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Addictions

Opioid use disorder

Problematic use of heroin or opioid painkillers (such as codeine, tramadol or oxycodone), with tolerance, withdrawal and risk of overdose.

Common signs

Needs increasingly higher dosesWithdrawal symptoms when stoppingUse outside medical prescription

Tips

For you

  1. There are effective treatments: ask for medical help
  2. Don't mix with alcohol or sedatives
  3. In case of overdose, call 112

For family and friends

  1. Learn to recognise an overdose
  2. Talk without judging and support them through treatment

When to ask for help

  1. If there is extreme drowsiness or slow breathing: 112
  2. There are effective treatments: ask for medical help

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I use opioids (heroin or painkillers) more than prescribed
2. I need higher doses to feel the effect
3. If I don't take them, I feel unwell, sweaty or in pain
4. I have tried to stop them without success
5. I look for prescriptions or get them without one
6. I spend a lot of time thinking about getting them
7. I have had problems because of using them
8. I mix them with alcohol or tranquillisers

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveSpanish National Plan on Drugs: information and resourcesFree external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Alcohol use disorderAddictionsCannabis use disorderAddictionsTobacco use disorderAddictionsDrug use disorder (cocaine and amphetamines)Addictions

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.