Opioids, which include prescription medications as well as illicit drugs, are highly addictive. Addiction can form quickly for some. Recognizing the signs of addiction can help you get help sooner, minimizing the negative consequences of this drug’s use. If you suspect an opioid addiction, don’t wait to get help. Midwest Detox can provide the resources you need to rebuild your life.
Early Signs of Opioid Addiction
Some of the first signs of addiction can be hard to spot. If you are using these drugs through a prescription, stick with the dosages provided by your doctor. Anyone using illicit opioids, such as heroin, should reach out for help from a treatment center. Some of the most common early signs of addiction include:
- Thinking about the next dose often
- Using the substance in ways other than as prescribed
- Experiencing irritability when you’re not using
- Struggling with increasing anxiety or mood swings not otherwise explained
- Headaches or lack of sleep
Recognizing these signs of addiction is the first step in getting help. Even if you are unsure whether you have an addiction, reaching out to a therapist is an important step in protecting your future.
How Does Opioid Addiction Happen?
The key to understanding these early signs is to recognize what happens when a person uses these drugs. Opioids trigger the reward center in the brain. This area of the brain is tasked with seeking out activities that are pleasurable. When that happens, it releases dopamine. This hormone encourages a person to seek out the drug over and over again. Initially, using opioids just creates a feeling of euphoria. Yet, continued use, especially in larger doses, leads to drug-seeking habits. That’s when it becomes clear a person needs treatment. Those early warning signs may happen before this worsening occurs.
How Opioid Addiction Worsens
These early warning signs may worsen over time. This can happen when someone starts using more of the drug to get the same effect. It can also happen when a person develops signs of dependence, which forms when the substance starts to cause changes in the brain. Over time, this may include both physical and mental dependence. To know if this is occurring, consider what happens when you do not have access to the drugs.
Physical dependence leads to feelings of pain, insomnia, and headaches. Some people also experience nausea and vomiting. Seizures, hallucinations, and even paranoia can occur. Some people struggle with mental dependence. This leads to intense cravings that may be impossible to stop. In each one of these situations, a person needs to recognize the need to get help. Dependence does not go away or get better without treatment.
How to Get Help for Opioid Addiction in Ohio
If you are struggling with opioid addiction, including noticing any early warning signs or those of dependence, it’s time to reach out for help. Our team at Midwest Detox Center can offer guidance and support to you every step of the way. Treatment can help at any stage to stop the desire to use opioids. Over time, it can eliminate the cravings as treatment allows your brain to heal. A range of therapies and treatment programs can help you achieve this. At Midwest Detox Center, some of our offerings include:
- Women’s detox programs
- Men’s detox programs
- Residential addiction treatment program
- Medical detox programs
- Prescription drug detox programs
Find the Support You Need – Call Midwest Detox Center Today
Opioid addiction is a serious health risk. If you believe you have these early signs of addiction, our team at Midwest Detox Center can help you. We encourage you to reach out to us today to learn how we can help at any stage. Call us at 833.647.0392 or connect with us online now.
