As Hennepin County residents — especially those in marginalized communities — continue to struggle with opioid abuse and its life-altering effects, many families and friends are left wondering how to spot the issue and help their loved ones.
Opioid use disorder is complicated and can have deadly consequences for those involved. Fortunately, you can arm yourself with the facts and prepare yourself to recognize the signs in someone you love.
While anyone can struggle with addiction and substance misuse, there are a few distinct risk factors for opioid abuse.
Those at higher risk include young people (generally teens and those in their early 20s), anyone with a family or personal history of substance abuse disorder, people who live in poverty and with chronic stress, those with pre-existing mental health illness, those who have been previously incarcerated, or those who have been abused. In Minnesota, residents who did not attend college are more likely to die from opioid-related causes than those who did.
It’s also important for people of color living in Minnesota to know that their communities are at higher risk than white Minnesotans. A 2024 Sahan Journal data review found that from 2019 to 2023, Indigenous Minnesotans were 15 times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than white Minnesotans, while Somali Minnesotans were twice as likely as white Minnesotans — and Latino Minnesotans 1.5 times as likely. Black Minnesotans are also experiencing disproportionately high rates of opioid overdose deaths.
Prescription opioids are legitimate drugs used to address pain. However, even legal use can turn into opioid use disorder, which happens when a person compulsively uses opioids even if they don’t want to — and even if the drug is negatively affecting their mood, physical wellness, or lifestyle.
Opioids are meant to address pain, not produce euphoria. If you or a loved one are noticing that your prescription opioids are causing a type of high or overly euphoric sensation, that may be a sign that you are prone to addiction to that drug.
Physical dependence on opioids or withdrawal without them are not signs of an issue on their own. Some people legitimately need an ongoing, doctor-supervised prescription to manage a chronic condition. However, when dependence is paired with some other warning signs, it may be indicative of drug addiction.
Signs can include a person taking a prescription opioid for longer than recommended by their doctor or in ways not approved by their doctor (for instance, using opioids for the euphoria or “just in case,” not to manage pain). A person may start going to more extreme measures to obtain more opioids, like seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors or trying to solicit or take medication from friends.
A person with opioid use disorder can also experience an overall decline in function that may have them struggling to do regular home, school, or work tasks or withdrawing from leisure activities they used to enjoy. A person struggling with opioid abuse will likely continue to use and crave opioids despite the social, personal, and financial consequences that come with these side effects.
The behavioral warning signs of addiction include a person taking unnecessary risks in their driving, sexual activity, or finances. If you notice a loved one doing almost everything physically and financially necessary, including stealing from you or other loved ones, to obtain more substances, they may be struggling with opioid use disorder.
Physical presentations of opioid addiction may include persistent flu-like symptoms, drowsiness, weight loss, poor hygiene, and a changing appetite.
If you suspect someone you know or love is dealing with opioid abuse disorder, you should also know that catching drug addiction early on can be life-saving. While prescribed opioids can be a gateway into misuse, it’s especially dangerous when an individual starts using illegal opioids, since street drugs can contain potent substances like fentanyl that increase the chances of an overdose or death.
When someone you love is prescribed opioids, you can work with them and their doctor to lessen their chances of developing an unhealthy relationship with the drug. If they are willing, you can work with the individual to ensure they take the prescription only as directed by the doctor and help them prepare to talk to their doctor about ideas for alternative pain management options, dosage concerns, and the longer-term strategy for pain management.
If some of the warning signs we discussed are ringing true for your loved one, you can talk to their or your family’s trusted healthcare professional to create a plan. There are many options for treating opioid use disorder that will vary in effectiveness by the person.
If you or your loved one is one of the Minnesotans at heightened risk for opioid overdose and death, know that the current racial disparities are being met with resources. As part of a nearly-$9 million 2024 investment in fighting the opioid crisis, Hennepin County established contracts with community organizations that serve Native American, Black, homeless, and Somali residents with culturally appropriate responses and resources.
The county also offers safe needle and medication disposal resources for all residents, along with help finding the right kind of support for individuals and families dealing with opioid use disorder. If someone you spend lots of time with seems to be dealing with opioid abuse disorder, try to keep naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) on your person or in the home. The nasal spray can help reverse an overdose and is available for free throughout Minnesota.
Equipping yourself with the knowledge to recognize and support someone with opioid abuse disorder can mean the difference between life and death. It’s essential to make sure you’re prepared.
