Opioid overdose can cause seizures from lack of oxygen to the brain. Brain damage–from mild to severe–is not often discussed with opioid overdose but is a real possibility. With lungs and heart barely working, your brain begins to be damaged by lack of oxygen.
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- Death following opioid overdose is preventable if the person receives basic life support and the timely administration of the drug naloxone.
- The person will still need medical attention after the administration of naloxone.
- If you suspect someone may be overdosing, do not leave them alone.
- Medical attention is necessary to address both the physical and behavioral health conditions that are experienced during a stimulant overdose.
- Even still, the opioid epidemic in the US still poses a major threat to public health.
In a hospital setting, healthcare providers order drug tests to diagnose opioid overdose. They also perform other tests to assess the health of the person and to look for possible complications. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with opioids being the most common cause. Sedatives are designed to be short-term solutions due to the serious risk of dependence that can form when consumed for too long.
They may also be combined with other substances like heroin, high-grade fentanyl, carfentanil (an extremely strong opioid used by veterinarians to treat large animals like elephants) or other unknown substances. Using unregulated opioids increases someone’s chances of overdose and death from overdose. An overdose (OD), or drug overdose, is when someone accidentally or intentionally consumes more than a safe or typical amount of a substance such as a prescription medication or drug. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and what to do if you think you or someone else may be overdosing is life-saving information. Due to the potential euphoric effects of stimulants, the urge for continued use becomes difficult to ignore and can create situations in which high-risk overdose events may occur.
Stimulant overdose
If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder, it is imperative that you understand what overdose is and how to recognize the symptoms of one so you can prevent any further harm and potentially save a life. Although many drug principle of aa overdoses involve the use of illegal drugs, it is also possible to overdose on prescription medication. Many doctors prescribe opioid medications for pain management. These medications carry a high risk of addiction and overdose, especially if taken outside a doctor’s directions. This can include taking any amount of someone else’s medication or more than the doctor prescribed. Narcan, an anti-overdoes medication that is widely available, can usually reverse these effects.
If you see these signs of overdose, do not abandon the person out of fear of getting in trouble. Depending on the type of substance, there are many different symptoms of an overdose. Additionally, there are many other factors that can impact how and when an overdose can occur. Here are some of the most important factors and symptoms to be aware of, as they often require emergency medical intervention. It is always better to err on the side of caution in the event of a possible overdose. Always call 911 if you think someone is experiencing an overdose.
How can a person prevent drug overdose?
This can lead to breathing difficulties, lowered heart rate, seizures, and loss list of foods that contain alcohol of consciousness. In the brain stem, regions called the medulla and the pons control the depth and rate of breathing. Both are loaded with opioid receptors — proteins that sit on the surface of cells and grab onto opioids. Your heart rate slows as the opioid suppresses neurological signals. The oxygen level falls low enough that the heart starts having abnormal rhythms; the heart is not beating properly. At this point some overdose patients have sudden cardiac arrest.
To treat an opioid overdose, doctors use drugs such as naloxone, often sold as Narcan. The potent opioid blocker latches onto empty opioid receptors, preventing other opioids from triggering the cell to take actions that can shut down breathing or freeze muscles. U.S. deaths from opioid overdoses are mounting with breathtaking speed. These powerful drugs — including heroin, morphine and fentanyl — can relieve pain and evoke intense feelings of pleasure. It can be difficult for people who use opioids or other substances to know what to expect when using nonmedical forms of opioids. This is because when they’re not regulated medically, they often have varying levels of potency.
When .30% is reached, this is often where loss of life is a serious risk as the body is completely unable to function. Recognizing the symptoms of a drug overdose is crucial to treating this reaction. Providing supportive care, administering medication such as naloxone, and calling 911 can all help treat certain types of drug overdose. A drug overdose means that an individual has consumed a toxic amount of a substance.
Who may be at greater risk?
It can be difficult to prevent an opioid overdose because you may not know the potency of the substances you’re using. In a hospital setting, healthcare providers order several tests recovery group games to check for any complications. They may perform other forms of medical care other than naloxone, such as intubation to help with breathing. While North America currently has the highest rate of opioid overdoses in the world, opioid overdose continues to be a global issue.