Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder (OUD), can develop quickly. In many cases, it can cause serious disruptions in a person’s life. OUD is characterized by symptoms such as physical dependence, risky use, and cravings. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early is important for getting the right help at the right time. If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, knowing what to watch for can make a difference.
What are some common signs and symptoms of opioid addiction?
Opioids are a type of drug used to relieve pain. They include prescription medications like oxycodone as well as illicit drugs like heroin. Opioids work by attaching to receptors in the brain and blocking pain signals. They can also cause feelings of relaxation and euphoria, which is why they are often used at higher doses than prescribed or outside of prescriptions.
Over time, using opioids can change the way the brain works. People may begin to rely on opioids to feel “normal,” leading to addiction. Addiction can affect a person’s body, mind, and daily life. This makes it important to recognize the signs and symptoms as early as possible.
Some outwardly noticeable signs of opioid addiction may include:
- Behavior changes — One of the first signs of opioid addiction is often a change in behavior. Someone experiencing OUD might start to act differently and seem to have rapidly fluctuating moods. A person who was once outgoing and happy may become withdrawn, irritable, or depressed. This happens because opioids affect the brain’s reward system; they alter mood-regulating chemicals. As the body becomes dependent, emotions can become less stable.
- Financial struggles — People might face financial hardships for many reasons. If someone you know has started to experience sudden unexplained financial problems, though, OUD could be a factor. Someone with OUD may borrow money frequently. They may even sell personal belongings to pay for drugs. Maintaining an opioid addiction can be expensive. As a person’s use increases, they may run out of money and resort to asking friends or family for help.
- Poor work performance — Another potential sign of opioid addiction is a drop in performance. This can happen to people who are in school or hold jobs. A person may miss work or classes, show up late, or struggle to focus on tasks. Their grades may drop. They may receive warnings from their employer about poor performance. Opioids can affect concentration, motivation, and energy levels. This can make it harder to stay on top of responsibilities.
- Social withdrawal — Someone who is experiencing addiction may distance themselves. They may start to spend more time away from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy. They may avoid social gatherings or spend long periods alone. Shame, guilt, or the need to hide opioid use can lead people to isolate themselves. Someone with OUD may also lose interest in hobbies or activities. This often occurs due to mental health struggles connected to OUD. One study found that co-occurring psychiatric disorders are prevalent in people with OUD. Anxiety and mood disorders like depression are especially common.
In addition to these signs, it can help to understand some of the key symptoms of OUD. A sign is a behavior or physical change that other people can observe. Symptoms are feelings or physical effects that the person experiencing addiction notices. Potential OUD symptoms include:
- Trouble sleeping — Research shows that sleep disturbances are common among people with OUD. Some people experience insomnia, which refers to having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Others might get a full eight hours of sleep but still feel tired when they wake up. Sleep disturbances can contribute to daytime sleepiness. According to research, sleep deficiency is present in greater than 75% of people with OUD. Someone with OUD may seem to have trouble staying awake during the day, then have trouble falling asleep at night.
- Shallow breathing — Opioids can slow down a person’s breathing. This can be dangerous if their breathing becomes too shallow. Someone experiencing this symptom may take slow, labored breaths. They may struggle to catch their breath after minimal physical activity. Opioids suppress the part of the brain that controls breathing. In the case of an overdose, this can lead to serious risks like respiratory depression. Respiratory depression is a serious, potentially life-threatening effect, especially when it’s a symptom of an overdose.
- Digestive problems — Opioid addiction often causes chronic constipation. It can also come with other digestive issues such as stomach pain, bloating, or nausea. A person with OUD may complain of irregular bowel movements. Opioid-induced constipation is common. When opioids are prescribed in a clinical setting, providers also frequently prescribe laxative medications at the same time.
- Chronic fatigue — Many people with opioid addiction lose interest in daily activities and feel drained of energy. Tasks that once seemed easy or enjoyable may feel overwhelming. Opioids affect brain chemistry and can reduce motivation over time. As the body becomes dependent on a drug, it can be hard to feel energized or focused without using.
What are 3 behavioral signs and symptoms of opioid addiction?
Behavioral signs are changes in a person’s actions, habits, or routines that may point to opioid addiction. These behaviors often show how addiction is affecting their life and relationships. Some behavioral changes that could indicate OUD include:
- Secretive behavior — A person with opioid addiction may start hiding their activities. They may lie about where they’ve been after a long period of being hard to contact, for example. They might avoid answering questions or give vague explanations when asked about their day. People often go to great lengths to hide their opioid use. They may feel guilt or fear about being confronted by family or friends, so they choose to lie or keep secrets instead.
- Loss of interest — Someone who once enjoyed hobbies like sports, art, or spending time with friends may suddenly lose interest. They might stop participating in activities they used to love and spend more time alone.
- Neglecting responsibilities — A person with opioid addiction may fall behind on their responsibilities. They may miss important appointments, skip work, or fall behind on household chores. Bills may go unpaid, chores may be left undone, and commitments to family or friends may be ignored.
What to do when someone you love is showing signs and symptoms of opioid addiction
It can be hard to see a loved one experiencing addiction. Fortunately, your support can make a difference. You can help by:
- Communicating with empathy — When talking to someone about their addiction, avoid being confrontational. Don’t judge. Instead, express your concern in a calm manner and let them know you are there to support them. Try saying something like “I’ve noticed some changes in you, and I’m worried. How can I help?”
- Educating yourself — Understanding how OUD works can help you offer better support. Learn about common signs, symptoms, and treatment options. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to help. Addiction is complex. Learning about it can help you respond with patience and empathy. Education can also help you guide your loved one toward appropriate treatment.
- Encouraging professional help — Your support is important. However, professional treatment is often necessary for recovery. Encourage your loved one to speak with a professional. They could talk to their doctor or a Recovery Support Specialist. You can offer to help them find treatment options or go with them to their first appointment.
Groups helps treat opioid use disorder
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of OUD is the first step toward getting help. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one or yourself, understanding the warning signs can make a big difference. Opioid addiction affects both the body and mind. The good news: Recovery is within reach with the right care and support.
At Groups, we provide personalized treatment plans, fast access to medication, and a supportive community to help you on your recovery journey.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
