IDENTIFYING OPIATE MISUSE
There are physical signs and behaviors to look for if you are worried someone is misusing opiates. These signs and behaviors may include:
- Constricted pupils
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Appearing tired or drowsy
- Itchy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Poor memory and concentration
- Anxiety
- Constipation (may try to acquire remedies)
- Slowed breathing
- Slow movement and reactions
- Mood swings
- Apathy and depression
- Change in appearance
- Reduced social interaction
- Deceitful or secretive behavior
Once the person becomes addicted to the opiate, you may notice lifestyle and behavioral changes. These may include:
- Leaving short straws and rolled dollar bills around, along with small mirrors if they are crushing pills and snorting them.
- Leaving pipes around, if a person smokes the drug.
- Leaving syringes, rubber tubes, syringe caps, and droppers around, if they are injecting the drug
- Spending all of their money on drugs so they may not have required items that they would normally be expected to have.
- Having unexpected money or expensive items if they begin to sell drugs to support their addiction.
- Preoccupation with obtaining drugs and maintaining their addiction. Contact with family and friends may decrease. They may have a new set of friends who are drug users.
- Committing illegal acts to get money for drugs and possibly being arrested.
- Neglecting work and school. Changes in overall attitude, including temper outbursts.
- Talking more about partying or drinking.
- Appearing jittery and secretive.
- Deterioration of grooming and physical appearance.
- Asking for money loans.
- Missing items from the homes of family members or loved ones.
- Wearing long-sleeved clothes if the person is an intravenous drug user.
This information was obtained from the following sources:
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Partnership for Drug Free Kids
Drug Policy Alliance
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Clermont County Crisis Hotline: 513.528.SAVE (7283)