Opioid abuse treatment in Tennessee or anywhere else in the world can be a life-saver for those living with an opioid addiction. However, for many, it can be hard not just to accept they have a problem with a substance but also to accept help in overcoming it. One of the best ways a person can help a loved one with an opioid addiction or any other kind of addiction is to have an intervention. By addressing the problem and encouraging a person to engage in treatment, many of those living with opioid addiction can finally find the help they need. 

However, knowing how or when to have an intervention can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a few signs a person can look for when trying to decide if it is time for an intervention.     

What is an Opioid? 

An opioid is any drug or substance that contains opium. This ingredient can be found in certain kinds of poppy plants or manufactured synthetically in a laboratory. Some of the drugs that contain opium include heroin and prescription opioids like codeine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, tramadol, morphine, and more.  

When consumed, opium has a significant impact on an individual’s body as well as their mind. The primary effect of opioid use is pain relief. When introduced to the body, opium will attach to receptors and block pain signals, providing relief. 

However, opioids are also depressant drugs. When ingested, opioids cause functions in the brain and body to slow down. This typically produces feelings of relaxation and numbness.  

Understanding Opioid Abuse

Drug abuse is a much more broad term than many realize. In fact, it applies to more than just the consumption of illegal drugs. It can also apply to legal, prescription drugs as well. Any instance where a person consumes an illegal drug or consumes a legal drug in excess or not as prescribed or directed is drug abuse. From this definition, any consumption of heroin is inherently drug abuse, and any time a person consumes a prescription opioid in excess or otherwise not as directed, it is drug abuse – or more specifically, opioid abuse. 

Understanding Opioid Addiction 

Opioid abuse can be dangerous for a number of reasons. It can notably have a severe impact on a person’s overall health and wellness. But, most importantly, it can often lead to an opioid addiction.  

Opioid addiction occurs when a person develops both a mental and physical dependence on opioids and is unable to stop or control their consumption of them. Addiction is not something that happens in an instant or overnight. It is something that develops over time as a person continues to abuse a substance. In doing so, their brain and body adapt to the substance, creating a dependence and forming an addiction. 

What is an Intervention?

Within the context of addiction, an intervention is an organized attempt to confront a loved one over their problem with drugs, alcohol, or something else entirely. However, an intervention should never feel confrontational. It should feel like a group of loved ones coming together to express their concern for an individual and encourage that individual to seek treatment for their addiction. Interventions are essentially an organized meeting to show a person with an addiction that they have the love and support they need to overcome this disorder and live a happier and healthier life.  

Signs it is Time for an Intervention

Knowing when to organize an intervention can be challenging. No one wants to approach a loved one about a problem they have if they are unsure whether it is truly a problem or not. Thankfully, there are more than a few signs a person can look for when determining whether or not it is time for an intervention. These signs include when an individual who is abusing opioids is:  

Consuming Opioids in Excess

The most obvious sign that it is time for an intervention on opioid abuse is when a person is observed consuming opioids in excess. Any time a person consumes more opioids than they are prescribed, it is drug abuse. Intervening on this behavior early can help avoid the development of an addiction. 

Constantly Pursuing Opioids

A person with an opioid addiction or even someone who abuses opioids will constantly be thinking about them and pursuing them. Opioids have become the primary concern in their life. As one might expect, this is a dangerous pursuit that can end in an overdose. Intervening on this behavior can not only help a person’s health and well-being, but it can also save their life.  

Engaging in Destructive Behavior

Drug abuse itself is destructive behavior. However, it usually contributes to other destructive behaviors as well. When a person is addicted to a substance, it can lead to negative impacts on most of the other areas of their life. Examples of this can include ignoring hobbies, relationships, health concerns, occupational obligations, and more.   

Frequently Lying or Manipulating

Sadly, many who are abusing opioids or addicted to them will lie or manipulate those around them. These individuals do this to hide or lessen the reality of their problem or addiction. If a person notices an individual with an opioid abuse problem doing this, it is definitely time to organize an intervention.  

Ignoring Their Health

Nearly any kind of drug abuse can have a noticeably negative impact on a person’s health, especially opioid abuse. Opioids can help a person in minor doses over set periods of time, but when consumed in excess over extended periods of time, a person will begin to physically and mentally decline. Observing changes to a person’s physical and mental health are another sure sign to organize an intervention in order to encourage them to engage in addiction treatment.  

Opioid Abuse Treatment in Tennessee 

If you or a loved one is in need of immediate opioid abuse treatment in Tennessee, help is available now! At Knoxville Recovery Center, our team of addiction specialists offer several forms of effective treatment and therapy for opioid abuse and addiction. Contact us for more information today!