Addicts are often the last to realize they are addicted to the substances that they are abusing. In the case of opiates, this is all the more alarming when you consider that many users combine these dangerous drugs into even more addictive cocktails.
Overcoming Denial
Whether you are concerned for your own use or that of a loved one, it’s vital to understand the warning signs of identifying opiate addiction. These can help to convince anyone currently in the denial stage of their condition.
1. Control Issues
Control is one of the earliest signs of addiction. Typically, addicts will be powerless to control the quantity of what they use, having promised themselves a final hit or to just take a small dose. Another sign is to have at least one failed attempt to stop using.
2. Withdrawal Symptoms
Opiates have a powerful hold over the body. Anybody who has used opiates on a frequent basis will experience withdrawal symptoms whenever they suddenly stop using. These can include an array of symptoms, including moodiness, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, sweetening, and more.
3. Increasing the Dose
As an addict’s body gets used to opiates, the high will reduce for their familiar drug or dose. This can result in the addict seeking stronger opiates or else be combining multiple drugs in the search for an even stronger high.
4. Maintaining the Status Quo
Some addicts will continue to use opiates during important times in their life. The user wants to maintain the status quo until after the responsibilities are met and the withdrawal symptoms can be hidden. For most users, this is a continuous spiral of addiction.
5. Suffering at Work
You spend more time at work than with your family and friends. Colleagues will be finely tuned to your routines, attitude, and appearance. The intense physical effects of opiate abuse cannot be hidden for long. This can result in colleagues treating you differently or else a manager initiating disciplinary procedures because of your declining performance.
6. Distance from Family
For addicts, their lives revolve around their addictions, which is why users will start avoiding their family whenever their problems worsen. They will not want to attend family events or visit their parents whenever they have persistently bloodshot eyes or the constant desire to use.
7. Compromising Safety
Another concern is if an addict has ever compromised the safety of a child. For example, they might leave a child at home alone while buying from a dealer.
8. Relationship Issues
Addiction will damage relationships because of the hurtful scenarios that are created. Having an addict in a relationship will lead to lying and arguments, while two addicts will only intensify the situation.
9. Money Problems
Addicts want a constant supply of drugs, which inevitably leads to money problems. This can result in the avoidance of bills or even the spending of life savings to fuel the habit.
10. Stealing for Drugs
When the money dries up, addicts can turn to crime to fund their usage. This can start by stealing from loved ones, but some addicts will take matters further by committing crimes against stores.
Seeking Treatment
Fortunately, you can seek effective treatment that can help in your situation or that of a friend or family member. Opiate addiction treatment is improving all the time thanks to the work of caring and dedicated medical professionals.