Opioid Addiction Treatment in Fresno County

Signs of Opioid Abuse

Opioid use disorder (OUD) can appear through a variety of physical, behavioral, and psychological signs. Many people don’t expect to develop an addiction to opioids — they’re just taking medicine for pain relief. But like many prescription drugs, it is possible to develop an addiction to opioids even if the person follows their doctor’s instructions.

Signs of a developing addiction to opioids include:

• Euphoria and Sedation: Opioid use often produces a euphoric high, accompanied by noticeable sedation. Individuals may appear excessively calm or drowsy, even in inappropriate situations. They also may fall asleep without meaning to do so (referred to as “nodding off”).
• Pupil Changes: Opioids can cause constricted pupils. This is often referred to as “pinpoint pupils.” This can also be a sign of opioid overdose, which requires immediate medical attention.
• Slowed Breathing: Respiratory depression is a key effect of opioids. Shallow or slowed breathing may be observed in individuals under the influence.
• Changes in Energy Levels: Opioid use disorder can lead to unpredictable energy levels. Individuals may have periods of intense euphoria followed by extreme fatigue.
• Social Withdrawal: Addiction often results in withdrawal from social activities and responsibilities. Individuals may isolate themselves to conceal their substance use, or start to only spend time with other people who use substances.
• Neglect of Responsibilities: This can include work-related tasks, familial obligations, and personal commitments. The person may become entirely preoccupied with buying, using, and recovering from using opioids.
• Secrecy and Deception: People struggling with opioid use disorder may engage in secretive behavior to conceal their substance use. This may involve hiding drug paraphernalia or being secretive about their activities.
• Financial Trouble: Sustaining an opioid addiction can be financially draining. Individuals may borrow money frequently, seem to always need money, or resort to illegal activities to fund their habit.
• Mood Swings: Individuals may exhibit sudden and noticeable shifts in mood, from intense happiness to irritability or depression. They may have sudden outbursts or experience paranoia (a frequent comedown/withdrawal symptom associated with substance abuse).
• Lack of Motivation: Opioid abuse can often have negative effects on an individual’s motivation and drive. Hobbies and interests that once gave the person joy may fall by the wayside.
• Poor Judgment: Impaired decision-making is a common psychological consequence of opioid use disorder. Individuals may engage in risky behaviors without considering consequences.
• Memory Problems: Individuals addicted to opioids may experience gaps in memory, delusions, or feel detached from their surroundings.

If you believe someone is suffering from an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately. Place the person on their side. The 911 operator may advise you to use Narcan to treat their acute symptoms.

Be honest about anything they may have taken and how much — this is key to treating opioid-based overdose. They are not going to judge you or your friend for any drug use (or drug abuse). If you think they took a “bad batch” of a drug, say so. Disease control bodies, the Mental Health Services Administration, or law enforcement may benefit from knowing who used that particular batch and when.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Common withdrawal symptoms for opioids include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, anxiety, and insomnia. But opioid withdrawal is similar to detoxing from alcohol addiction due to its distinct phases. Each phase has a different level of danger, but medical supervision is recommended during every phase so that any complications can be immediately addressed.

It’s important to note that people may not always experience withdrawal from opioid dependence the same way. Factors like age, individual health, addiction intensity, and the opioid to which that person was addicted can all affect the withdrawal process. This is another reason to consider detoxing under the supervision of medical professionals.

Medical supervision during detox can help manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety and comfort. This process is commonly referred to as medical detox. People can receive “helper” medications to feel more comfortable during the withdrawal process, be guided through the process of tapering off opioids, and receive immediate medical attention if their body has a poor reaction during opioid withdrawal.