Opioids alter the brain’s chemistry, disrupting the delicate balance of neurotransmitters. These regulate emotions, behaviors, and reinforcement. Rapid mood changes, from being upbeat and energetic to depressed, are a symptom of opioid abuse and addiction.

  1. Signs of Opioid Abuse: Being dishonest

Denial that there is a problem is a common root cause of avoidance. Opioid addicts, like addicts of any other narcotic, often conceal their opiate abuse. Admitting a drug abuse problem is challenging because of the social stigma associated with doing so. 

  1. Signs of Opioid Abuse: Financial Instability

The cost of maintaining an opioid dependency is high. It’s normal for people to resort to illicit narcotics after losing access to prescribed painkillers. Large cash withdrawals from financial accounts are common among opioid addicts. Sadly, some opioid addicts may resort to theft or selling personal goods to fund their habit.

  1. Signs of Opioid Abuse: Tiredness

Opioid abuse results in chemical changes that disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm (the clock that regulates waking and sleeping times). Opioid abuse reduces sleep quality, leading to slower eye movement. One of the most noticeable effects of withdrawal is difficulty falling asleep. 

Seek Help from the Best Opioid Addiction Treatment Center in Houston

It’s never simple to know what to do when you feel a loved one is struggling. You may need to talk to your loved ones about your worries for them and the idea of addiction therapy many times before they finally agree to go. Don’t pass judgment; instead, offer your undying love and best wishes for your loved one’s recovery. You can always contact Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston for assistance. Reach out to our online team of experts if you or a loved one is battling addiction and don’t know what to do about it.