Opioid users face a different risk than people drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana. It comes from the threat of becoming addicted much faster. Evidence tells us even using opioids to treat their pain for less than a week can get someone hooked. Today, let’s look at some signs that your opioid use in the past year has put you at risk and how Origins Behavioral HealthCare can help you take steps towards recovery.

Opioid users can experience many signs they have become addicted to the drug. You may have noticed cravings have started or your tolerance level of the drug went up. Also, you may have felt some severe withdrawal symptoms when you tried to quit using opioids. Your behavior may have changed. It might look like ignoring obligations and responsibilities. You may have quit doing the activities you used to like. You may find yourself ignoring or being unaware of hazards in the places where you’re using. If any of these sound familiar to you, it’s likely time to look for treatment for your opioid use. Effective treatment can come from an accredited facility with expertise in this type of disorder. A safe medical detox is a first step so you can experience withdrawal symptoms safely. A program for opioid use that offers dual diagnosis treatment can help a patient whose mental health is adding to their substance use.

Origins Behavioral HealthCare professionals acknowledge the following nine signs of opioid addiction.

Origins Behavioral HealthCare understands opioid use changes over time.

Opioid users who seek treatment may have started taking a larger amount of the drug each time. Our treatment team also sees patients who have continued to use an opioid for a longer period of time than before.

Origins Behavioral HealthCare recognizes tolerance levels increase with sustained opioid use.

Our addiction specialists offer a vast amount of experience in treating patients whose increased tolerance of opioids over time led them to double, triple, or quadruple their intake of the drug in a given month. In some cases, the patients we treat turned to using a different opioid when the one they previously used regularly was no longer accessible or available.

Origins Behavioral HealthCare recognizes obsession, compulsion, and “cravings” in an opioid user.

We treat patients with a strong desire to return to using opioids during a program at an Origins treatment center. Through therapy techniques and coping skills—and medication when appropriate— we can help a patient with opioid use disorder manage their response to cravings in healthier ways and avoid a relapse.

Origins Behavioral HealthCare understands how opioid use affects responsibilities.

As more time is consumed getting the drug and recovering from its use, the person with an opioid use disorder is unable to handle responsibilities. Patients in an Origins treatment center may have to relearn life skills that allow them to function properly and fulfill all important obligations.    

Origins Behavioral HealthCare understands how opioid use affects relationships.

Opioid use can harm relationships by making a user unreliable, disruptive, or dependent on friends and family for financial support. While at an Origins licensed rehab center, a family program can help a patient rebuild relationships with loved ones through guided communication in a safe, supportive environment. 

Origins Behavioral HealthCare recognizes the lifestyle of opioid users is focused on drug use.

Opioid users may stop participating in activities they used to enjoy if it interferes with their drug use. They may continue to use the drug even when it makes situations they’re in riskier or life-threatening. A program at an Origins treatment center emphasizes the use of other activities as a replacement behavior for drug use with recreational therapy designed to promote healthy coping, stress management, and positive interaction in your community.   

Origins Behavioral HealthCare treats patients who have attempted to cut down their opioid use.

Opioid users who are aware of a developing dependence on the drug may attempt to reduce their use of it. This pattern reveals an awareness of the health threats of the drug and a potential interest in starting treatment. 

Origins Behavioral HealthCare recommends never attempting withdrawal alone.

Another sign of an opioid use disorder is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms in between use of the drugs. Through a medical detox at Origins, patients can avoid the discomfort and health risks associated with opioid withdrawal, such as cold flashes, muscle and bone pain, and nausea and vomiting.

Origins Behavioral HealthCare encourages chronic relapsers to seek dual diagnosis treatment.

Opioid users often have a history of treatment in multiple facilities. They may have been treated for substance use only at those times and have been unable to sustain recovery. Origins Behavioral HealthCare recommends these chronic relapsers consider entering a program that offers dual diagnosis treatment for a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder. The addiction specialists at Origins routinely sees patients who have previously gone undiagnosed for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, or another mental health disorder. We believe proper diagnosis and support for mental health issues can have a positive impact on a patient’s ability to start recovery and stay sober.

Origins Behavioral HealthCare is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1296.