A Loved One Addicted to Opiates? Here Are Common Signs

12 June 2018

If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you already know that the opioid crisis in the United States has reached critical mass. In some areas, opioid overdoses increased by 70 percent in just over a year’s time.

The opioid epidemic now touches the lives of millions of everyday Americans. As a result, the chances that you know someone with opioid addiction have increased astronomically.

For anyone concerned that their loved one might have a problem, it’s important to recognize the early warning signs of opiate use. That’s what this article is for.

Below, you’ll learn a few basic things to look for when trying to determine if a loved one has an opiate problem. With any luck, you won’t need this information, but preparedness and awareness are always important.

Physical Signs of Opiate Use :

When dealing with opioid abuse, there are two major categories symptoms can fall into: physical and behavioral. Let’s tackle the former first.

One major and obvious physical warning sign to look for is needle marks. Often, an addict will start to use drugs intravenously, which means they’re injecting it. This will usually leave clear signs of use at the injection point, which is very often the major artery in the arm.

Beyond the clear physical appearance of abuse, addicts will often suffer from other physical ailments. One prominent side effect is “nodding,” which means that the user falls asleep suddenly and at inappropriate times. If your loved one frequently drifts off mid-conversation, this can be a sign there is a more serious problem under the surface.

Other than the two unmistakable signs above, physical signs of opioid use are hard to spot. Other symptoms like constricted pupils and flushed skin can be attributed to many other things, so it’s best not to worry about them alone. However, if they’re paired with needle marks and nodding, there is cause for concern.

Behavioral Signs of Opiate Use :

The behavioral side effects of opioid abuse can be tough to spot because they closely resemble side effects caused by other common ailments like depression, stress, and anxiety. But since they’re so often paired with physical signs, you’ll most likely be able to tell the difference.

Withdrawing from social activities is a big early warning sign. If your loved one suddenly retreats from social groups or things they once enjoyed doing, it can be a sign of a much bigger problem. Isolation is one of the earliest and most clear indicators that something is up.

Mood swings and drastic behavior are also something to look for. If someone is acting highly out of character, breaking the law, and engaging in unusually high-risk behavior, something is probably wrong.

All in all, behavioral shifts can be hard to hone in on, but drastic changes are almost certainly a sign of something worse. Even if it isn’t an opioid addiction, it’s always worth checking in with a loved one if their behavior changes unexpectedly.

There are treatment centers like SMC Recovery that specialize in opiate addiction rehabilitation. Reaching out to a facility such as this can provide you with the resources and expertise you need to determine if your loved one requires medical follow-up.

What’s Next?

Now that you’re familiar with some basic signs of opiate use, you can stay vigilant when it comes to keeping loved ones safe.

Addiction is a notoriously difficult problem, but there’s always hope. People recover every day. If you or a loved one has an opiate problem, don’t give up.

With the help of professionals, friends, and family, no obstacle is too tall to scale. Stay strong, and with a little help, recovery is well within reach. Follow our blog for more health-related news and updates.

Read Also :

Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

Empowering Lives With Occupational Therapy: How NDIS Makes A Difference

Occupational therapy (OT) can be an empowering practice that helps individuals overcome potential barriers and experience the joys of daily life more fully. A significant contributor in this area has been the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which has transformed numerous lives by providing financial resources needed for personalised therapeutic care - thus mainstreaming occupational therapy services into society. Unveiling The Role Of Occupational Therapy What Is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy (OT) is a health profession dedicated to helping individuals of all ages maintain, improve or regain the skills needed for daily living and working activities. These may range from physical activities like dressing and cooking to cognitive functions like problem-solving or maintaining focus; ultimately, OT encourages individuals to live independent and fulfilling lives. Why Is OT Important? Occupational therapy's significance lies in its broad scope. For individuals living with disabilities, illness, or injury, occupational therapy provides a way to regain lost abilities and regain autonomy. Still, more broadly speaking, it is a preventative practice promoting healthier lifestyle choices for a better tomorrow. OT's Impact On Different Age Groups OT's effects are profound, touching all age demographics. Children rely on occupational therapy for development milestones; adults use it to ease back to work after injury, while seniors depend on it to maintain independence by equipping themselves with skills needed to complete daily activities safely. NDIS And Its Revolutionary Impact An Overview Of NDIS The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an innovative initiative to support Australians with disabilities. It provides individuals with financial resources so they may access personalised support and services - including occupational therapy - in an individualised fashion. NDIS's Role In Promoting OT NDIS has been essential in expanding occupational therapy (OT) access. By funding its services, NDIS ensures that individuals of any financial status may take advantage of its therapeutic offerings. How NDIS Changes Lives With OT NDIS has brought occupational therapy (OT) into many households and improved lives. It has helped individuals recover following injuries more rapidly, enabled children with disabilities to reach their full potential, and helped adults and the elderly maintain independence. Exploring NDIS And OT Success Stories Recovering From Injury With OT And NDIS NDIS has immensely contributed to helping individuals heal from injuries by funding occupational therapy - allowing them to regain their abilities and return to daily living routines. Not only does OT address physical healing, but it also addresses emotional and psychological aspects leading to holistic healing. Assisting Children's Development Children with disabilities often face developmental obstacles that impede their growth. But thanks to the NDIS funding Occupational Therapy services, these children can receive tailored support that helps them overcome them. Through engaging and playful methods, OT helps these kids reach developmental milestones while building confidence and encouraging independence. Promoting Independence In Adults And The Elderly Independence is essential in adult and elderly life. Thanks to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), funding occupational therapy services designed to enhance and preserve freedom has revolutionised adult and elderly life. Occupational therapy services provided under NDIS have significantly contributed to a higher quality of life for its recipients, from refining motor skills and improving mobility to cognitive exercises to maintain mental acuity. The Future Of NDIS And OT Ongoing Research And Development NDIS and occupational therapy (OT) have an unbreakable bond, set to deepen with ongoing research and advancements in both fields. As we gain greater insight into disability impacts and manifestations, OT techniques continue to develop with NDIS' support, ensuring those in need can access these new approaches. Broadening Accessibility And Reach NDIS continues to work toward expanding access to occupational therapy (OT) services for individuals living in remote locations. Teletherapy plays an integral part by providing remote consultations and therapy sessions. Continuing To Empower Lives NDIS and occupational therapy have already transformed countless lives and will do so in the future. Every success story is evidence of occupational therapy's transformative power as an enabler and NDIS' enabling role. Conclusion: Empowering lives requires more than simply providing care; it means changing societal perceptions of disability, promoting inclusivity and accepting diversity. OT and NDIS play critical roles in this transformation by changing individual lives and creating a more compassionate society. NDIS provides much more than funding: its steadfast support of occupational therapy stands as a beacon of hope to individuals with disabilities and their families, evidence of society's progress towards inclusiveness, and recognition of occupational therapy's life-altering power. Read Also : How To Stay Healthy And Fit Despite A Hectic Schedule Important Habits To Protect Your Ear Health And Hearing Must-Have Appliances For A Healthier Life

6 Imbalances in Body Hampering Weight Loss Efforts

You may be constantly following a diet program and daily exercise, but weight loss seems to be an impossible task. A lot of imbalances in the body make weight loss a difficult task to accomplish and enhances the chances of obesity. Keep reading further to know about the imbalances in the body hindering the weight loss efforts. Inflammation Do you know what inflammation is? It is the physical condition of the in which a body part becomes reddened and swollen. A various number of body disorders like digestive problems, allergies, asthma, eczema, autoimmune disease, arthritis, abdominal fat, headaches, and sinus disorders lead to chronic inflammation. Recent studies have reflected that inflammation is also a major cause of obesity and weight loss problems. Apart from this, it is also a reason for other diseases like aging, heart diseases, and cancer. The california weight management in Monterey CA also shows that inflammation is the root cause of rising rates of obesity across the world. Insulin Resistance Insulin is the hormone released by the beta cells of the pancreas and plays an important role in glucose metabolism. Insulin regulates the glucose level in the bloodstream allowing the body cells to use it as a source of energy. When your body is resistant to insulin, the cells do not respond properly to insulin which increases the glucose level in the body. Hence, the pancreas produces and release more amount of insulin. Increased insulin level lets your body store unused glucose as fat. The fat stored in the body cannot be used as a source of energy which leads to weight gain. Hyperinsulinema is a body disorder that is characterized by a high insulin level, obesity, and higher lipid levels. The medical weight loss center in Monterey reflect insulin resistance as a major cause of obesity these days. Thyroid Problem Thyroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands is a major hormone responsible for the body metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the level of thyroid hormone increases in the body. People suffering from this condition feel tired, sleep more than usual, and suffers from constipation resulting in weight gain problem. A thyroid problem is hereditary. It leads to associated autoimmune illnesses which are accompanied by weight loss problem. The body loses its ability to lose weight and thereby the fat deposits increases leading to excessive weight gain. Hormonal Imbalance Hormonal imbalance in the body results in problems in weight loss mechanism. Low levels of serotonin lead to weight loss problems. Serotonin exerts a lot of influence over the mood, memory, appetite, and cravings. During the depression, the body tends to crave more sugar and starch stimulating the release of serotonin which affects the weight loss mechanism. Another hormone which results in obesity is the excess level of estrogen in the body. The estrogen receptors present in the brain is responsible for keeping control over food habits, energy utilization and distribution of fat in the body. The low of testosterone increases the fat deposition in the body and loss of muscles. It increases the chances of obesity and stress in the body. Recent findings have established that low testosterone is linked to depression, obesity and a number of heart disorders. Genetics The genetic has an important role to play in the weight loss in the body. Many genes in the body are involved in weight control as the bodyweight has an effective genetic component. These genes are responsible for increasing the endurance to survive when the food is scarce and thus making weight loss a difficult thing to accomplish. If the problem of excess weight is a part of your family, then you are likely to be obese. The weight loss program in Monterey is designed for effective weight loss. Read also: Tips to Lose Weight Naturally How To Lose Your Weight With Venus Factor Chronic Stress Stress, whether it is physical and mental, is a major cause of weight loss. Our body releases a lot of cortisol hormones which acts against the weight loss mechanism. Increased level of cortisol leads to enhanced appetite and belly fat. The doctors at California Medical Weight Management (CALMWM) also suggest the stress is one of the major reasons for poor weight loss regime. These are the important imbalances in the body which are hindering the efforts you put for weight loss.

Are X-Rays Dangerous?

Typically, as a patient who needs an X-ray, you don’t have much say in the matter. It’s a necessary tool to diagnose things like broken bones or other internal issues. And refusing to allow the X-ray could have serious consequences for the state of your care. But it’s still good to know what potential risks you are facing in any procedure. What is an X-ray? An X-ray is an imaging procedure that uses electromagnetic energy to produce light rays to produce images visible to the naked eye. Basically, an X-ray allows hard matter like bone tissue to show up white in an image. And it shows softer matter like skin in shades of black or gray. This is why it is an effective tool for checking for broken bones. But this emission of energy is called radiation, and it does come with some potential risks. What are the risks of X-rays? Any medical procedure or medication is not without some type of risk, and X-rays are no exception. The potential harm from X-rays comes from the exposure to radiation. And, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, the main risk is the increased possibility of cancer. However, the risk is thought to be very small with normal exposure. In other words, receiving routine X-rays from a procedure will probably never result in any harmful side effects. But the risks, of course, could increase with continued exposure. What procedures expose you to radiation? X-rays may be used for various conditions besides just broken bones. Doctors also use them to check for things like breast tumors, blocked blood vessels, lung conditions, arthritis and infections. Dentists use them to check for tooth decay and misalignments. Several other types of procedures produce X-ray images. Radiography, for example, uses the smallest amount of radiation and is common for bones. A Computed tomography, or CT scan, produces a 3D image that can be taken in sections. CT scans are common for brain injuries or suspected tumors. And fluoroscopy is used to get real-time images of internal workings. It’s most commonly used to view heart functions. What precautions can you take to limit exposure? Because the risk of side effects for X-rays is so minimal, most patients do not require additional protection. But in some cases, a technician may place some sort of protection over certain areas. This is usually only necessary when a patient has already had cancer or has been identified as someone at risk. For example, an X-ray technician might place a lead thyroid shield over a patient’s neck to keep from exposing a thyroid to radiation. This might be done if the patient has or had thyroid cancer. Or they might place a lead apron over areas such as the ovaries or gonads if they will be conducting numerous X-rays on them. The real risk of radiation exposure is to the personnel continually performing the procedures. X-ray technicians usually perform a number of X-rays every day and are exposed to the rays for many hours. This is why they wear protective gear. Specially designed lead aprons and lead glasses are examples of some of the gear they might use on a daily basis. The X-ray rooms may also be designed with at least one wall containing lead that a technician may stand behind when he or she activates the machine. All in all, the benefits associated with X-rays far outweighs any potential risk. After all, a physician may be able to save your life by detecting a tumor. And the risk of a tumor being fatal is much greater than the risk of an adverse radiation effect.