Do Parents Know the Signs of Opioid Addiction?

June 12, 2023

Written By: Buena Vista Recovery

Opioids are a highly addictive class of drugs commonly prescribed for pain management. However, they are also used illegally in many forms including heroin. The majority of deaths due to overdose are a result of opioid use, and therefore, opioid addiction is incredibly dangerous. Fortunately, there is hope. As a young adult, when you or your parents see the signs of opioid addiction, you have the opportunity to get help. Buena Vista Recovery offers the chance for you to get treatment for opioid addiction. Treatment can help to heal your body and mind while building skills that help you succeed in staying sober long-term.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

When you are addicted to opioids, your behaviors, choices, and moods change dramatically. You as a unique individual will have your own set of signs of opioid addiction. However, common signs include:

  • Drowsiness or lack of awareness
  • A dramatic change in weight (loss or gain)
  • Frequent flu-like symptoms
  • Change in breathing rate and pupil size
  • Moodiness, irritability, or being on-edge
  • Acting secretive or isolating yourself
  • Change in performance at school or work
  • Dramatic changes in personality or social habits

Are Your Parents Seeing the Signs of Opioid Addiction?

If you are struggling with an opioid addiction and wondering if your parents are seeing the signs, the answer is likely yes. Your parents have known you since you were a child. They have seen you grow and develop into the young adult you are today. Therefore, they know you well and will notice changes in you and your life.

As a result of opioid dependence, your life has likely changed dramatically. This may include new friends, habits, and a new attitude about life. When your parents see this change happening, they know something is going on. They may not be certain that you are struggling with an opioid addiction. However, you might notice them asking if anything is wrong or why you are making certain choices.

This is a sign that your parents see that you have changed. They are concerned about these changes and it is an offer of assistance. When you are addicted to opioids, you may find yourself feeling defensive and answering their questions just to “get them off your back.” However, when your parents notice the signs of opioid addiction, it might be the perfect time to enlist their help in finding treatment to recover from opioid addiction.

Benefits of Getting Help

Opioids are a very addictive and strong class of pain medications. When you are using opioids they impact your brain chemistry. You might notice them changing how you think and feel. Additionally, you will build up a tolerance for them which requires that you take more and more of them to get the same result.

It follows that healing from an opioid addiction is not simple. Recovering requires getting professional help to safely move through the detox process and build skills that help you to stay sober in the future. During this process, you will need to make many changes in your life. These might include addressing past trauma, working through many emotions, and building new skills that help you cope in the future.

Having support during a process that requires so much change can help. As a young adult, you might be living independently and think of yourself as separate from your parents. While this is likely true in many ways, you can still lean on them. If your parents are noticing the signs of your opioid addiction, and you feel comfortable, opening up to them can be a way for you to find support. They can help you to find care that is covered by insurance. As well, they can provide emotional support as you make changes in your life that support your sobriety. You do not have to go at it alone.

How to Get Help When You See the Signs of Opioid Addiction

When you and your parents see the signs of opioid addiction, you might feel at a loss for what to do. This is very normal. You may not know what the process of getting help looks like. Seeking help at a qualified addiction treatment center like Buena Vista Recovery includes helping you through the process of getting into treatment. This involves working with supportive staff members who help you feel comfortable and confident taking your first steps into treatment.

Your treatment plan will be individualized. It may incorporate many different types of therapy and a level of care that is well-suited for your physical and mental healing. By addressing the root of your challenges with addiction and healing physically, you will build skills and resilience that will help you to steer clear of opioids in the future.

As a young adult struggling with opioid addiction, you may wonder if your parent knows what you are going through or can see your behavior changes. However, your parent has known you for a long time and will notice the dramatic changes in your behavior when you are struggling with opioid addiction. At Buena Vista Recovery, we understand that addiction impacts the whole family. Therefore, we help both individuals and their families to understand and partake in the process of healing. If you are struggling with addiction and looking for support, call us today at (480) 741-9414. We can help you take the first steps toward a new and sober life away from opioid abuse.