How to Tell if Someone is Abusing Opioids
Recognizing the Signs of Opioid Abuse Allows You to Help a Loved One Obtain Treatment
Opioid abuse affects people from all walks of life, and someone you know or love may be struggling with this problem. In the beginning, it’s fairly easy for a person suffering from opioid abuse to cover up his or her dependency problem. Discovery Point Retreat’s three Texas locations can answer any questions you may have about treatment options offered by their facilities. Professional staff members know and understand the difficulties family members experience when one of their loved ones is suffering the physical and emotional problems that accompany opioid abuse. If you recognize any of the signs that indicate a person is struggling with opioid abuse, Discovery Point Retreat invites you to call them at 855-306-8054 to discover how they can help.
The professionals at Discovery Point Retreat advises the physical symptoms of opioid abuse may include the following:
- Taking more than the recommended dosage of opioid prescription than prescribed
- Complaining that his or her doctor won’t write a new opioid prescription
- Experiencing physical symptoms when deprived of the opioid
- Profuse sweating, diarrhea, moodiness, and behavioral issues when no opioid is available (withdrawal)
According to Discovery Point Retreat, the emotional symptoms may include the following:
- Failure to meet normal work or school obligations
- Frequently missing work or school claiming illness
- Disrupted sleep patterns resulting in insomnia and exhaustion
- Become irritable and argumentative if asked questions about abnormal behavior
- Withdrawal from normal social and family activities
- Financial difficulties
- Seeking outside sources for opioids including stealing from family and friends and doctor-shopping
- Recurrent use after being warned of the dangers of opioid dependency
- Exacerbated symptoms for those suffering from emotional illnesses (depression, bipolar)
- Engaging in dangerous and illegal activities in order to obtain opioids
Symptoms vary by individual and can range from mild to serious. The emotions you feel as your loved one struggles with this illness can be frightening. Discovery Point Retreat is professionally prepared and qualified to provide the rehabilitation and therapy needed to help your loved one take back control of his or her life. Call us today at 855-306-8054 and discover how we can help.
Avoid These Reactions if You Suspect Opioid Abuse
- Depression and anxiety over your concerns (talk to your physician)
- Lying and making excuses for your loved one’s behavior (enabling)
- Avoiding your family member in order to eliminate dealing with their behavior
- Calling or threatening to call the police if you suspect opioids have been obtained illegally
- Displaying anger and disgust and the accompanying negative comments
- Making threats to disown him or her if there is not compliance with your demands
Opioid Abuse Treatment Options
It isn’t easy to convince a person struggling with opioid abuse to get treatment as he or she may be in a state of denial. Speak to them from a position of love and concern for their physical and mental well-being. Avoid expressing anger and disappointment in your loved one’s problem. Discovery Point Retreat will do a medical and psychological evaluation of the patient to determine the extent and causes of his or her opioid dependency. Treatment options will be recommended that are specific to your loved one’s needs.
If you are in the position of dealing with a loved one in his or her daily struggle with opioid abuse, it’s essential not to let it take its toll on you physically and mentally. You must be healthy in order to help your loved one. Don’t hesitate to call us at 855-306-8054. You’ll speak to a professional staff member who can guide you through the treatment program, and assistance we can offer your loved one to head down the road to long-term recovery.