We can tell when something has changed with our loved ones. Whether it is guilt and shame over their behaviors, a physical issue, grief, a social difficulty, a drug or alcohol use disorder, or something else entirely is the question. Addicts become good at hiding their use and the consequences the drinking and using causes in their lives. So how can we tell that someone is suffering specifically from the utilization of opiates?
What is Opioid Use Disorder?
There is no longer diagnosable differences between opioid abuse and dependency per the DSM. It is now all considered Opioid Use Disorder. Opioid Use Disorder has comparable symptoms as other drug and other alcohol use disorders. 10 signs that you may be suffering from this disorder include: 
- Taking opiates more often and for a longer period than you first set out to do. Remember, no one sets out to have an addiction.
- Lots of time spent wanting, trying to use less, or attempting to stop using opioids. While you may be able to hide this from others, you can’t hide this from yourself.
- Cravings: An intense desire to engage in the use of opiates.
- Continuing to use regardless of the drug’s interactions with your occupational or educational goals and work ethic. Not stopping opiate use when it begins to affect home life and your ability to complete responsibilities at home signals trouble.
- Social or interpersonal troubles experienced due to your opiate use. Regardless of noting this, you do not cease your opioid use. This may be anything from increased arguing or isolation.
- Reduced time, or no longer participating at all, in the social, work, or leisure activities you once enjoyed. You find you no longer have time for things that don’t entail opiates and how to engage in their use.
- Continuing to use regardless of seeing that it is causing harm. Using in hazardous situations or putting yourself in harmful conditions due to your use. You may be acting more impulsively or just so focused on the opiates that you do not notice you are in harm’s way. However, using opiates themselves can be harmful.
- Mental health issues are increasing due to your use.
- Changes in your tolerance.
- Withdrawal symptoms experienced when the substance has left your system. This may lead you to search for more.
What Are Some Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms I May Experience?
The effects from the stopping the use of opiates depend on how long you have been using or abusing it, the type of drug(s) utilized, the amount and frequency of the opiate you have been using, and the length of time you utilized the drugs. It also is contingent on current personal tolerance levels, any substance(s) you have been combining with opiates, and physical and psychological preexisting factors. Some possible withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to, insomnia, yawning, and anxiety. Flu-like symptoms are often present when you stop utilizing opiates. These signs include having a runny nose, stomach cramps, and perspiration. Irritability, watery eyes, goosebumps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches are also frequently noted. Muscle spasms, as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure. are commonly seen in opiate detoxification cases. Help from individuals trained to help you to detox may aid you with the process of ceasing your opiate use and coping with withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
Stopping the Use of Opiates
Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee works with family members to help you have the best chance for continued recovery. We understand that family matters. Not only that, but you matter! Discovery Place is a recovery retreat, and as such, does not endorse nor oppose any specific religion or denomination. We work to personalize your experience in order to provide you with the support and skills you need to stay sober from opiates. What are you waiting for? Give us a call today at 1-800-725-0922!
