[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/03\/signs-of-opioid-abuse\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/03\/signs-of-opioid-abuse\/","headline":"How to Recognize the Signs of Opioid Abuse","name":"How to Recognize the Signs of Opioid Abuse","description":"Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Learn how to spot signed of addiction to save a life.","datePublished":"2018-03-20","dateModified":"2023-04-17","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","name":"UPMC Western Behavioral Health","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/behavioral-health\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/so-many-brands-picture-id926538806.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/so-many-brands-picture-id926538806.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/03\/signs-of-opioid-abuse\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Mental Health","New Here"],"wordCount":453,"keywords":["opioid addiction"],"articleBody":"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths in the United States from prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone, have quintupled since 1999. From 1999 to 2016 there were over 200,000 deaths from drug overdoses.Opioids are frequently prescribed to relieve pain. Opioid drugs are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and the brain. In addition to relieving pain, opioids can cause euphoria, which may lead to misuse and overdose.Learn more about addiction treatment services available at UPMC.\u00a0Over time, opioid use can lead to tolerance, which is the need for more of a substance to achieve the desired effect (or a reduced effect when taking the same amount of the substance).It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder. If you notice any of these symptoms in family or friends, help is available.Opioid Abuse and DependenceOpioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short period of time (generally up to a few weeks) and as prescribed. Regular or prolonged use, even as prescribed, can cause dependence.The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.Opioid Misuse or Risky Use SymptomsTaking the substance\/medication in larger amounts or longer than intendedTaking someone else’s medication, even for a legitimate purpose such as to relieve painAn inability to cut down or control the use of the substance\/medicationCraving or a strong desire to use the substance\/medicationRecurrent use of the substance\/medication despite harmful consequencesUsing in contradiction to prescribing guidelines (e.g., combining the substance\/medication with alcohol or other drugs)Using the substance in a manner other than intended (e.g., crushing pills)Social Indications of Opioid Use DisorderOften, people who are struggling with opioid use disorder will start behaving differently. Here are some indications to look for:Withdrawal from social and recreational activitiesChanges in behavior or moodFinancial problemsMaking bad or reckless decisionsAvoiding friends and familyMissing school or work due to useSuspension from school or job loss due to a drug-related incidentOpioid Overdose SymptomsPoor coordinationShallow breathing or breathing stopsPerson unresponsiveDrowsinessPale, clammy skinLips and fingernails turn blue or grayNausea, vomitingSlurred speechIf you suspect an overdose, call 911, administer naloxone (Narcan if available, and do not leave the person alone until help arrives.Treatment is available for opiate use disorders \u2014 and treatment works! If you aren’t sure what to do, seek advice from the experts at UPMC Addiction Medicine Program \u2014 you could save a life."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"03","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/03\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Recognize the Signs of Opioid Abuse","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/03\/signs-of-opioid-abuse\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]