Drug abuse can affect your body in many ways. Repeated drug abuse can change how your body and brain function, making it very challenging to stop using drugs. It can cause people to gain or lose weight, develop skin conditions, or exhibit other physical signs of substance abuse.

Some drugs cause immediate, short-term effects, including pinpoint pupils. Pinpoint pupils are one sign someone may be using certain types of drugs.

This article will explore what drugs may cause someone to have small pupils.

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. You may reach out to our intake team with questions or to schedule an appointment.

What Does it Mean to Have Pinpoint Pupils?

The pupil is the black area of the eye. Pupils change size depending on a variety of factors. People may have constricted pupils–meaning very small pupils–for a variety of reasons. These include:

• Exposure to bright light: The size of the pupil typically responds to the amount of light entering the eye.
• Head injury: A head injury may cause temporary changes to the size of a person’s pupils.
• Horner syndrome: This rare condition is a result of a stroke or tumor and can impact the size of a person’s pupils.
• Medications: Prescription drugs for high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, depression, glaucoma, and other conditions may affect pupil size.

Opioid use and abuse may also cause pupils to constrict. This is known as opioid miosis. Pinpoint pupils are a common symptom of opioid abuse. It may also be a sign of a life-threatening opioid overdose.

What Drugs Cause Small Pupils?

Opioids are among the most common drugs causing pinpoint pupils. Opioid drugs work by binding to specific brain receptors. They affect parts of the brain associated with pain management, emotional regulation, and pleasure. They slow down central nervous system (CNS) activity and can cause feelings of relaxation or euphoria.

Opioids are highly addictive. Doctors typically do not prescribe opioids for long-term use. However, people who use opioid prescription medications may like the side effects and misuse these potent drugs. Opioid misuse includes:

• Taking a higher dose of opioids than prescribed
• Taking opioids more often than prescribed
• Taking opioids for a longer period than prescribed
• Using opioids differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
• Taking opioids recreationally (without a prescription)

People may develop an addiction to opioids even if they have no other risk factors for addiction. People may show signs of opioid addiction, even when taking these drugs as prescribed.

It is important to be aware of the risk of opioid abuse. Watch for signs of abuse and addiction and seek treatment as quickly as possible.

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Identifying Signs of Opioid Abuse and Addiction

Constricted (pinpoint) pupils and drooping eyelids are some of the signs medical professionals use to identify opioid use disorder. Other signs of opioid abuse include:

• Finishing a prescription opioid early
• Isolating
• “Doctor shopping”–meaning having multiple prescriptions for opioids from different doctors
• Stealing prescription drugs or buying illicit opioids
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work
• Losing interest in relationships and hobbies
• Significant changes in behavior, appetite, mood, or sleep

People may also exhibit signs of opioid withdrawal when they stop taking these drugs. Some of the most common signs of opioid withdrawal include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Excessive yawning
• Dilated pupils
• Unusual eye movements
• Chills
• Goosebumps
• Mood swings
• Watery eyes
• Excessive sweating
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Reduced pain tolerance
• Fever
• Muscle aches

These symptoms can make it challenging for people with opioid addiction to avoid relapse. Opioid addiction is a serious medical condition that requires comprehensive treatment and ongoing support.

Treating Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a severe, complex condition. People who develop opioid use disorder or addiction require comprehensive, compassionate treatment.

Treatment for opioid addiction typically begins with a medical detox program. During detox, medical and mental health specialists provide supervision and treatment to help people manage withdrawal and remain safe. An opioid detox program may include:

• Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety
• Mental health support, including medications, counseling, and group support
• Holistic therapies like mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition support
• Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
• A secure environment

After completing detox, people must continue treatment. Opioid use disorder treatment programs offer:

• Behavioral therapies
• Medication management
• Mental health care
• Relapse prevention education
• Coping skills
• Individual, family, and group therapy
• Art therapy, exercise, nutrition support, yoga, and other holistic therapies
• Aftercare planning and support

Comprehensive treatment can help people with opioid use disorder detox safely. It also provides the resources, therapies, and support people need to prevent relapse and move forward into a healthier future.

Find Treatment Now

If you or a loved one lives with substance abuse or addiction, treatment is available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to explore our addiction treatment and recovery support programs or to make an appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): The Pupils
2. Stanford Medicine: Pupillary Responses
3. Science Direct: Opioid miosis: effects of lighting intensity and monocular and binocular exposure
4. Wiley Online Library: Opioid withdrawal symptoms, a consequence of chronic opioid use and opioid use disorder: Current understanding and approaches to management