Hidden Signs Of Opioid And Heroin Addiction
You might think that heroin addiction would be obvious. Part of the disease is protecting the addiction as long as possible, by making it as least obvious as possible
Missing Houseware
Where did all the spoons go? How are we using this much tinfoil? When you are unaware of the signs of opioid addiction, you might not put your loved one’s odd behavior and missing housewares together as two pieces of the same puzzle. Intravenous drug users “cook” their drugs in spoons and use the pool of the spoon to draw their drugs into a needle. For those who smoke painkillers or heroin, they use tinfoil. Bottle caps can go missing, rubber bands, or belts.
Unseasonal Clothing
Opioid addiction causes a number of physical effects. First, it can cause tremendous weight loss. Wearing bulky, oversized clothing is often an effort of hiding an increasingly emaciated body. Second, opioid addiction through intravenous drug use can leave “track marks” or bruises from needles. Additionally, needles can cause abscesses or infection points. Long sleeve shirts and long pants hide the track marks and hide addiction.
Screws Unloose
Closets, drawers, air conditioning vents, shelves, cabinets, could all have a screw missing. Leaving out one screw is a way to remind someone where they have hidden their drugs. Finding a secret hole or place to stash drugs in case of emergency is a common practice.
A Busy Schedule
Considering how terrible your loved one looks- withdrawn face, sunken eyes, pasty skin- you’re wondering how they are keeping up with their busy schedule. They always have somewhere to be, something to do, someone to see. Lately, they’re out of the house for more hours of the day than you can count. Opioid addiction quickly takes a physical toll and leads to evading the truth. Your loved one is likely avoiding being home to avoid getting caught getting high. They’re schedule is full of finding, obtaining, and using drugs.
Physical Symptoms Of Withdrawal
When an addiction can no longer be hidden, it is made obvious through withdrawal symptoms. Coughing, sneezing, sniffling, and itching are common symptoms of withdrawal from opioids and heroin. Detoxing from heroin and opioids after it has been out of the system for too long results in a flu-like experience where someone gets sick.
Opioid and heroin addiction can be fatal. If you are concerned your loved one might be struggling with an opioid addiction, call Enlightened Solutions in New Jersey today. We offer integrative programs for compassionate healing of mind, body, and spirit, to ensure long term recovery. For more information, call 833-801-5483.
