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Experts detail the signs a painkillers and what you should do about it.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis managed to hide her opioid addiction for a decade.
"I had a 10-year run, stealing, conniving. No one knew. No one, "the star of" Halloween "said in a recent issue of People magazine.
The admission brings up some important issues.
How does someone hides such a debilitating addiction?
And how do those who love them do not notice?
You might think about it, but if you're a parent, or just, it's just a friend.
"Our own research demonstrates that 90 percent of all substance use begins in the teenage years, and the majority of those misuse opioids first access to these drugs from their peers, not their doctor," Molly Bobek, director of clinical implementation at the Center on Addiction, told Healthline.
Every day, 115 of those loved ones die in the United States from opioid misuse.
Stopping this pattern means saving lives.
But first, you have to know the warning signs.
Knowing the risk factors and signs is the first step in helping a loved one.
"Substance use often emerges as a coping strategy for traumatic experiences," said Bobek.
This can perpetuate intergenerational cycles of addiction.
"Substance use can cause trauma for the person using the substances as well as those around them," Bobek explained.
Dr. Lawrence Weinstein, the chief medical officer at American Addiction Centers, told Healthline he wants families to know opioid addiction "causes people to behave in ways that they would never behave under normal circumstances, and sometimes this behavior can be destructive."
"This is not who they are, these are symptoms of the disease," he added. "Addiction is not a moral failing by any stretch of the imagination. It is a disease that must be managed, just like hypertension or diabetes. "
Bobek reminds us that while "families can be deeply affected by a misused addiction or substance," they also "play a vital role in supporting a substance use disorder, and can contribute to changing the trajectory of the problem. compassionately working to motivate their loved ones to seek evidence-based treatment. "
Weinstein said some of the common signs addiction include:
- continued use of the substance even when there are negative repercussions
- noticeable drowsiness or sedation
- slowed breathing
- constricted pupils
- nodding off intermittently or losing consciousness
- mood swings
- extra pill bottles in the trash
- symptoms that can mimic
- Defensiveness If You Approach Themselves About Your Concerns
- drug paraphernalia in or around the user's bedroom or living space; such things as vials, needles, rubber tubing, and spoons that are bent or burned on the bottom, could indicate heroin misuse
"There is a difference between physiological dependence and addiction," noted Bobek.
"It is important for those who are worried about a loved one," she added.
Experts say we should remember that opioids have medical value for many people with chronic pain who do not misuse them. Not everyone who uses prescription opioids becomes addicted.
"There are some people, such as chronic pain patients, who can take opioids for years to keep their bread at bay, and there are others who add addiction after taking opioids for a sprained ankle," explained Weinstein. "There are others who have an increased risk of suffering from addiction based on their genetic makeup."
Dr. Anthony Campbell, Clinical Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Therapy.
A substance use disorder is the recurrent use of alcohol or other drugs that causes clinically and functionally significant impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home. Depending on the level of severity, this disorder is classified as mild, moderate, or severe, "Campbell explained.
He added that addiction is the most severe, chronic form of substance use disorder.
This is when the person experiences substantial loss of self-control.
Weinstein said, "It can be difficult to tell the difference between teenage girls and actual drug use, but parents can be proactive in talking to their teenagers to find out what's going on."
These are some of the signs parents can watch for:
- drop in grades
- bloodshot eyes
- laughing for no reason
- loss of interest in activities
- poor hygiene
- diminished personal appearance
- avoiding eye contact
- frequent hunger or "munchies"
- smell of smoke on breath
- secretive behavior
- unusual tiredness
- missing curfew
"One in five parents who suspect their teen is using drugs do not intervene to prevent further drug use," Weinstein said.
He advises parents to "ask straightforward questions … in the right tone." This means with compassion and understanding.
"Simply asking, 'Have you been using drugs or alcohol?' Or 'Has anyone offered you drugs recently?'," Weinstein said.
Weinstein reminds us that "addiction is an indiscriminate, insidious disease that can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicity."
Still, some of us are at a higher risk of addiction than others.
Campbell shares that while psychosocial issues and chronic pain are risk factors, genetics account for 40 percent to 60 percent.
Risk factors also with the duration of prescription opioid use.
"Research demonstrates that the prescription of opioids, the greater risk of developing addiction or dependence is problematic for one's life," Bobek said.
"We also know that a personal history of substance misuse, stress, trauma history, and mental health and emotional difficulties," she added. "People should be in conversation with their health care providers if they believe they are at risk."
Weinstein noted some questions to consider when assessing risk
- Have they noticed that their prescription does not last as long as it's supposed to?
- Have they developed a tolerance?
- Are more and more pills needed to achieve the desired effect?
- Do they have issues sleeping?
- Are they slurring their speech?
- Are they becoming more forgetful or seemingly lacking coordination?
- Do they have a headache, are they only relieved by taking another pill? These are actually the symptoms of pain, but because the withdrawal is uncomfortable and undesired.
"People should be in conversation with healthcare professionals if they experience themselves at risk of misusing their opioid prescriptions, and should always take their medication as prescribed," Bobek said.
Another key to keeping safe, Bobek says, is that "if someone is experiencing a non-opioid substance use disorder or mental health problem, they should seek evidence-based treatment to reduce their risk of opioid use disorder."
Weinstein offers advice for loved ones who are concerned.
"The most important thing is that your loved one is not bad, weak, or anything out of the fate," he said. "Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease. Approaching them from this mindset will make them feel cared for rather than judged, blamed and attacked for something they can not control. "
Then, Weinstein suggests, "Make sure that you care for yourself," and "describe to yourself the behaviors you've seen and express your concerns."
"This conversation must be made in such a way that they are being scolded," Weinstein continued, emphasizing the importance of "allow[ing] they to respond and speak as well "and" encourage[ing] your loved one to seek help. "
Weinstein ended up saying, "Explain to them that you know they are sick and they are willing to help you."
Bobek says, "There is no one-size-fits-all approach for recovery. Every customer has a different journey. Nevertheless, MAT (medicated-assisted treatment) is the only scientifically proven treatment for OUD (opioid use disorder), and that's a fact that can be deadly to ignore. "
If you are concerned about your own opioid use or risk factors, get to know your doctor and mental health professional.
Early intervention can save lives.
Opioid addiction is a life-threatening disease that does not discriminate, but some people have higher risk factors than others.
Genetics, psychosocial issues, and chronic pain are common risk factors.
Signs of addiction include a reduced ability to maintain a functional school, work, or home life, and a loss of self-control when it comes to consuming drugs, regardless of any negative consequences.
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