Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Use and Abuse

Physical Signs

Behavioral Signs

Environmental Signs

Psychological Signs

Runny nose or

Watery eyes

Constricted pupils

Nausea

Constipation

Flu-like symptoms

Complaining of stomach pains

Impaired coordination

Slurred speech

Sedation

Nodding off—fall asleep and wake suddenly

Respiratory

depression

Skin tone—greyish

Red marks in arm

Bruised hands/feet

Burned hands/fingers

Sudden weight loss

with loss of appetite

Shivering

Excessive sweating

Seizures

Insomnia

Usually poor appearance ex. not bathing/brushing teeth

Behavioral Signs

Restlessness

Confusion

Stealing

Lying to others

Large amount of time

sleeping/sleeping at unusual times

Change in friends

Neglecting familial responsibilities

Social Isolation

Lack of interest

Lack of motivation

Skipping school, work, commitments

Frequent trips to pharmacy


Environmental Signs

Finding evidence of drug paraphernalia

Small plastic bags or wax paper bags

Residue from crushed up pills

Empty pill capsules

Straws cut in half

Rolled up dollar bills

Syringes, plastic caps used to cover the syringe

Spoons bent or with burn marks on them

Tin foil in trash

Blood spots in clothes/bedding


Psychological Signs

Depression

Anxiety

Mood swings

Irritability

Agitation

Paranoia

Memory problems

Delusions

Hallucinations