Opiates are a category of drugs used to manage pain. Natural opiates are stemmed from opium, which is extracted from the poppy flower. While these drugs are useful for individuals in pain, they are habit forming.

Beginning Stage of Opiate Addiction

Opiates are narcotics. In time, a consumer of narcotics can develop tolerance to the drug. This means greater doses of the drug are needed to alleviate pain. If the user ends up being addicted to the drug that individual cannot stop using it without assistance.

Indications that a user has become addicted may not be discovered independently. But as more symptoms become clear it may suggest a concern. One sign is taking the prescription in any way besides prescribed by a physician. When questioned the user may reject any issues yet becomes upset when wanting another dose.

Other symptoms consist of behavior shifts; lack of proper grooming, resting more, keeping away from friends and family, and loss of weight. Report these indicators to the user’s physician even though there may be uncertainties as to the severity of the issue.

Second Stage of Opiate Addiction

The beginning indications of opiate addiction are quick to miss. But the next stage of opiate addiction is very easy to identify. During this stage, the addict will look for medical professionals who can prescribe more narcotics. They will fuss about one doctor who limits dosage, and seek another who will prescribe even more. At this stage, it’s typical for opiate addicts to have a list of three or more medical professionals that will prescribe medication.

Opiates are costly. As tolerance rises, so does the price of obtaining narcotics. So, the addict will search for better ways to obtain a high. They may crumble the pills and snort them like cocaine. The addict may look to street drugs like heroin. It is a less expensive substitute but a lot more life-threatening. Heroin can be laced with other compounds and the purity of the drug is never ensured.

During this phase, the signs are more apparent. If the addict does not have accessibility to the drug, withdrawal symptoms will arise. Withdrawal symptoms may be mistaken for the flu in the early stages. But the symptoms vanish with another dose of the opiate.

The Final Phase of Opiate Addiction

If the addict does not obtain assistance for opiate addiction prior to or during the initial two stages, even more symptoms can develop. The addict may reveal respiratory trouble or heart disease. Poor nutrition is common as are psychological and emotional complications.

The addict is unpredictable at this step and there’s a potential for overdose. With no intervention, a fatality may occur.

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is a session with the addict to go over how their actions are impacting their family, the employer, and anyone else immediately impacted by this behavior. An intervention is requesting the addict to obtain assistance and must be performed with love. As it can be an emotionally charged meeting for everyone included, it’s best to get in touch with an intervention expert to direct the gathering.

When to Think About an Intervention

Opiates are hazardous and can induce death if the addiction is not treated. Those addicted to opiates are not quickly convinced to quit using. Family members will require a professional to help encourage the addict to get support. Think about an intervention once symptoms of opiate addiction become transparent.

How Do I Get Help?

If a loved one is displaying indications of opiate addiction, call Aion recovery for assistance to locate an intervention expert. Intervention is the primary step towards recovery. Once the addict consents to recovery, Aion recovery is ready to help. Call us anytime at 888-811-2879.