How can you tell if someone is struggling with addiction to opiates? Below we will detail the 5 signs of addiction to opiates like heroin, or prescription pills.
First you may want to look at their physical appearance. Oftentimes someone who is using opiates like heroin will show signs of extreme weight loss. You may notice that their facial structure will look thin or withdrawn. They may appear to be extremely tired or sick looking. Sometimes those that struggle with addiction to opiates will wear long sleeve shirts. Even when the weather is warm heroin dependent people will use this type of clothing to cover any “track marks” on their arms, a common place to inject drugs like heroin. A person who may be using opiates will have enlarged pupils and will constantly scratch at their face or outer extremities.
Secondly you will want to look at how your loved one is behaving. Are they isolating themselves from their friends and family? Do you see that they have poor hygiene? Sometimes those that are struggling with addiction might leave the house for unexplained reasons and for unknown amounts of time. Someone who is engrossed in their addiction will lie about where they are going, or suddenly have new friends, or drop out from school or leave jobs. You may also find items that are commonly kept for drug use like spoons, straws, rolled money, or even syringes.
Thirdly, a person who may be struggling with opiate addiction will show signs of irritability, anxiety, and immediate changes in mood.
If you find that some of the aforementioned signs in your loved one, there are some things that you can do when you are ready to confront them about their addiction. It is very important that when you are talking to someone who is struggling with addiction that you are calm in your demeanor and that you do not judge them when you explain the signs that you are seeing. Let you loved one know that you are open to helping them find a residential treatment center to assist them if they are willing. Or perhaps you can help them find a 12 Step meeting to attend. You should know that you are there to provide your loved one with the assistance that they need and enabling them with monetary help for things like unpaid bills will only fuel their addiction even more. You should also educate yourself on the disease of addiction so that you are better equipped in understanding what your loved one might be going through. And finally, it is very important that if you believe that your loved one is struggling with addiction to opiates that you stock Narcan in your home just in case of an overdose. Narcan is one of the only approved medicines that are available to stop someone from overdosing on opiates. This is a precautionary measure as you help your loved one find the treatment that they need and deserve.
New Directions for Women is a treatment facility located in California that offers help for alcohol dependency to women of all ages, pregnant women in any trimester, and women with children. Founded in 1977, our courageous and visionary founders asked for the help of Newport Beach Junior League members to fulfill their vision of a tranquil home-like facility that would treat women with dignity and respect. Our caring admissions counselors are available 24/7 to take your call and answer any questions you may have on getting help. Reach us by phone at 800-93-WOMEN. We can help. Stay in the loop with New Directions for Women by connecting with us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
