Opiates/Heroin Addiction Signs

Opiate drugs include: heroin, morphine, oxycontin, oxycodone, and percocet.

Signs of Opiate Intoxication:
• Physical Changes – constricted pupils, slurred/slowed speech, pain relief, flushing of the skin, dry mouth, nausea/vomiting, severe itching, slowing of pulse rate and breathing , heaviness in the extremities.
• Mood and Behavior Changes – drowsiness, euphoria, mental functioning becomes “cloudy”.

Opiate dependence is characterized by:
• Physical Characteristics - red or raw nostrils from snorting; scars or track marks from injections.
• Withdrawal can occur within hours of last use – cravings, runny nose, restlessness, anxiety, stomach and leg cramps, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and bone pain, chills, sweating, insomnia.
• Health Risks - collapsed veins, HIV, Hepatitis B & C, sexually transmitted diseases from sharing needles, respiratory arrest.

Could you or someone you know have a problem with drugs or alcohol?  Call 303.657.3700 or e-mail info@ahinc.org for help. Phone lines are open Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.