- Content Reviewed By:
- Andrew McKenna - JD
- Deputy Director of NCADD Westchester
Updated: 08/09/2023
Opioid addiction is the most common and deadly substance abuse and public health issue facing the United States. More than 108,000 died from fatal opioid overdoses during a 12 month period last year, while hundreds of thousands more struggle with this addiction every day.
There are opioid addiction treatment centers all over the country where you can get customized help and begin your recovery.
If you or someone you care about is vulnerable to, or suffering from, opioid addiction, it’s critically important that you be mindful of the signs and get help as soon as a problem is identified. There are opioid addiction treatment centers all over the country where you can get customized help and begin your recovery, no matter what kind of care or level of treatment you need.
Identifying the Signs of Opioid Addiction
Since opioids are often available by prescription, it can be harder to distinguish legitimate use from misuse. There are, however, multiple physical, behavioral, and lifestyle signs that suggest a serious problem with opioids.
Physical Signs of Opioid Addiction
- Extreme changes in weight
- Withdrawal symptoms (sweating, headaches, extreme pain, constipation, intestinal distress, etc.)
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Lethargy
- Skin issues
Psychological Signs of Opioid Addiction
- Extreme changes in mood
- Irritability and anxiety
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Depression symptoms
Behavioral Signs of Opioid Addiction
- Stealing pills or buying them illegally
- Going to different doctors to secure prescriptions
- Watching the clock between doses
- Legal and financial issues associated with drug use
- Social isolation from friends and family
- Lying and manipulation regarding drug use
If you or someone you care about is misusing opioids and you notice these signs, it’s imperative that you seek help before the problem escalates and becomes fatal.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Treatment for opioid addiction should be tailored to each individual patient’s care, needs, and lifestyle, but at a minimum, it must always address the physical and psychological aspects of the disease. This means medically supervised detox and withdrawal management to address lingering physical and psychological symptoms of addiction and comprehensive behavioral rehab to address the origins and triggers of addiction.
There are multiple types of opioid addiction treatment, including but not limited to inpatient, outpatient, partial-hospitalization, and virtual. Look for programs that offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if you or your loved one need help with ongoing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT programs offer FDA-approved drugs to help you incrementally overcome opioid dependency, such as methadone, buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone®), and monthly injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol®).
Use our directory of drug rehabs to help you find opioid addiction treatment in your area now. You don’t have to look for treatment alone, and you shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Many opioid addiction treatment centers are covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Get the help you need right now.