Opioid addiction is a substance use disorder that plagues millions of lives in our modern society. According to a 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 10 million people in the US reported misusing prescription opioids. These numbers have been on the rise as more and more people find themselves facing this difficult battle. 

Have you recently noticed a change in appearance that has caused you to suspect your loved one is suffering from an addiction? Maybe they have recently undergone a life event such as a job loss, legal trouble, or an injury that requires a pain medication like Oxycontin or Percocet. 

Sometimes though, the signs of opioid abuse can be harder to identify and translate. If you are worried that your friend or family member may be suffering from substance use disorder, continue reading to learn about 5 lesser-known warning signs that your loved one is addicted to opioids.

1. A Loss of Enjoyment 

When someone abuses a drug like Oxycontin, they undergo changes in brain chemistry that can make them vulnerable to developing a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety. Depression is one of the common side effects of opioid addiction, but that doesn't mean it's an obvious one. To further complicate matters, the symptoms of depression can be notoriously hard to identify, even by one's closest friends and family. Lethargy and withdrawal are common symptoms associated with clinical depression. If your loved one has shown other signs of opioid addiction and is withdrawing from loved ones or losing interest in their favorite activities, it may be time to discuss their substance abuse. 

2. Slurred Speech or a Lack of Coordination

Drugs like OxyContin and Percocet can decrease pain by depressing the central nervous system, which is the part of our body that's responsible for sensation, movement, awareness, and memory. However, when someone is suffering from an addiction to opioids, you may notice a decline in their cognitive function or sensory output due to this continued depression of their central nervous system. This may present as difficulty maintaining balance, slurred speech, drowsiness, or a decreased sense of spatial awareness.

3. Difficulty Concentrating 

If your loved one is addicted to opioid medication, you may notice their ability to focus has decreased. They can struggle to hold a conversation, or they may be getting reprimanded at school or work for not concentrating. Forgetfulness, procrastination, and disorientation may also be signs that your loved one's concentration is under siege by this powerful drug. 

4. They’re Always Getting Sick 

Prolonged opioid usage can have a detrimental effect on the immune system. Decreased immune function can make your family member or friend more susceptible to illness or overpower their ability to fight off bacterial or viral infections. You may notice that your loved one is always coming down with something or frequently complains about their health. Chronic opioid abusers risk developing severe health conditions because their immune system remains in a constant state of attack. 

5. Doctor Shopping

"Doctor shopping" is an example of a covert way of living with opioid addiction. This term refers to the routine visitation to different doctors and specialists as a way to receive more prescriptions for drugs like Oxycontin and Percocet than is medically advisable. People abusing opioids may be able to hide their other symptoms, but will still need to shop around to support their habit. Someone who is doctor shopping to feed their addiction may visit multiple doctors in a short span, fake illnesses and injuries, or complain their treatment isn't working as a means to obtain more drugs. If you notice your loved one is always seeking medical care from new practitioners, it may be time to consider having a conversation about their opioid abuse.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction can help you encourage your loved one to seek help and maybe even save their life. Download our Complete Breakdown to Opioids guide to learn more about these potentially harmful drugs and how you can protect your loved ones here.

Are you or someone you know suffering from an addiction to Oxycontin, Percocet, or another type of opioid drug? If you want to commit to a life free from opioid addiction and abuse, contact us about The Walker Center’s treatment options for recovery. A better, stronger tomorrow starts today.