Our national overdose crisis is a severe, ongoing public health challenge exacerbated by widespread prescription drug addiction and the alarming prevalence of fentanyl.
In the United States, approximately 130 people die daily from opioid-related overdoses. If someone you know uses these drugs, you can save lives by familiarizing yourself with the warning signs of accidental overdose and the immediate steps to take if one occurs.
Understanding the Crisis
The overprescription of painkillers, initially marketed as harmless and non-habit-forming, caused millions of Americans from every walk of life to become addicted to prescription medications like OxyContin. In a belated attempt to curb the epidemic, many states enacted legislation to limit opioid prescriptions, causing many people to seek drugs from illegal sources. Unfortunately, the illicit drug market is rife with fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid that can be up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Drug dealers often cut their supplies with fentanyl or press it into molds that are virtually indistinguishable from legitimate prescriptions, causing people to use it without awareness of what they are taking and significantly increasing their risk of overdose.
Warning Signs of an Overdose
An accidental overdose results from someone taking a substance – or a combination of substances – that overwhelms their central nervous system, critically impairing vital functions such as breathing.
Recognizing the signs of an overdose can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some critical symptoms to watch for.
- Shallow, irregular, or ceased breathing is a dire emergency.
- Bluish lips or fingernails are a telltale sign of oxygen deprivation.
- It is cause for alarm if the person is extremely disoriented or falls unconscious and you cannot wake them up.
- Any noticeable deviation in heart rhythm can indicate an overdose.
- Seizures or convulsions indicate a critical situation requiring immediate medical attention.
How to Respond to an Overdose
If you suspect someone has overdosed, taking immediate action is crucial.
- Call 911: Quickly provide the dispatcher with detailed information about the situation. Every second counts.
- Administer Narcan if available: Narcan, generically known as naloxone, is an emergency medication available over the counter that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. If accessible, administer it according to the package instructions.
- Keep the victim awake and breathing: Continuously engage with the person to prevent unconsciousness and ensure they don’t stop breathing.
- Place them in the recovery position: To prevent choking, position the overdose victim on their side with a hand under their head and knees bent.
- Stay until help arrives: When first responders show up, they will likely ask you questions about what happened.
Moving Forward After a Drug Overdose
While surviving an accidental overdose can be a terrifying experience, it often becomes the pivotal moment people need to acknowledge the severity of their addiction and seek treatment. Acworth Outpatient Detox’s comprehensive, flexible programming integrates smoothly into our clients’ lives, minimizing disruption while providing the necessary tools to foster long-term recovery.
Accidental overdoses highlight the unpredictable and dangerous nature of drug use, underscoring the need for awareness and preparedness. By understanding what to watch for and how to respond, you can save lives and put someone you care about on the road to recovery. Reach out to us today for more information about our accredited, clinically advanced treatment plans.
