A Non-Profit Drug & Alcohol Rehab Referral & Placement Service
Let Us Help You. Call Now. 800-487-1890 Who Answers?

Opiate Addiction Symptoms

Someone who is addicted to opiates, or narcotics, will exhibit certain symptoms that will be easy to pick up on, if you know what you’re looking for. If you are concerned that someone you love has become addicted to opiates, look for these symptoms and signs.

Addiction Symptoms

Addiction itself has several obvious symptoms, many of which will be exhibited by the individual in question if they are in fact addicted to opiates. When someone becomes addicted to a drug, they will not be able to stop on their own, leading them to behave strangely. Some behavioral symptoms of addiction are:

opiate abuse

Changes in habits, behaviors and personality can show that a person has developed an addiction.

  • Loss of control over drug use
  • Apathy toward responsibilities
  • Missing work, school, or otherwise performing poorly at these tasks
  • Having relationship or family problems that cause deep rifts or falling outs
  • Acting secretive or paranoid because they are hiding the drug abuse
  • Seeking out more opiates, even if it requires dangerous actions
  • Taking opiates when alone
  • Experiencing legal or financial problems as a result of opiate abuse
  • Constant mood swings
  • Hostility toward those who ask about their drug abuse
  • Not eating, sleeping, or caring for themselves because the drugs are all that matter to them

Opiate Intoxication Symptoms

Someone who is abusing opiates will likely be intoxicated very often, as they will not be able to go long without feeling the effects of the drug. According to the NLM, “Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers that cause drowsiness and sometimes intense feelings of well-being, elation, happiness, excitement, and joy.” Someone who is abusing opiates will exhibit these symptoms when intoxicated, which will be much of the time.

Over time, the individual will build up a tolerance for these drugs, needing more and more in order to feel the same effects. Many people who are addicted will continue to take the drugs, even if they don’t feel the effects as strongly or at all, just to stave off the withdrawal symptoms.

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

If an individual experiences opiate withdrawal because they are abusing these substances, it is a definite sign of addiction. Sometimes people can go through opiate withdrawal without being addicted, but these are usually people who are prescribed opiates for pain and who follow their prescriptions, not those who abuse the drugs.

According to the NLM, opiate withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Abdominal cramping
  • Anxiety
  • Tearing of the eyes
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Yawning
  • Sweating
  • Runny nose
  • Agitation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Goosebumps

If someone abusing opiates experiences these symptoms when they cannot get more of the drug, it is a definite sign that the abuse is chronic and severe, pointing too addiction.

According to Harvard Medical School, “Opiates are outranked only by alcohol as humanity’s oldest, most widespread, and most persistent drug problem.” Many individuals do not realize how addictive these substances are and how easy it is for them to take over their lives without them realizing it. Opiates are strong, addictive, and readily available, all of which makes them dangerous. If you notice these symptoms of addiction in yourself or a loved one, make sure to seek treatment immediately.

Where do calls go?

Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.

I NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE NOWI NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE NOW 800-487-1890Response time about 1 min | Response rate 100%
Who Answers?

Pin It on Pinterest