Opiates refer to natural forms of opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and codeine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 40 deaths a day can be attributed to opioid overdose.
If your loved one is exhibiting changes in appearance, personality, and behavior, and you suspect it may have something to do with opiates, there are steps you can take to help them escape the dangers of this unfortunate but common condition.
Learn the Signs of Opiate Addiction
Becoming educated on the signs of addiction can help you assess if your loved one may be addicted. Someone who is addicted to opiates will often exhibit signs that seem unusual. The addiction will become increasingly hard to hide with time. Try to assess whether your loved one is showing the following signs of opiate addiction:
- Drowsiness
- Exhibiting flu-like symptoms
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Drastic mood swings
- Lack of motivation and abandoning responsibilities
- Loss of interest in sex
- Making poor decisions
- Mounting financial problems
- Behavioral issues, such as stealing
- A change in sleeping patterns
- Poor hygiene
- Lack of interest in social activities
- Isolation from family and friends
- Misusing opioids and other medications
- Unexplained weight loss
If your loved one is exhibiting some or all of these symptoms, there is a chance they have an opiate addiction. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to help them.
Become Involved
Becoming involved usually starts with staging an intervention. Your loved one may feel embarrassed about their addiction, and this fear can prevent them from seeking help.
Family members and friends who have your loved one’s best interests at heart can be part of the intervention. The goal of an intervention is to express your concern for your loved one’s health, safety, and well-being, encourage them to accept that they have an addiction and need treatment, and assure them that the people present are all supportive of their recovery.
Seek Help From a Professional
Even the most well-meaning people need the help of a mental health professional, as it can be very challenging to get an addiction under control. In fact, it is very rare for an opiate addiction to be treated without the help of an expert. If you want to help a loved one who is suffering from addiction, you must seek the help of an addiction specialist.
Psychiatrists are highly experienced in treating patients with addictions and providing support to families who are coping with a loved one’s addiction. A psychiatrist can not only support your loved one on their journey to recovery, they can also teach you how to be most supportive in the process.
Addiction is not always random. it can be exasperated by problems at home, work, or school. It can also be caused by another mental health problem that’s going unaddressed – similar to alcoholism that develops due to depression. A psychiatrist can take the time to understand such factors in the treatment process. A thorough understanding of all the issues increases the chances of success when it comes to addiction treatment.
Opiate Addiction Treatment in NY and Connecticut
Dr. Mark Stracks of Psy-Visions understands the difficulty of helping a loved one with opiate addiction. Dr. Stracks can help you organize an effective intervention and may even be present for it, to help you stay on track and achieve your goal. Moreover, Dr. Stracks can directly work with your loved ones to ensure their journey to recovery is as streamlined and safe as possible.
To schedule a consultation, call our NYC clinic at (718) 887-2918 or our Southbury clinic at (203) 405-1745. Other ways to contact us include sending a private message or using our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping your loved one see a brighter tomorrow.
