Signs of Opioid Intoxication

How to Tell if Someone is High on Opioids

Unlike many other commonly abused drugs, opioids do have legitimate medical use. These powerful painkillers are used to treat cancer patients suffering pain. The substances are utilized as a part of hospice care for those nearing the end of their lives and even play a role in surgical settings, serving as powerful anesthetics for patients undergoing serious operations.

The fact that opioids have legitimate medical usage can make spotting the signs of opioid intoxication a bit tricky. If you are concerned that someone in your life may be abusing opioids or using them recreationally, it is vital to watch out for the early warning signs. Many of these symptoms of opioid intoxication can be subtle and easy to miss, but if you know the warning signs, you can spot them quickly, so you can begin to talk about treatment and addiction recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help. 

Opioid Intoxication

Unlike heroin, cocaine, and other illegal drugs, opioids do have some legitimate uses, and that can make spotting the signs of abuse a bit difficult. Even so, there are some telltale signs of opioid intoxication, and these are signals you should never ignore.

Opioid intoxication can result when someone who has been prescribed the medication takes too much or when someone without a prescription takes the drugs recreationally. Knowing when someone becomes intoxicated can be a vital first step in getting them into treatment, so keep your eyes and ears open and watch out for the following:

• Excessive sleepiness or drowsiness
• Constriction in the pupils
• Slurred speech
• Signs of confusion
• Chronic constipation
• Shallow breathing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Puncture wounds or track marks
• Mood swings
• Frequent nosebleeds

Signs of Opioid Abuse and Intoxication

If you want to help an addicted loved one get better and into recovery, it all begins with recognizing the warning signs of opioid intoxication and abuse. Before addiction can occur, trying or abusing the drug happens. While not as severe as addiction, abuse of opioids can lead to a multitude of problems.

Many of the early warning signs of opioid intoxication can fly under the radar, but knowing what to be aware of can help you intervene more quickly. If you spot any of the following signs of opioid intoxication, you should trust your gut and have a sincere conversation about the dangers of addiction, the perils of dependency, and the importance of seeking treatment as soon as possible.

• Shallow or labored breathing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent mood swings
• Nosebleeds
• Problems with constipation
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness

Signs of Opioid Addiction

The signs of opioid addiction can be subtle, especially in the early days when the dependency develops. If you can catch a budding opioid addiction at this stage, it will be much easier for you to get your friend or family member the help they need. Here are some of the possible signs of opioid intoxication that you should never ignore:

• Feelings of agitation
• A decrease in decision-making skills
• Ignoring the responsibilities of job and family
• Slurred speech
• A change in sleeping patterns, including marked increase or decrease in the number of hours slept
• Irritability and mood swings
• Depression
• Reduced motivation
• Anxiety attacks

Treatment for Opioid Addiction

If someone in your life has been using opioids for pain reduction to manage a chronic health condition or for any other reason, it is crucial to monitor their behavior, health, and activity for signs of intoxication. And if you suspect that someone you know has been abusing opioids in other ways, it is just as important to watch out for the signs and symptoms.

Whether the person with the suspected or confirmed opioid addiction is a friend, a family member, or yourself, getting prompt treatment is essential. If you are worried about using opioids, you should trust your gut and get the help you need immediately. The good news is that support and guidance are available at any of our Florida locations. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, our staff will develop a customized treatment protocol just for you to address your issues and put you on the road to recovery.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.