ReVIDA® Investigates Signs of Opioid Addiction

Johnson City, TN - ReVIDA® Recovery is well-known for their educational blogs, with their latest diving into the signs of opioid addiction. With opioid use on the rise in Tennessee, ReVIDA® Recovery aims to provide resources to ensure accessibility to those looking for treatment.

“There are several signs that someone might be using opioids. One of those signs includes a strong desire to use, with an increased need for more substance over time. Withdrawal symptoms are also present in those with an opioid addiction – though they aren’t always noticeable to someone who doesn’t know what to look out for. People might also continue to use opioids even when it impacts their daily lives, leaving behind activities they once loved. They might also wish to stop using but find that they can’t, or they have difficulty controlling their intake of opioids or how often they take them. Opioids affect the brain, which can lead to opioid tolerance,” the article states.

Physical signs of opioid addiction can include hypersomnia, euphoria, decreased pain perception, nausea, constipation, pinpoint pupils, decreased respiratory rate, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and weight loss or weight gain. There are also some behavioral signs that people might have when they are using opioids. They might change their friends or hobbies, while others turn to isolation and avoid family and friends. There will be a drop in work performance or grades at school. They might have also stolen from others. Some might have faced legal troubles because of their opioid use.

Professional and personal relationships may also feel a strain from opioid use. Financial difficulties can come from missing too many days at work, which can also affect home life. Children of those who use opioids are more likely to experience trauma, neglect, and mistreatment. The person using opioids may experience an overdose, which can be traumatic for family members to have to witness. Overdose signs include shallow breathing, choking, pale or blue skin, faint heartbeat, purple lips, limp body, and loss of consciousness. Medical attention is necessary in the event of an overdose.

“Opioid use disorder does have an impact on a person’s mental health. Those who had a mental health concern before opioid use disorder are at an increased risk of developing an opioid use disorder. However, an opioid use disorder can also lead to mental health conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

People can also develop anxiety from opioid use. This can lead to people feeling hopeless. They might believe that things can’t change, no matter what they do. People who use opioids might become tired both physically and emotionally because they feel like they are in a cycle of wanting to seek treatment and finding their way back to opioids. In extreme cases, this can lead to thoughts of suicide or actual suicide,” the article continues.

Withdrawal symptoms are one of the main reasons many avoid getting treatment. They typically begin 12 hours after the last use and peak around 72 hours. Medical professionals can ensure withdrawal is more comfortable and they can intervene if complications arise.

ReVIDA® Recovery has locations throughout Appalachia, and is ready to help those looking for opioid use disorder treatment. Their program is considered outpatient, so there is no fear of missing work. Their team of dedicated professionals also provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, which has been proven beneficial for many.

For those wanting to learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery, call 423-631-0432 or visit their website.