Signs and Characteristics of Opioid Addiction

Signs Indicating Opioid Addiction

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a serious condition characterized by the inability to stop or reduce the use of opioids, despite their potential for dependence and addiction. This issue can manifest in various ways, both physically, behaviorally, and psychologically.

The symptoms of OUD can be quite telling. Behaviorally, individuals may frequently seek opioids, take larger doses than prescribed, experience social or legal problems caused by opioid use, fall behind at work or school, avoid usual social activities, continue use despite declining health, engage in unsafe use conditions, seek multiple prescriptions, and lie about opioid use.

Physical symptoms can include drowsiness, weight loss, slurred speech, excessive recovery time, medical complications, opioid cravings, increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and using opioids to prevent or relieve withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological signs of OUD include increased irritability, sudden changes in mood, feeling anxious or depressed, reduced motivation, and changes in sleeping habits.

Opioids, a class of drugs with pain-relieving effects, can be legal and prescribed by doctors, or illegal, like heroin. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is used to diagnose OUD.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) through its DSM provides the standardized criteria for OUD diagnosis. Medical professionals and institutions follow these guidelines to diagnose opioid addiction disorders.

Recovering from OUD often requires a treatment team, which may include therapists, psychiatrists, doctors, and physicians. Medications such as buprenorphine or methadone, according to the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, can reduce the risk of death in people undergoing long-term recovery from OUD.

In the event of an opioid overdose, naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and prevent brain damage and death, should be administered if available, and 911 should be called immediately. You can also call your local poison control center at 800-222-1222. It's recommended for people who live with or are frequently around someone who uses opioids to carry naloxone.

For those struggling with OUD, SAMHSA's National Helpline at 800-662-4357 provides treatment referrals and information. The American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Psychiatric Association are also valuable resources for finding professionals to build a treatment team.

In 2019, opioid prescriptions were written at a rate of 46.7 prescriptions per person in the U.S. It's important to note that while overdose death rates due to prescription opioids have declined, death rates from misuse of synthetic opioids, especially illegally manufactured fentanyl, have increased by more than 15%.

Therapists and psychiatrists can help understand the root of the problem and how emotional triggers may play a role in OUD. They can work with individuals to develop coping strategies and provide support during the recovery process.

In conclusion, OUD is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach for treatment. Awareness, understanding, and access to resources are crucial in addressing this public health concern.