Warning Signs of Opioid Misuse: What to Know

Opioids are very strong medicines that help treat pain. They include prescription pain medicines, such as codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone. Opioids can also be illegal drugs, such as heroin.

Opioid misuse happens when opioids are used in a way that's different from how they were prescribed. This misuse can lead to addiction (opioid use disorder) or taking too much at one time (overdose).

It's important to know the signs of opioid misuse so that you can help the person who is taking opioids get the right treatment. In an overdose, getting treatment right away can save a life.

How can I know that someone is misusing opioids?

Signs of opioid misuse

• Take another person's prescription pain medicines.
• Get and take an opioid without a prescription.
• Take more opioids than prescribed.
• Take an opioid in a different way than it was prescribed. The person may snort, crush, or inject the opioid.
• Take an opioid to feel "high," relaxed, or energized.
• Take more of the opioid to get the same effect or the same feeling.

Signs of opioid use disorder

A person with opioid use disorder may have mental, emotional, or behavior changes. They may also have changes in their body.

• Feel sad or hopeless.
• Be anxious, restless, or irritable.
• Have a strong need for the opioid.
• Take the opioid even when they know the bad effects.
• Feel like their opioid use is out of control.

• Use other medicines or drugs, such as cannabis.
• Find new health care providers to write a prescription.
• Change in relationships and social groups.
• Find illegal ways to get a prescription opioid. They may:
  • Take another person's medicine.
  • Steal.
  • Buy the medicine illegally.
• Have trouble with school, work, finances, or law enforcement.

• Feel sick when they don't take the opioid.
• Have trouble sleeping, or they may sleep during the day.
• Have an itchy, flushed skin.
• Have changes in appetite or appearance.

Where to find more information

• www.cdc.gov
  1. Type "opioid" in the search box.
  2. Look for "preventing opioid overdose" in the search results.
• www.hhs.gov
  1. Type "opioids" in the search box.
  2. Select "National Opioid Crisis: Help and Resources" in the search results.
• www.drugabuse.gov
  1. Type "opioids" in the search box.
  2. Select "opioids" in the search results.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have concerns about the person who is taking opioids. Call a provider if the person:
  • Is misusing an opioid medicine.
  • Has signs of opioid use disorder.
  • Feels sad or hopeless.
  • Has recent needle marks on the skin.
  • Needs help or treatment for opioid withdrawal or opioid use disorder.
  • Is taking prescription opioids and is becoming dependent on it.

Get help right away if:

• Slow and shallow breathing.
• Very slow heartbeat.
• Slurred speech.
• Trouble waking from sleep.
• Confusion.
• Throwing up.
• Very small pupils.

• Pale, cool skin.
• Blue lips or fingernails.
• Seizures.
• Frothy or bubbly mucus coming out of the mouth.

• Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
• Do not drive the person to the hospital.