Opium addiction is a potential deadly disease that affects millions of people around the world. Although opium is not the most widely abused drug, opium derivatives such as Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Morphine and heroin are very widely abused substances that cause thousands of overdose related deaths each year. Opium addiction symptoms may not be easy to spot at first, but with proper knowledge of what to look out for, you can be better prepared to recognize the early warning signs and the need for help.
If you know someone who is abusing opium in the raw form or if you know someone who uses opiates (derivatives of the opium poppy) such as morphine or heroin you’ll want to pay close attention to their drug use and look out for the common opiate addiction symptoms. Should addiction symptoms become evident, you should consider seeking counseling, treatment & potential medical intervention to ensure your safety and recovery from this debilitating disease.
Common Opium Addiction Symptoms
- Mood swings above and beyond what is normal for the individual
- Agitation or being irritable, especially if the drug is not being used
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Tolerance and the need to use more opium than before in order to have the same effects
- Lack of pleasure when sober
- Lack of happiness when sober
- Depression
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Loss of money, spending large amounts of money on drugs or lying about money spent on opium
- Social isolation, especially when under the influence of opium
- Neglecting personal appearance
- Lack of desire to take part in activities that were once fun
- Avoiding activities or people if drugs are not involved
- Legal problems as a result of drug use
- Continuing to use opium despite the known problems it has caused
For those who are addicted, opium addiction treatment is available to provide a safe, clean environment where help, counseling and care is available. Opium addiction can have lasting long term effects on the body and opium detox is often necessary before treatment for the psychological realm of the addiction may begin. If you or someone you know has shown any of the above opium addiction symptoms and needs help, call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) for help. Our referral network can connect you with opium addiction treatment in your area.