Opioid Use
Are you worried about someone taking drugs like opioids and drugs not prescribed to them? If so, look out for these warning signs:
- Changes in friends – Are they hanging out with a different group of people?
- Isolation – Are they spending more time alone or avoiding activities?
- Lack of motivation and energy – Do you notice them not caring about things? Do they say they’re tired all the time?
- Communication changes – Are they more or less talkative? Do they have slurred speech?
- Uncharacteristic behaviors – Do they skip school, work or social events? Do they lie, or steal? Are they more aggressive or irritable?
- Changes in appearance – Are they losing or gaining weight? Do they pay less attention to how they look?
Opioid Overdose
It can be hard to tell if a person is just very high or is overdosing. If you’re not sure, assume it’s an overdose. Look for these signs:
- Small pupils
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Unresponsiveness, unconsciousness, can’t be woken up
- Pale face
- Cold or clammy skin
- Purple or blue lips or fingernails
- Snoring or gurgling
- Vomiting
- Floppy arms and legs
Narcan can reverse an overdose until help arrives. Learn more by visiting the How to Get Help page.
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Addiction is a treatable disease, not a character flaw. Prevention is possible, and recovery comes in many forms to meet people where they are.
