Tell-tale Signs of Opioid Dependence in Others

by | Mar 18, 2019 | Orlando Rehabilitation Center

There are many signs that you can spot that indicate opioid addiction symptoms. The experts at Hope Centers of Central Florida are here to explain what you can look for in those you fear may be facing opioid addiction. We specialize in opioid treatment and here to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Are They Addicted?

Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and your behavior. At first, you have control over your choice to start using drugs. If you misuse a drug, its pleasurable effect eventually makes you want to keep using it. Over time, your brain actually changes in certain ways so that you develop a powerful urge to use the drug.

Opioid drugs include:

  • opium
  • codeine
  • fentanyl
  • heroin
  • hydrocodone
  • hydromorphone
  • methadone
  • morphine
  • oxycodone
  • oxymorphone
  • paregoric
  • sufentanil
  • tramadol

Opioid Addiction Symptoms

The first step toward recovery is recognizing that you have a problem with opioids. The signs and symptoms of substance abuse can be physical, behavioral, and psychological. One clear sign of addiction is not being able to stop using the substance. It is also not being able to stop yourself from using more than the recommended amount.

Other signs and symptoms of opioid abuse include:

  • poor coordination
  • drowsiness
  • shallow or slow breathing rate
  • nausea, vomiting
  • constipation
  • physical agitation
  • poor decision making
  • abandoning responsibilities
  • slurred speech
  • sleeping more or less than normal
  • mood swings
  • euphoria (feeling high)
  • irritability
  • depression
  • lowered motivation
  • anxiety attacks

Opioid drugs alter your brain by creating artificial endorphins. Besides blocking pain, these endorphins make you feel good. Too much opioid use can cause your brain to rely on these artificial endorphins. Once your brain does this, it can even stop producing its own endorphins. The longer you use opioids, the more likely this is to happen. You also will need more opioids over time because of drug tolerance.

We Are Here For You

Our services include a Medication-Assisted Treatment program to diminish the physical effects of withdrawal and decrease cravings as well as one-on-one counseling services to prepare patients for success after treatment. We specialize in treatment to slowly weed out dependence of Opioids and assist our patients to stray away from the disease slowly. This includes the use of Vivitrol and Suboxone.

Think of our treatment as not a way of getting clean or stopping all drug use. We say this because it is not typical for the opioid to be corrected immediately. The process is gradual. The changes can trigger cravings months or even years, in some cases, after you have stopped misusing opioids. This is why it is imperative that treatment must include counseling and behavioral health therapy. Remember that since these conditions are ongoing, the treatments are as well.

Call Us Today About Opioid Treatment

We are the best inpatient facility. Visit our Orlando rehabilitation center. We are experts in opioid treatment and can treat opioid addiction symptoms. Let our team of caring professionals partner with you on your journey to recovery. Our trained expert’s ultimate goal is to get our patients on the track to the cure. Opioid dependence is a disease that needs to be treated seriously. Hope Centers of Central Florida is the best choice in Orlando. Call or visit us today to schedule an appointment or ask us about our services. We are a rehabilitation center specializing in opioid dependence.

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