According to the CDC, more than 500,000 Americans have died of drug overdose since 1999, and that number continues to rise. There is no question that opioid addiction is a crisis of epidemic proportions. You or your loved one(s) can overcome opioid addiction with the help of a qualified treatment program.
At Liberty Bay Recovery, we understand the challenges you may face in beginning the journey to recovery. Reach out to our team of treatment specialists today if you or someone you love needs opioid addiction treatment by calling (855) 607-8758.
What Are the Signs of Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction presents a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can affect a person physically, mentally, emotionally, and even financially. Here are some of the most common signs of opioid addiction:
- Inability to stop using opioids, even if the drug is affecting personal and professional relationships
- Constant cravings for opioids
- Chronic constipation
- Malnutrition, from lack of a balanced diet
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Difficulty breathing or shallow breaths
- Change in appearance of eyes, i.e., small pupils
- Slurred speech and other difficulties communicating
- Sweating, irritability, or nervousness when opioids are not available
Not all of these signs need to be present to diagnose opioid addiction. Also, most cases of opioid addiction are self-diagnosable. If you suspect you’re addicted to opioids, you likely are. Fortunately, there are compassionate professionals at treatment centers like Liberty Bay Recovery in Portland, Maine, who can help people get treatment for substance use disorder.
Risk Factors for Opioid Addiction
Some individuals are more likely to become addicted to opioids than others. These are some of the most common risk factors for opioid addiction:
- History of addiction or family history of addiction
- Heavy tobacco use
- History of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety
- Poverty, unemployment, and other stressful situations
- History of criminal activity
- Previous experimentation with other drugs
- Alcoholism or alcohol abuse
- Stress at home or in the workplace
- Thrill-seeking behavior
- PTSD following a traumatic event
That said, anyone can become addicted to opioids; none of these risk factors needs to be present. These risk factors only increase the likelihood that an individual could become addicted to opioids.
Other Common Opioid-Related Addiction Symptoms
Opioid addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life. Some of the clearest symptoms of opioid addiction may reveal themselves in how a person functions daily. If you or someone you love is addicted to opioids, you (or they) may find:
- Over-the-counter pain medications seem ineffective
- Focusing on work and other obligations is difficult
- Decision-making abilities are impaired
- Frequent anxiety attacks occur
These and all other opioid addiction symptoms are serious and require medical attention. That’s why a treatment program is the best way to overcome opioid addiction and other drug dependencies.
Start the Journey to Sobriety at Liberty Bay Recovery
You have the power to overcome opioid addiction, and Liberty Bay Recovery has the tools to help. We offer residential and outpatient opioid addiction rehab options to best suit your needs. Get your life back and conquer opioid addiction for good.
Liberty Bay Recovery accepts a wide range of insurance policies, including Cigna, Aetna, Humana, United Health Care, ValueOptions, Providence Health Plans, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, and United Medical Resources (UMR), and Government Employee Health Association (GEHA). A variety of self-pay options are available to patients, as well.
With caring clinicians and convenient payment options, Liberty Bay Recovery has the right solution for you. There is no reason to suffer from opioid addiction any longer. Contact our team today at (855) 607-8758, and we’ll design a treatment plan to set you on the path to long-lasting recovery.
