Opiates are a commonly abused drug because of their ability to cause an elevated sense of well-being and euphoria (often referred to as a high). Repeated opiate abuse leads to opiate tolerance (in which increasing amounts of the drug are required to cause the euphoric sensation) as well as physical and psychological dependence on the medication.
Signs of Frequent Use
People who have developed opiate dependence abuse opiates frequently, which can cause certain characteristic signs to appear. If the opiates are being administered via intravenous injection, the addict may display small marks from needle punctures on the skin (also known as track marks) or develop multiple sores that are filled with bacteria (abscesses). Opiate use also causes constriction of the pupils, making them to appear as pinpoints. Frequent opiate use can also lead to an elevated heart rate as well as a euphoric state that may appear to be abnormal relaxation. Opiates can also cause slowed breathing (respiratory depression), which can develop into a coma if an overdose is taken.
Social Signs
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, opiate dependence can cause a number of changes in a person's social behavior. This includes social withdrawal and avoiding one's normal activities. This can lead to problems with maintaining relationships with friends and family, as well as with coworkers. Often these social changes can cause problems for the addict's career and potentially lead to job loss. People who are dependent on opiates are also more likely to engage in risky behavior, which can include a propensity to drive under the influence. Overall, opiate dependence can cause a person to only pursue relationships that facilitate opiate procurement and use, and he may neglect other aspects of his own life.
Withdrawal Signs
Perhaps the most definitive sign of opiate dependence is withdrawal when opiates are not used for a period of time. Some of the early signs of withdrawal include anxiety and agitation, muscle aches, as well as insomnia, increased tearing, sweating, yawning and a runny nose. As withdrawal becomes more severe, patients may experience cramping in their abdomen, as well as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Finally, opioid dependence can also cause the pupils to become dilated as well as goose bumps to appear on the addict's skin. Along with these signs of withdrawal, the addict will also have a strong urge to use more opiates, which will cause these withdrawal symptoms to abate.
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