No one is ever prepared for an overdose. Emergencies happen quickly; therefore, responding swiftly can save a life. Unfortunately, they are many people who are affected by substance abuse, and the crisis of overdose has increased over the past year. Therefore, it is significant for you to identify the signs or symptoms of a potential overdose situation and be prepared to take the proper emergency response steps.
Many medications and substances are dangerous, even when these substances are taken under medical supervision. The risks of taking too much of the medication or substances can lead to overdose. An overdose can happen rapidly and lead to fatalities; therefore, familiarizing yourself with the signs of an overdose can better prepare you for how you can respond to an emergency situation.
The signs of overdose will vary from person to person. Factors that can affect how an overdose looks include:
However, common symptoms of overdose include:
One of the most significant warning signs of an overdose is respiratory failure. If you notice someone has difficulty breathing or breathing quickly, they may be experiencing an overdose.
It can be frightening to experience an overdose. Once you notice the signs of an overdose, the most important thing you can do is call 911. When you contact emergency services, mention that someone is unresponsive or has other signs of an overdose. Ensure that you give a correct address and description of where the situation is occurring. They may ask a few additional questions, such as if you know what the person took; be prepared to answer those questions to the best of your ability.
Once emergency services are notified, you can take steps to help the individual overdosing until emergency personnel arrives on the scene. For example, if the individual overdosing is unresponsive, you can rub the middle of the chest with your knuckles to see if they wake up.
Once emergency services have been notified, you can also work to support the individual's breathing. Rescue breathing can be an effective way to support respiration in someone who is experiencing an overdose. Rescue breathing involves:
If the individual is experiencing vomiting as an overdose symptom, you can turn them on their side or move them into a recovery position to help prevent gagging or choking on fluids. A recovery position is when a person lies on their side supported by a bent-up knee. This recovery position clears out airways and helps prevent choking and gagging if they begin to vomit.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.” Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped. Although, naloxone cannot help someone who does not have opioids in their system.
If you have access to naloxone, it is crucial to administer the medication as soon as the signs of an opioid overdose present themselves. Naloxone comes in two forms: injectable and pre-packaged nasal spray.
Injectable brands of naloxone are injected with a needle into the muscle. Naloxone can also be administered into a vein or under the skin.
Pre-packaged nasal spray naloxone is a “[N]eedle-free device that requires no assembly and is sprayed into one nostril while the person lays on their back.” Naloxone as a nasal spray may be easier for you or other bystanders to use in the case of an overdose without formal training.
While there are many steps to take when responding to an overdose, there are also several things you should ensure not to do in case of an overdose. These include:
After a person has recovered from an overdose, it may be time to have a conversation about seeking help for substance abuse or addiction. The only way to prevent future overdose is for the person to recover and stop using drugs or alcohol.
Experiencing an overdose can be frightening. However, if your loved one struggles with substance abuse or addiction, being prepared for possible overdose can save their life at some point. Recognizing and educating yourself on the signs of overdose is the most important thing you can do. If your loved one is showing symptoms of an overdose, it is important to call emergency services, support their breathing, and administer naloxone if it is accessible. After your loved one recovers from an overdose, it may be time for them to seek treatment. At NorthStar Transitions, we are prepared to help your loved one heal and find a life free from the use of drugs and alcohol. Through evidence-based and experiential therapies, we produce authentic healing interactions, making real-life recovery possible. To learn more about our services and how we can help your loved ones, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400.
