8 Subtle Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a significant problem in the United States, with the most recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) research reporting that around 8.9 million Americans have an opioid misuse problem.

Opioids are potent medications that interact with receptors in your brain, blocking pain signals and creating a sense of pleasure. Some opioids, like heroin and morphine, come from the poppy plant, while others, like fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine, are synthetic, but they all work in a similar way.

Prescription opioids provide a powerful tool that helps doctors manage moderate-to-severe pain. However, their ability to trigger feelings of euphoria makes them highly addictive. Recognizing the early symptoms of opioid addiction can help you intervene before the problem worsens, reducing its effects and improving recovery.

Understanding opioid addiction

The euphoric “high” opioids produce creates a strong desire in some people to take the drugs more frequently or in larger doses, increasing their risk of addiction. Over time, an individual loses control over their opioid use and develops noticeable problems.

Although illegal heroin use is a significant issue, the most dramatic rise in addiction stems from prescription drugs.

Here at Triad Internal Medicine’s offices in Asheboro, North Carolina, we prescribe opioids only when medically necessary and monitor patients throughout their treatment to minimize addiction risk.

Loved ones are often the first to notice the subtle changes opioid addiction causes. If you suspect someone is struggling, approach them with compassion and support. Understanding the warning signs and encouraging them to seek professional help makes a substantial difference to their chances of a successful recovery. 

So what are the warning signs that you or someone you love is sliding into opioid addiction? 

Subtle signs of opioid addiction

Subtle early indicators of opioid addiction include: 

1.     Appearance changes

Weight loss or gain, neglected grooming, or other shifts in personal hygiene may indicate a problem. 

2.     Digestive issues

Constipation is a common symptom among those misusing opioids. 

3.     Drowsiness and confusion

Frequent lethargy or mental cloudiness could suggest opioid misuse. 

4.     Medication misuse

Medication misuse includes taking higher doses than prescribed, using opioids for non-medical reasons, and seeking medications from multiple doctors (“doctor shopping”). 

5.     Social withdrawal

Social withdrawal might manifest as reducing contact with friends and family and/or losing interest in activities outside the home. 

6.     Cognitive issues

Cognitive indicators of opioid addiction include memory and focus problems and difficulty with tasks like planning, organizing, or multitasking. 

7.     Emotional challenges

People with opioid addiction often display rapid changes in mood and experience irritability, anxiety, and/or manic energy. 

8.     Depression and dysphoria

Depression (persistent, unshakeable low mood) and dysphoria (a general sense of dissatisfaction and unease) are common with opioid addiction. 

If you or your loved one doesn’t address opioid addiction at this point, it can worsen and cause more obvious symptoms.

These include increased tolerance (needing larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect), unexplained financial difficulties or legal issues, and trading medications or visiting non-emergency medical facilities to access more opioids. 

Treating opioid addiction

Opioid addiction is treatable with behavioral therapies, counseling, and medicines that help you manage withdrawal symptoms.

Our addiction experts at Triad Internal Medicine use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help individuals regain control over their lives. We also help patients avoid opioid addiction and offer alternative therapies for those at risk or who have concerns about taking opioids.

Early intervention is key, so recognizing the signs of opioid addiction and seeking help promptly is essential. If you identify subtle symptoms in yourself or a loved one, call us or schedule a consultation online today.