For some drugs and some addicts, the signs of intoxication are very obvious; this is not always the case with opiates. Opiates are a class of drug that includes heroin, Vicodin, Oxycontin, morphine, Fentanyl and many others. Because an opiate addict's body eventually develops a tolerance to the effects of opiates, someone who is abusing this class of drug may not appear obviously intoxicated.
Here are three signs to look for if you suspect that someone may be abusing opiates.
1. Pinpoint Pupils Opiates cause the pupils (the black hole in the center of the eye) to become very small. Normally, the pupil will change in size depending upon the amount of light in the environment, becoming larger in the dark and smaller in the light. If someone's pupils are very small, especially in a dimly lit room, this may be a sign that they are using opiates. Pupil size varies from person to person and tends to get smaller as we age, but if someone's pupils are much smaller than everyone else's in the same room, this may be a clue they have been using. This effect on pupil size remains present even when someone has developed a tolerance to the other effects of opiates, making it a particularly useful sign of intoxication.
2. "Nodding" Opiates are a central nervous system depressant. This means that someone taking an opiate will become less alert and may appear sleepy. With higher doses of opiates people can become completely unconscious (and may stop breathing). A classic sign of opiate intoxication is "nodding". This is when a person temporarily falls asleep at an unusual time like during a conversation or while standing. With prolonged use, people eventually develop a tolerance to the sedating effects of opiates and may seem completely alert despite being intoxicated. Therefore, just because someone is not nodding does not mean they are not using.
3. Withdrawal Withdrawal is the process an opiate addict's body goes through when they stop using. Because opiate addicts may not always be able to get their drugs, they will often show signs of withdrawal. These include sweating, goose bumps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. If someone who you suspect may be using seems to suddenly come down with the flu and then spontaneously recover shortly afterward, this may be a sign that they are abusing opiates. Pinpoint pupils, nodding, and withdrawal are all signs of opiate use and can help you determine if someone has been using opiates. Remember, however, that these are only guidelines and that a drug test is the most accurate way to tell. See also:
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I have just weened myself of suboxone it has been a almost two months since my last dose. I am still having issues with lack of energy and diarhhea. Starting to worry it is some else.I'm a crystal meth ex addict I've been clean for 1.5 months and I'm going to be tested for a new job tomorrow is there a possibility that I can test dirty? Thank youIs there a weekend Xanax detox program out there like there is for opiates?What drug would cause someone to be constantly irritable, talking extremely fast and without stopping cruise from one annoyance to another?Is there a drug that helps with the detox of xanax and who can prescribe it.The material of this web site is provided for informational purposes only. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; or legal, financial or any other professional services advice. See additional information. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
concerned wife
My husband comes home sometimes and his pupils are extremely small and he is extremely affectionate and sweet, his mouth usually has somewhat of a sweet taste to it, and he sweats a lot. I never see just one of these things in him it is always the full package. When I confront him he swears that there is nothing going on. I am a first year med student so I know that this will not only be a huge problem in our relationship but in my chosen career as well. This has been going on for 6 years now and I have yet to get him to confess that he has taken something. Are these common signs of any particular drug? Is it possible that his body may be going through something that will cause these symptoms that is not drug related? Any suggestions would be appreciated!
I was addicted to opiates for
I was addicted to opiates for about three years and those sounds like symptoms. Some other ways you can tell include his reaction when you ask him (he will probably get angry) and whether or not he's nodding off. I never reached the point where I wouldn't nod off like this article says.
Worst case scenario ask him to agree to a drug test...
i was an addict for a while
i was an addict for a while heroin was my drug of choice. I statrted with pills of course and let me tell u how quickly I found myself in trouble with the law. I am currently on probation for 3 years for things I did when I got high. Now iam clean and I feel great but I know how it feels to be sick. Hell I still dream about the numbness I get the chills just thinking about it. Dope is the hardest thing to kick. But I can tell u I don't miss being broke and waiting on people. Try taking suboxone they do work
I have been taking Vicoden ES
I have been taking Vicoden ES for the past ten years for a back injury and a couple of months ago it was changed to Percocets. I JUST WANT off of these opiates NOW. I find that I feel anxious and depressed and nervous when I am without them, I cannot afford to go into rehab. It is like it seems that I cannot start my day oe do anything without them. Any suggestions as to the fastest way to get off of them , with the lowest withdrawl symptoms. I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks.
Go off them very slowly
I had been on a low dose of percocet for some time. From my experience, I would suggest that you may want to take a couple months, more or less (depending on how much you now take), and reduce intake each week by very small ammounts. That way your body will adapt to the changes with little or no withdrawal symptoms. If you have already tried that and it was of no success, you may want to look into a drug called ibogaine that is ilegal in the United States but legal in Mexico. It is used to help people with opium, meth, and crack addictions (though can be expensive). Results tend to be fairly promising. Good luck.
Having had a lot of
Having had a lot of experience with drug testing a family member, I have found an addict maintains denial of using even when confronted with positive results. I believe your boyfriend is lying!
Well, technically, poppy seed
Well, technically, poppy seed bagels can produce a false positive for opiates, and it's generally only for opiates; not for pot, stimulants, or other hallucinogens.
I think the poppy seed bagel
I think the poppy seed bagel thing is bull.....I have seen so many people say this. I eat bagels with poppy seeds all the time and I have never tested positive for pot....but it sure does sound like a good excuse, people will come up with anything these days
Poppy seed bagels can also
Poppy seed bagels can also cause someone to test a false positive!
My boyfriend was sent home
My boyfriend was sent home from work today because he said that they drug tested him and opiates showed up in his urine. He says that this could not be possible. Please tell me if this can be possible if he has not had any of the drug in his system. Or has he been using opiates?
Thanks, Concerned