What are the symptoms / warning signs of opiate abuse?

See below: •ingestion of larger and larger amounts of opioids or for longer periods of time than intended •desire or compulsion to take the drug with significant amount of time spent trying to obtain opioids •withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped or the amount taken is reduced •the need for increased amounts of drug to achieve the original effects (tolerance) •social, recreational, or occupational use.

Lots: Sleepiness, slovenliness, itching and scratching, constipation, irritbility, trouble with committments and job, stealing and altered mental status.

Using Medications: when not in pain, but just because. Enjoy the feeling of the med, Slurred speech, unable to hold conversation, sedated a lot, stealing meds, seeing lots of different doctors and ERs for meds because of fear of withdrawal, and on and on. If you are worried suggest a formal detox program.