By: Richard Aranibar, M.D.
Medical Director at Tranquil Shores
Dr. Richard Aranibar, MD is certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine with a Subspecialty Certification in Pulmonology and Critical Care who completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Connecticut in 1998.
Living with opioid use disorder (OUD) is challenging. It affects you, your family and your loved ones. Fortunately, OUD is a treatable disease, and with the right approach, you or your loved one can break free from substance abuse and regain your life.
Opioid addiction is a complex and progressive condition characterized by physical symptoms and behaviors. Understanding the physical and psychological effects of OUD, as well as possible treatment options, can help you or your loved one begin the road to recovery.
The Impact of Opioid Addiction on Your Life
Over time, prolonged opioid use can impact your or your loved one’s life in the following ways:
- Addiction or dependence: Users can develop physical dependence, which can increase the risk of addiction and overdose.
- Mental health impact: Individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, are at a higher risk of opioid addiction or overdose.
- Social and relationship difficulties: Behavior changes can deteriorate relationships with loved ones. Trust issues may arise due to substance abuse, leading to isolation and social withdrawal.
- Work and academic impact: OUD can affect attendance and performance at school and work, potentially leading to job loss or academic failure.
- Lifestyle deterioration: Focusing on obtaining and using opioids can make users neglect responsibilities and interests, resulting in a decline in quality of life.
- Financial strain: The cost of maintaining opioid addiction can make users take desperate measures to fund their habit, placing them under financial strain.
- Legal problems: Opioid possession and distribution without prescription is illegal. It can result in arrest, charges or even imprisonment.
With the help and support of trained and caring professionals at Tranquil Shores, you can free yourself from opioid addiction.
The Effect on Families and Friends
The effect of opioid addiction extends to family members and close friends. Loving someone with opioid addiction can make you struggle emotionally and place you in challenging situations that cause:
- Strained family dynamics: Disagreements might become common. Family members often struggle to set boundaries with their loved ones. Children find themselves in an unstable home, taking on too much responsibility, affecting their education and social development.
- Social isolation: Friends or family members of individuals struggling with OUD might face feelings of guilt and embarrassment, which may affect their social interactions.
- Emotional strain: Family and friends can feel betrayed or afraid of losing their loved one. These emotions might manifest as guilt or anger.
- Financial stress: The cost of addiction can place the family under significant financial difficulties.
Prioritize your mental health and find support for yourself. Groups like Nar-Anon or Learn to Cope provide the safe place you need to share your experiences and learn how to improve your well-being and quality of life. The best way to help your loved one is to take care of yourself first.
Recognizing Signs of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction comes with various behavioral or physical changes. Early detection is paramount to reduce the risk of life-threatening overdose. It shortens the path to recovery and lessens the social and economic toll of addiction.
Physical signs of opioid addiction include:
- Noticeable changes in physical appearance
- Changes in appetite
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Persistent flu-like symptoms
- Decreased respiratory rate
- Unusual drowsiness or non-responsiveness
- Small or large pupils in different lighting
- Wearing long sleeves often to cover marks
Behavioral signs of OUD include:
- Observable changes in behavior and social interaction
- Shifts in social circles, hobbies and interests
- Increased secrecy, isolation and withdrawal from loved ones
- Erratic mood swings — moodiness, irritability, nervousness or giddiness
- Changes in sleep patterns, including sleeping at unusual times
- Neglect of personal hygiene and grooming
- Academic or professional performance suffering
- New financial difficulties or stealing money or valuables
Family members should also look out for these additional warning signs:
- Missing medications
- Drug paraphernalia, such as syringes, spoons, bottle caps and small bags with powder residue
- Disappearance of household items like shoelaces and belts, which are often used as tourniquets
When you spot any of these signs, contact a trained professional. They can guide you on how to approach your friend or family member and empathetically address substance misuse. Tranquil Shores provides personalized treatment for your loved one and gives you the peace of mind you deserve.
Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Opiate addiction symptoms are internal and external experiences reported by opioid users. Physical and psychological symptoms of opioid addiction include:
- Dizziness and brain fog
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Strong cravings or urges to use opioids
- Developing tolerance and the need for increased amounts to achieve the desired effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using opioids
- Decreased libido
- Depression
Recognizing an Overdose
During an opioid overdose, there’s a lack of oxygen in the brain that can cause severe damage or even death. Being able to distinguish between regular symptoms and those of an overdose can save lives.
Symptoms of opioid overdose include:
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
- Breathing problems, such as slow, shallow breathing or choking
- Skin discoloration, with nails or lips turning purplish
- Pupils become tiny “pinpoint” sizes and do not react to light
- The body becomes heavy and limp
In case of an overdose, follow these steps to help your family member or friend:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Administer overdose reversal medication.
- Keep the person awake.
- Maintain breathing.
- Stay with the person.
For more information on what to do during an overdose, consult this resource from the CDC.
The Importance of Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Effective treatment enhances the chances of success in overcoming opioid addiction, and a successful recovery reduces the risk of overdose.
Tranquil Shores’ inpatient opiate addiction treatment uses the Integrated Recovery Model to address the whole person. Our client-centered approach includes:
- Medical treatment: Receiving medication-assisted treatment can effectively reduce opioid use.
- Psychological treatment: We offer dual diagnosis treatment to work with addiction and mental health issues. This approach involves a 3-to-1 client-to-counselor ratio that strengthens the therapeutic relationship.
- Group counseling: Tranquil Shores integrates group therapy with behavioral therapy.
- Family therapy: Family members are essential to recovery. In family therapy, you’ll have the opportunity to understand addiction and learn how to support your loved ones.
- Alternative therapies: We include holistic therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, qigong, drumming and massage in our treatment. These therapies help heal your mind, body, spirit and soul.
- Aftercare: We’ll outline a personalized aftercare plan to help you or a loved one transition into daily life. We provide services like job transition and support networks.
Start Your Recovery Today at Tranquil Shores
At Tranquil Shores, we design a personalized treatment program to help you or your loved one regain sobriety. We provide you with the support and tools to reclaim your life and rebuild your closest relationships. Our dedicated team in Florida understands the hardships you and your family have gone through.
Take the first step to recovery and regain your freedom. To restore your life and family harmony, call Tranquil Shores today at 727-391-7001 or complete our online form.
