How can you tell if someone is addicted to an opioid drug?
People who become addicted to opioid drugs usually report getting a feeling of euphoria or being “high.” They soon need increasing amounts of the drug to maintain that same high feeling. Unfortunately, this frequently leads to an ongoing and often desperate search for more of the drug through whatever means possible – legal or illegal. Some behaviors that may be suggestive of possible addiction include: • Taking medications more frequently or at higher dosages than prescribed. • Ingesting drugs in ways other than directed, such as crushing, snorting, or injecting. • Frequent reports of lost or stolen prescriptions. • Doctor shopping. • Using multiple pharmacies.
