How to Help Someone With an Opioid Addiction

Opioids are a powerful and effective group of medications used most commonly for pain relief. When taken as prescribed, opioids are an effective component of a comprehensive pain management program. While effective, opioids are also highly addictive and dangerous drugs. Even if taken as prescribed, there is a chance that people will become dependent on opioids. If a family member or friend is struggling with opioids, learning how to help someone with opioid addiction is critical in getting the professional help they need.

This article will define opioids as a drug, and you will learn simple yet effective ways to help someone with opioid addiction. Opioid abuse and addiction are serious issues and require intensive intervention. As one of the Midwest’s best drug rehabs, Arista Recovery features services, programs, and expert compassionate care that will help you or a loved one beat opioid addiction. Call us today to learn about how our Midwest drug rehab center can help you overcome alcohol abuse.

What Drugs Are Considered Opioids?

As a refresher, opioids class of powerful pain-relieving medications that are created in a laboratory by scientists. Opioid drugs are designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring opiates such as heroin and morphine. Opioids are most often prescribed by doctors to relieve pain and discomfort after major surgical procedures and can help alleviate the pain as a result of major diseases such as cancer. Opioids are often taken in pill form, but can also be administered through an IV, or even a transdermal patch.

The most common opioid medications are as follows:

• Vicodin
• OxyContin
• Percocet
• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Hydromorphone
• Methadone

In recent times, heroin and morphine are thought of as opioids. While these drugs are plant-derived, they produce the same effects as synthesized opioid drugs and are therefore seen as being part of the opioid family.

What Are the Signs of Opioid Addiction?

The signs of opioid addiction can be tricky to spot at first. Like many addicted to substances, opioid addicts go to great lengths to conceal their use. However, there are red flags associated with opioid misuse that can be easy to spot and can be seen in numerous areas. The following are the most common signs of opioid addiction:

Physical

• Drowsiness
• Slurring of speech
• Poor coordination
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Change in appetite and significant weight loss

Cognitive

• Problems concentrating on tasks and lack of focus
• Impaired memory
• Poor judgment and risk-taking behaviors

Psychosocial

• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities or hobbies
• Wide and unpredictable mood swings
• Outbursts of anger
• Increased anxiety and paranoia

If you notice any combination of these symptoms, you need to find professional help for opioid addiction.

How to Help Someone With An Opioid Addiction

When learning how to help someone with opioid addiction, it is important to have a firm understanding of what opioids are as a drug. Talk to your doctor and local addiction professionals and visit government-backed websites such as SAMHSA and NIDA to learn more about the drug’s effects on your loved one. To help someone with an opiate addiction, you must be empathetic and engage in open listening when discussing their use. Be calm, and supportive, express your concerns, and let them know you are in their corner once they decide to get help.

It is also important to approach your loved one during a time when they are not using and are clear-minded. This can be while watching TV, going for a walk, or at other quiet times. Additionally, it is important not to engage in enabling behavior such as paying rent, and bills, or covering for their absences at family events at work. Only offer meaningful support if they are taking real steps to get help.

Are You Looking for Help With Opioid Addiction?

Opioid addiction can destroy the user and their family. If your loved one can’t shake free from opioids, today is the day you help them get the help they need to recover. Arista Recovery is a full continuum addiction treatment center. Arista Recovery features evidence-based programs and services individually tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Our experienced team of addiction professionals will supply your loved one with the tools and support they need to beat opioid addiction for good.

Don’t wait another day; call Arista Recovery right now to learn more about our outpatient and inpatient drug rehab in the Midwest.

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