Addiction is a terrible condition that is often overlooked for various reasons. Common opiate addiction symptoms sometimes fly under the radar of friends, family members or loved ones simply because they are unaware of what the signs of addiction are, do not want to believe that addiction is possible or otherwise have their backs turned on the tough thought that their loved one is suffering from a legitimate disease that requires help.
Physically, the symptoms of opiate addiction happen to just about anyone who takes these drugs for a prolonged period of time. Psychologically, opiate addiction can lead to additional complications for a percentage of those who use opiates but not necessarily for every addict. Presence of both physical symptoms and psychological symptoms of addiction can make treatment a challenge both for the treatment professional as well as for the recovering addict.
1. Consistently Thinking about Opiates
Opiate sddiction symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable.
An addict will think about getting high 24/7. He or she may start the day with thoughts about getting high, will often finish the day with a dose of opiates and will spend time in between using drugs for recreational purposes or at least to ward off withdrawal symptoms.
2. Tolerance
Opiate addiction symptoms begin with the presence or development of tolerance to the drug. Tolerance is the need to use more opiates in order to feel the effects of the drug. As opiate tolerance continues to develop, the user will often take more of the drug, go through greater lengths to get the drug and spend less time focused on other matters in life.
3. Withdrawal
People who are addicted to opiates will suffer from physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when they don’t have their drug of choice. These symptoms may be mild at first but can progress to very severe symptoms that are almost impossible to cope with alone. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills and anxiety.
4. Cravings
Opiate addiction is marked by extreme cravings for the drugs. When the user doesn’t have opiates, he or she may suffer from cravings that are so strong it’s almost impossible to think about anything else. Psychological opiate addiction symptoms such as persistent cravings to use are at the forefront of continued opiate use for most users.
5. Lack of Control
Opiate addiction will cause the user to make commitments that he or she cannot keep. They may commit to using less of the drug or not using the drug at all and wind up excessively using opiates against their own will or their own commitment not to.
6. Lack of Personal Appearance
As opiate addiction progresses, symptoms associated with a lack of hygiene or personal appearance may begin to appear. Those who are absorbed with opiate use and fueling their addiction will not take care of themselves, may forget or not want to focus on personal hygiene and may show a dramatic decline in their overall appearance over time.
7. Irritability
One of the most common opiate addiction symptoms is associated with the lack of drugs. When a user is addicted and he or she does not have opiates, often times the result is a bad mood. The user may be irritable or otherwise upset at one minute and then when he or she gets the drug, the mood may change.
8. Depression
Opiate addiction often leads to depression as the user fights within him or herself to do what’s right. Physically the user cannot find the strength to say no even though he or she wants to quit using drugs. Depression can set in rather quickly and may lead to suicidal thoughts or tendencies.
9. Track Marks
Opiate addiction symptoms are sometimes easy to spot. For instance, track marks or needle marks on the skin are a sure sign that an individual is injecting a substance. These marks may be seen on the arms, legs, hands, feet, neck or other areas of the body.
10. Excessive Sleeping
Opiate addiction often causes the user to feel very tired when he or she doesn’t have any drugs. You may notice that the user is sleeping excessively. Also, addicts tend to “nod” out when they are high. This resembles sleeping and can often be overlooked as mere tiredness but in fact it is one of many common opiate addiction symptoms.
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