Opioid addiction happens to people from all walks of life. Someone might develop an opiate addiction after using other types of drugs. One study found that 23% of heroin users end up developing an addiction to opioids. Others might become addicted to opioids while recovering from a medical procedure. Understandably, those dealing with an opioid addiction want to keep this information private. Here are three signs that someone you know might be dealing with opioid addiction.
- Frequent Mood Swings
You’ll find it difficult to live a life without any type of stress. Considering that, this can cause your mood to worsen. With that in mind, pay attention to the mood of someone who might be addicted to opioids. If this person is unable to consume opioids, you might notice they become angry. Bizarre mood swings are often an indicator that someone’s in the clutches of addiction. - Visiting a Suspicious Amount of Doctors
It’s human nature to schedule a doctor’s appointment after getting sick. However, certain people visit the doctor in an attempt to receive a prescription for opioids. There are many types of laws controlling how many opioids a patient can receive at once. With that in mind, someone addicted to opioids will often visit multiple local doctors. This is otherwise known as doctor shopping. - Avoiding Contact With Loved Ones
Throughout life, it’s important to keep friends and family close. Unfortunately, those dealing with opioid addictions often place strain on these relationships. Most people abusing opioids don’t want others to see them in an impaired state. If someone is addicted to opioids, they’ll often shut others out. In turn, this damages important relationships with friends and family.
In closing, there are many signs of opioid addiction. If someone you know is going through this type of addiction, it’s time to think about treatment options. There are several treatments for opioid addiction. With that in mind, one of the best treatments for opioid addiction is methadone. For over 50 years, methadone remains the most effective way to treat opioid addiction. Research shows that average methadone treatment success rates range from 60% to 90%. Also, this success rate improves the longer someone continues receiving treatment. Consider helping someone going through addiction by bringing them to a methadone treatment center.
