What Are the Signs of Opioid Addiction?

Addiction can negatively impact a life, leading to financial ruin. Opioid addiction is perhaps the most dangerous as it affects one’s health significantly. At Refresh Life Wellness in Hermitage, TN, Dr. Kimberly Collins, a board-certified physician, is experienced in treating addiction for patients of all ages who are experiencing opioid abuse. She uses various medications to successfully guide her patients to sobriety. If you or a loved one are addicted to opioids, she can help to restore a patient’s health and repair their emotional state with medical-assisted treatment for addiction. She can help give them the tools needed to take back their life and to improve a patient’s health and well-being.

What are opioids?

Opioids are a drug class that includes prescription pain medication and illegal drugs, including heroin. Though opioids are prescribed by doctors for pain, they can be misused, leading to dependency and addiction. Opioid use disorder is when someone cannot stop using opioids. They exhibit behaviors and symptoms that interfere with their daily life. They also may be physically dependent on opioids, which can lead to sweating, irritability, or cravings when they aren’t using. However, some people can abuse opioids and not experience drug dependence or physical withdrawal symptoms, which can be equally as dangerous. Dr. Collins can diagnose patients and offer treatment for opioid addiction at her Hermitage, TN office. There are some symptoms that may signal that someone has a drug problem and may need immediate medical help.

Symptoms of opioid addiction

Ultimately, not every person will experience symptoms. However, some of the most common signs of opioid dependence or addiction include:

Inability to control use or cravings
Drowsiness or other changes in sleep habits
Weight loss
Decreased sex drive
Lack of hygiene
Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, and vomiting
Social isolation
Stealing
Financial problems

When you’re hoping to get a loved one help for opioid abuse, you may notice some or all of these symptoms of opioid addiction. At Refresh Life Wellness, we offer safe ways to help treat those experiencing opioid use disorder with medication.

Medical treatments for opioid addiction

At Refresh Life Wellness, Dr. Collins can assess each patient to determine which treatment method is appropriate. Many patients can be treated with one of three medications that have been proven to be successful, including:

Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a prescription medication that we use to treat opioid dependency at our Hermitage, TN office. It can be prescribed as a pill or a film. Dr. Collins will supervise its use regularly to determine if any change in dosage is necessary.
SUBLOCADE™: This is an injectable form of buprenorphine. It is a prescription extended-release medical injection that is given monthly to offer patients continuous levels of buprenorphine. This has been proven to help patients to battle opioid addiction, along with professional counseling.
Vivitrol®: This is a prescription, injectable medication, that blocks the body’s response to opioids. It helps patients to detox comfortably while they focus on sobriety.

Follow-up visits for medical-assisted drug treatment

Addiction is a disease that needs medication, counseling, and regular maintenance to be successful. During medical-assisted treatment at Refresh Life Wellness, Dr. Collins will ask patients to attend regular visits so she can make sure that they have the necessary tools to battle addiction. She is well-versed in the latest therapies and medications used to help her patients to fight addiction successfully.

Call to schedule an appointment to learn more about treatment for opioid addiction

Opioid addiction affects people of all ages, races, genders, and economic statuses. At Refresh Life Wellness, board-certified physician Dr. Kimberly Collins is knowledgeable about the most successful treatment options for her patients struggling with addiction. To schedule an appointment to learn more about medical-assisted treatment for addiction, call our Hermitage, TN office today. We are committed to helping everyone live a sober life. Our compassionate team is ready and willing to help anyone overcome their addiction in the Nashville, TN area.