How to Know If Someone Is High on Opiates

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Recognizing opiate addiction can prevent serious harm, including overdosing and death.

Common signs of opioid intoxication include:

• Drowsiness: Users could appear fatigued. This is commonly called “nodding off”. It is extremely dangerous and involves “nodding” in and out of consciousness.
• Confusion or Disorientation: This can seem similar to an extreme alcohol intoxication, but they are usually much more pronounced. Opioid users have a hard time focusing, responding, and interacting with the world due to the intensity of the drug.
• Breathing: Shallow or irregular breathing is a side effect of being high and is life threatening. Anytime your breathing is affected you are damaging your central nervous system. These symptoms are dangerous.
• Pinpoint Pupils: People will confuse this with dilated pupils, but it is the opposite. When taking a drug such as Adderall or Cocaine you may see eyes get “big” and the pupil portion of the eye takes center stage. When on a user's pupils will be unusually small even in light. 
• Confusion: This can seem similar to an extreme alcohol intoxication, but they are usually much more pronounced. Opioid users have a hard time focusing, responding, and interacting with the world due to the intensity of the drug.
• Blue Lips & Fingernails: - Another deadly symptom of abuse is bluish lips and fingernails. These are symptoms of cyanosis and are a result of respiratory issues.
• Highs and Lows: The highs and lows of opiates are drastic. One may feel an initial euphoric high, but it is followed by intense lethargy.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Opiate use can disrupt the gastrointestinal system, causing queasiness and vomiting.

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Many of these symptoms are life threatening. Call our addiction specialist today if you or someone you know is addicted to opiates.

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Symptoms of Opiate Addiction

These symptoms affect daily life and commonly include:

• Cravings: An addict will have an intense craving for opiates and will not feel satisfied unless they are high.
• An Increased Tolerance: An individual needs more opiates to achieve the same effect. This is dangerous because overdosing on opiates is very common.
• Inability To Quit: This is a factor, especially if there has been a consequence. If the opiate has negatively affected the user's life and they are still unable to stop it is a clear indication that an addiction is forming. These negative effects could be in regard to work, home, physical health, and personal relationships. Other times it could be financial or ethical. In other words, some people will spend more than they can afford or do things they normally would not do in order to require the opiates. This is a definitive sing of addiction.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Opioids makes interacting with the world nearly impossible, which leads to poor performance and neglected responsibilities.‍
• Social Isolation: When someone is addicted, it is common to withdrawal from friends and family to hide the addiction, use the drug, or spend more time with other users of the drug.‍
• Mood Swings: The cycles of euphoria and lethargy we mentioned above accompanies the highs and lows of being addicted to opiates.

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A successful recovery from opiates starts with recognizing the symptoms. If you or someone you know is addicted to opiates speak with one of our addiction specialists for a customized rehab program.

Withdrawal from Opiates can be one of the most physically and emotionally challenging drugs to detox from. Professional detox ensures safety

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Muscle Pains: Having severe muscle aches is a common sign of opiate withdrawal. Common areas to feel pain are in the back and in the legs
• Sweats and Chills: When opiate withdrawal starts you will likely have sweats and chills. Your body has a hard time regulating temperature fluctuations and it results in excessive sweating and chills throughout the body.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Someone withdrawing from opiate will likely have challenges with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea That can cause additional complications such as discomfort and dehydration.‍
• Anxiety and Irritability: You may experience bouts of anxiety and depression. These emotional symptoms often are accompanied by irritability and feelings of hopelessness.‍
• Insomnia: You may have difficulty sleeping which can leave you restless and emotionally drained. Insomnia is a common symptom in opiate withdrawal.‍
• Rapid Heartbeat and High Blood Pressure: Physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure are also common when detoxing. These carry dangerous risks and pose a threat to your cardiovascular system.
• Intense Cravings: Intense craving for opiates, which can be amplified by mood swings. These cravings and emotional tolls make early recovery extremely difficult .. These cravings are intense and sometimes feel as if they are unbeatable.

NPB recovery understands opiate addiction and withdrawal. We are here to help provide a foundation for long term recovery.

How to Quit Opiates

Quitting opiates requires a structured recovery plan. You can receive yours with one of our addiction specialists where you will cover

1. Detox From Opiates You want detox to be as comfortable as possible. This way you can continue into deeper stages in your recovery. Opiate detox is uncomfortable, dangerous, and even life threatening. When detoxing becomes unbearable it is common to start using again.
2. Getting Into Opiate Rehab: We would evaluate the severity of the addiction, the flexibility of your life, and the best program that fits into your schedule (especially for those with personal or professional matters they cannot put on pause)
3. Engaging in Therapy: NPB Recovery only utilizes evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to address the root causes of addiction
4. Developing Healthy Coping Skills: We will work together to create a game plan to engage in health coping strategies, avoid triggers, and better manage stress without the need of opiates.
5. Relapse Prevention: A rehab program is successful based on long-term recovery rates. Long term recovery requires a strong alumni base, continued support groups, and relapse prevention. All programs NPB Recovery can offer.

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NPB Recovery provides the most comprehensive Opiate Treatment in Florida. We are here to help guide you through each stage of the recovery process.

What are the most commonly abused opiates?
Common opiates include prescription drugs like Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine, and illegal drugs like Heroin.

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How long does it take to develop an opiate addiction?
Addiction can develop within weeks of regular use, particularly with high doses or prolonged exposure.

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Can you quit opiates without professional help?
While some people attempt to quit on their own, professional help significantly increases the chances of success and ensures safety during withdrawal.

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What happens if you mix opiates with alcohol or other drugs?
Mixing opiates with other substances increases the risk of overdose, respiratory failure, and life-threatening complications.

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How can family members support a loved one in rehab?
Family members can participate in therapy, educate themselves about addiction, and provide encouragement throughout recovery.

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Are there medications that can help with opiate withdrawal?
Yes, medications like Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

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Is relapse common after opiate rehab?
Relapse is common, but it doesn’t signify failure. Continuous support and follow-up care are key to maintaining sobriety.

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What is the success rate of opiate rehab?
Success rates vary, but evidence-based programs like those at NPB Recovery significantly improve outcomes.