The opiate crisis we are seeing in this country is a nationwide epidemic that has caused so much pain for numerous individuals and their families.

Opiates are defined as the poppy plants natural ingredients, and their derivatives. Common opiates include heroin, morphine, codeine, and opium. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 115 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids, the synthetic form of opiates, every day. This can be devastating news for loved ones who are experiencing active addiction in the family. There are signs of an opiate addiction that everyone should look out for. Banyan Treatment Center offers customized care and opiate addiction treatment in Chicago. We want to help guide your loved one into a successful recovery.

Physical Signs of An Opiate Addiction

The euphoria that is experienced during an opiate high can be so intense that addiction can quickly occur if these “prescription painkillers” are misused. You can help your loved one by identifying the signs of an opiate addiction early on so that treatment can be put in place before it’s too late. The physical signs that someone is abusing opiates include:

• Very small pupils
• Confusion about what is going on around that individual
• Slower reaction time
• Slower breathing rate
• Extreme drowsiness and even sedation when the euphoric state is over

Behavioral Signs of An Opiate Addiction

There can be numerous lifestyle and behavioral changes that should be seen as red flags for substance abuse, specifically opiate abuse. These warning signs include:

• Frequent anger outbursts that come out of nowhere
• Visits to different doctors to obtain more painkillers
• The faking of symptoms in order to be prescribed more medication from said doctors
• Neglecting daily responsibilities, such as work and school priorities
• Healthy relationships becoming ruined from the addiction
• Frequent lying and secrecy to try and cover up the substance abuse