The signs and symptoms of opioid addiction can be:
- Behavioral (e.g., financial hardship, abandoning responsibilities)
- Physical (e.g., fast heart rate, agitation)
- Emotional or psychological (e.g., depression, anxiety)
A more detailed description of the symptoms of opioid addiction is below. If you are suffering from addiction or suspect someone you love is addicted to opioids, seek professional support right away.
Behavior Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Somebody suffering from opioid addiction may go through various behavioral changes. These changes may vary from person to person, but could include:
- Spending large amounts of time using or acquiring opioids
- Abandoning important responsibilities, including personal, social, academic, and professional obligations
- Low motivation
- Impaired decision making
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Change in eating habits
- Poor hygiene
- Avoidance of friends and family
- Using more opioids or a higher dose than prescribed
- Financial hardship due to acquiring opioids
Physical Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
The physical signs of opioid addiction may include:
- Being on high alert
- Fast heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Reduced appetite
- Change in sleeping habits
- Easily agitated
- Slurred speech
- Nausea and vomiting
- Impaired coordination
Emotional Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
The emotional symptoms of opioid addiction may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Irritability
Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose
An opioid overdose can cause brain damage and even death due to opioids’ effects on the central nervous system. If you spot the symptoms of an opioid overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately so emergency responders can administer life-saving treatment.
Opioid use slows heart rate and breathing. During an overdose, heart rate and breathing may slow to dangerous levels, depriving the brain of oxygen. Symptoms of an overdose may include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory loss
- Loss of coordination
- Poor judgment
- Seizure
- Coma
- Death
Opioid overdose is an emergency condition requiring immediate medical attention. The severity of brain damage depends largely on the length of time the brain is deprived of oxygen, so seek medical care right away if you see any symptoms of overdose.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Is Addicted to Opioids
If you or someone you love is suffering from opioid addiction, seek professional help. Some of the resources that may help you recover from an opioid addiction include:
- Rehab and treatment centers
- Counseling with mental health professionals
- Addiction support groups
- Certain medications
Also, speak with your doctor about other resources that may be available to help overcome opioid addiction.
Legal Considerations for Opioid Addiction
In some cases, you may have grounds to sue a doctor for opioid addiction. A medical malpractice case must be able to establish that a doctor was negligent in prescribing or managing your opioid prescription and you suffered harm and damages as a result.
If you or a loved one suffered serious harm due to opioid addiction, consult with Newsome | Melton about your case. Call (866) 611-BASC.