Overdose Education– Recognizing Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention
- Last Modified: November 7, 2024
Overdose prevention is one of the most important components of addiction recovery. An overdose occurs when the body is overwhelmed with the amount of toxins present, so much so that the brain begins to stop working as it should.
The result is often a slowed heartbeat, limited breathing, loss of consciousness, and the potential for death if a solution is not available quickly. It is a very scary part of substance use disorder (SUD). In 2023, 107,543 people suffered a fatal overdose in 2023, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
That’s quite difficult to hear. By understanding this figure and your risks, you may find that overdose prevention is a priority. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Overdose Risks And Common Causes
Many substances can lead to overdose. Keep in mind that the amount of a substance it takes for a person to overdose differs based on many factors. That means that it can occur to you or your loved one with other substances.
The most common substances that lead to overdose include:
- Opioids, including synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, methadone, and oxycodone
- Stimulants such as cocaine
- Psychostimulants including methamphetamine
- Benzodiazepines including diazepam and alprazolam
- Alcohol
Numerous factors increase the risk of overdose in some people. For example, polydrug use, which is the use of more than one substance at the same time, can lead to overdose. This includes both legal and prescription medications, as well as alcohol.
Over time, the body begins to tolerate the substance, which means you need to use more of it to get the same high or feeling. The more you increase that dose, the higher the risk of overdose.
Recognizing The Signs And Symptoms Of Overdose
The symptoms of overdose differ based on the type of substance, a person’s tolerance, and the amount consumed. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of overdose include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Enlarged or pinpoint pupils
- Trouble walking or talking
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness (passing out)
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Agitation
- Aggression or violent actions
Some types of substances have specific symptoms of overdose. For example:
Opioid overdose: An opioid overdose typically causes the body’s breathing and heart rate to slow to very dangerous levels. Small pupils, slow and weak pulse, limited, shallow breathing, blue tint to the skin, and unconsciousness are common signs of opioid overdose.
Alcohol overdose: Alcohol may create low body temperature, disorientation, severe confusion, trouble breathing, vomiting, and seizures.
Cocaine overdose: As a stimulant, a cocaine overdose may cause a very fast heart rate, dilated pupils, a high body temperature, disorientation, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, cardiac arrest, and coma.
Immediate First Aid Actions For Overdose
In every situation where you suspect an overdose, your first step is to call 911 to get care on the way. Then, consider these steps:
Evaluate symptoms: Look for changes in breathing, heart rate, gasping for air, bluish tint, and evidence of drug use.
Take immediate action: If a person is not breathing or their heart has stopped, provide CPR and continue until paramedics arrive.
Narcan administration: If you suspect opioid overdose due to unconsciousness, slow breathing, blue tinting to the skin, choking, or being unable to wake someone, you may need to administer Narcan or Naloxone. If a person does not respond to other actions within two minutes, a dose of naloxone may be necessary. It will reverse opioid overdose quickly, but sometimes, more than one dose is necessary.
Support breathing: providing a treatment like this does not automatically mean a person is okay. It may be necessary to continue to support breathing through CPR and ensure the airway is clear.
The Good Samaritan law provides you with the ability to act quickly without fear of repercussion. That is, if you take action to administer emergency care and treatment to someone outside of a hospital setting or medical office, and that person suffers complications, you may not be held liable. If you provide overdose first aid and the person does not make it, you are not held liable, under these laws, for the outcome.
Preventative Strategies For Overdose
Preventing overdose is always the best route, and it saves lives. There are a variety of prevention strategies that may help:
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is one strategy. Keeping people who use drugs alive is the goal, which means providing them with tools and resources to stop using those substances but also to make sure they are safe. It is also the process of reducing the stigma associated with substance use.
Safe Use Practices
Safe use practices of all substances are critical. Keep in mind that alcohol, marijuana, and other substances that seem to be readily available can lead to overdose. More so, with prescription medications, it is critical to understand the risks of use and how to minimize the risk of dependency development.
Risk Factors
Understanding risk factors for SUD development, such as mental health disorders and chronic pain conditions, could also enable you to prevent the overuse of substances. Other risk factors for overdose include changes in the availability of a substance, mixing substances together, especially opioids and stimulants, and changes in tolerance.
Begin Recovery
Community Resources
Look for community resources that can provide support. This includes needle exchange programs and safe consumption sites. Look for resources to help minimize the risk of overdose fatalities by providing access to Narcan.
Where To Find Support And Additional Resources
Addiction, dependency, and overdose are life-threatening conditions. When you recognize the risks, it is critical to find the help available to protect your life and your future.
Get Immediate Help
For those who are facing an overdose, worried about a family member, or unsure what to do, you have resources. The first is to call 911. However, there is also help available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Call 1-800-662-4357. This is a free, confidential call available 24 hours a day.
Narcan Distribution
Naloxone, or Narcan, is a life-saving resource. Many local health departments provide access to this overdose-reversing treatment. Look for local resources that offer these services and keep Narcan available to you on an ongoing basis. It is not safe, and it is unlikely that you will be able to administer it yourself. For that reason, talk to family and friends about its use.
Recovery Support
Recognize that overdose is not a one-time event. It can continue to harm. Seek long-term treatment and support as a way to prevent overdose. Turn to local treatment centers and, in situations of risk of suicide, visit the local emergency room for immediate help.
Take Action with Overdose Prevention Support at Riverside Recovery of Tampa
You are not alone in this fight. Overdose prevention starts with taking action. Reach out to Riverside Recovery of Tampa for immediate help. When you do, you’ll gain one-on-one support, respect, and guidance in navigating a future.
If your loved one has substance overdose symptoms, call 911. Then, reach out to us for help with ongoing overdose prevention and resources. When you choose our location, you’ll gain:
- Access Experienced Guidance: Our team offers overdose education and prevention resources. Learn what could happen and how to provide care to your loved one.
- Comprehensive Care Options: Support includes first aid education, harm reduction, and counseling, as well as a variety of overdose prevention strategies.
- Community and Family Involvement: We encourage families to stay informed and engaged in prevention. Prevention strategies are highly effective at saving lives, and we teach you how to navigate them.
- 24/7 Support Available: Contact us anytime to learn about our overdose prevention programs. Do not wait to contact Riverside Recovery of Tampa for immediate help and support.