WARNING SIGNS
If someone you know has started misusing opioids,
early intervention is critically important. Learning the warning signs of opioid addiction can help protect your family, friends and communities.
Many physical and behavioral changes could indicate that someone is misusing prescription opioids or illegal drugs, like heroin or fentanyl.
Common signs of opioid misuse:
Physical
Signs
Increase in fatigue or drowsiness
Rapid weight loss
Frequent constipation
or nausea
Decline in personal hygiene
Wearing long sleeves regardless of the season
Behavioral
Signs
Unexplained absences from school or work
Loss of interest in hobbies
A drop in grades or performance at work
Spending less time with friends or family
Hanging out with a new friend group
Indicators in
the Home
Missing prescription medications
Empty pill bottles
Paraphernalia, such as syringes, shoe laces or rubber hose, kitchen spoons, aluminum foil, straws, lighters
Paraphernalia, such as syringes, shoe laces or rubber hose, kitchen spoons, aluminum foil, straws, lighters
Spotting warning signs in teenagers and young adults
can be particularly hard because young people
go through many emotional and physical changes.
Seeking out trusted resources can help.
If you suspect a loved one is misusing opioids, there are a number of resources that can help prepare you for a conversation with them.
For parents of young adults who may be misusing opioids, it’s important to talk to your family doctor about prevention and treatment strategies.
Read more about methods for preventing opioid misuse, spotting
warning signs and talking to a loved one if you suspect there is a problem.
