You may feel helpless if you have a loved one struggling with opioid addiction. However, you must remember that you and your loved one are not alone. Many people in Louisiana are struggling with the same thing, and opioid addiction help is available if you need it. Springfield Wellness Center is a trusted opioid detox center in Springfield, LA, that also offers other addiction treatment services. Call 844.334.4727 today to see how we can help with opioid addiction issues that concern you and your loved one.
What Are the Signs of Opioid Addiction?
It is crucial to understand how opioid addiction develops. Opioid addiction is a chronic disease of the brain. It occurs when someone takes opioids, a type of medication used to relieve pain, for a long time. The body becomes tolerant to opioids, and the person needs to take more and more to get the same effect. This continuing process can lead to dependence and then addiction.
The signs of opioid addiction can be challenging to spot because they can vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms include the following:
- Continuing to use opioids despite problems it causes at home, work, or school
- Developing tolerance, which means needing more and more opioids to get the desired effect
- Failing in attempts to quit
- Giving up important activities to use opioids
- Having opioid cravings
- Not being able to control or reduce use
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids
- Taking opioids in more significant amounts or for a more extended period than prescribed
- Using opioids even when it is physically dangerous
Someone struggling with opioid addiction may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they don’t have access to the drug. These withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, diarrhea, depression, increased heart rate, sweating, and more.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction can have severe effects on mental and physical health. It can lead to depression and anxiety. It can also cause heart problems, liver damage, and kidney disease.
In addition, opioid addiction can make it difficult to think clearly and make good decisions. This can lead to problems at work, school, or home. It can also lead to accidents and injuries. Long-term opioid abuse can also make it hard to drive or operate machinery safely. In short, opioid addiction can have devastating mental and physical health consequences.
3 Ways to Help a Loved One Struggling with Opioid Addiction
If you have a loved one struggling with opioid addiction, there are things you can do to help them.
1. Learn About Addiction and Its Effects on Mental and Physical Health
The first step is to educate yourself about opioid addiction and its effects. This will help you better understand what your loved one is going through and how you can best support them.
2. Create a Supportive Environment
It’s essential to create a supportive environment for your loved one. This means being there for them when they need you and providing emotional support. It also means not enabling their addiction by giving them money or opioid drugs.
3. Help Them Find Treatment
One of the most important things you can do is help your loved one find opioid addiction help. Springfield Wellness Center offers opioid detox and other addiction treatment services that can help your loved one get on the road to recovery.
Find Opioid Addiction Treatment in Louisiana at Springfield Wellness Center
You are not alone if you have a loved one struggling with opioid addiction. Many people in Louisiana are facing the same challenge. Learning about addiction, offering emotional support, and encouraging professional help are three ways you can make a difference in your loved one’s life. Contact Springfield Wellness Center today at 844.334.4727 to learn more about how our programs and services help with opioid addiction and other mental health disorders.