Know the Signs of Opiate Addiction

Opiate addiction is on the rise, not only in the United States but across the world.

The most common types of opiates are codeine and morphine, both used to treat moderate to severe pain and typically in combination with other medications. Opioids, or opioid derivatives, are available by prescription and include Oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycontin, or Percodan), Hydromorphone (Palladone and Dilaudid), and Hydrocodone (Lorcet, Dolorex, and Vicodin).

Hydrocodone is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs, and like all opiates is available in several forms including pills, tablets, and liquids. When used recreationally, opiates are typically crushed and snorted, smoked, or injected.

How can you tell if someone you know is addicted to opiates? If you’re concerned, look for signs of opiate addiction. These include changes in behavior or attitudes that aren’t attributable to any significant life change. For example, if a person becomes increasingly solitary, agitated, or anxious, it’s worth a closer look.

Any kind of behavior changes or extreme alterations in mood can be signs of an opiate addiction, and include frequent expressions of hostility, anxiety, anger, or agitation. Isolation from family and friends and avoidance of social events, as well as a decline in overall performance in work, school, or social life are also common signs.

Persons suffering from an opiate addiction may frequently “nod off” in inappropriate circumstances and neglect their personal hygiene. In addition, they may experience repeated bouts of insomnia.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the signs of opiate addiction —necessary to diagnose the condition– include a strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the drug, difficulties in controlling drug-taking behavior in terms of levels of use, a physiological withdrawal state when drug use is stopped or reduced, evidence of tolerance requiring increased doses of the drug in order to achieve effects originally produced by lower doses, and progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of drug use.

If you know someone who is suffering from an opiate addiction, there are several treatment options available. One of the most cutting edge is Accelerated Neuroregulation (ANR), which reverses the dependency and its symptoms by essentially re-regulating the brain and nervous system. Dr. Waismann and his team do this without subjecting patients to the harmful effects of withdrawal, which can be the most dangerous aspect of opiate addiction treatment.

Dr. Andre Waismann is a pioneer in ANR treatment and offers this care at his two clinics, one in Florida and one in Switzerland. To find out more about Dr. Waismann and his clinics, please contact us today.