Home / Opioids / Opioid Overdose

Opioids

Opioid Overdose

What Is An Opioid Overdose?

An Opioid overdose occurs when a person consumes more Opioids than their body can handle, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Opioids, which include Heroin, Fentanyl, and  prescription painkillers, bind to certain receptors in the brain. In therapeutic doses, they manage pain and produce feelings of relaxation. However, in excessive amounts and when misused, they can depress central nervous system functions, most crucially breathing. When breathing slows too much or stops, an Opioid overdose can turn fatal.

If you believe someone is experiencing a drug overdose, please stop reading and seek medical attention.

Signs And Symptoms Of Opioid Overdose

Recognizing the signs of an Opioid overdose is crucial for timely intervention. These signs can be grouped into behavioral, physical, and psychological categories:

Behavioral

  • Inability to speak or unresponsiveness to external stimuli.
  • Nodding off or falling asleep at inappropriate times.

Physical

  • Shallow, slow, or absent breathing.
  • Blue or purplish lips and fingernails, indicating low oxygen levels.
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Clammy, cold skin

Psychological

  • Confusion
  • Extreme drowsiness or the inability to stay awake.
  • Paranoia

What Causes An Opioid Overdose?

An Opioid overdose typically results from the consumption of a large amount of Opioids in a short time. Several situations can lead to this, including:

  • Accidentally taking an extra dose or taking doses too close together.
  • Combining Opioids with other substances, especially alcohol or Benzodiazepines.
  • Using Opioids after a period of abstinence, which can lower tolerance.
  • Consuming strong illicit Opioids, like Fentanyl.

Risk Factors For Opioid Overdose

Understanding the risk factors for an Opioid overdose is crucial in the prevention and early intervention of this potentially fatal condition. While anyone who consumes Opioids can be at risk, certain factors elevate the likelihood of an overdose:

  • Higher Dosage: The respiratory center of the brain, responsible for controlling breathing, can be inhibited by Opioids. Consuming Opioids in large amounts or at a higher dosage than prescribed increases the risk of respiratory depression, the primary cause of death in Opioid overdoses.
  • Polydrug Use: Combining Opioids with other substances, especially depressants like alcohol or Benzodiazepines, can amplify the respiratory depressant effects.
  • History Of Previous Opioid Overdose: Individuals who have previously experienced an overdose are at a higher risk of experiencing another, as a prior overdose can indicate a pattern of high-risk use or a susceptibility to the depressant effects of Opioids.
  • Mental Health Conditions: Coexisting mental health issues can influence drug consumption patterns and increase susceptibility to Opioids’ adverse effects. Individuals with anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders are at an increased risk of Opioid overdose.
  • Tolerance Reduction: Individuals who have abstained from Opioids for a period, such as after detoxification, experience a decrease in tolerance. Consuming the same amount of Opioids as before the period of abstinence can lead to an overdose because the body is no longer accustomed to that quantity.
  • Using Opioids Alone: Prompt intervention, especially administration of Naloxone, can save lives in the event of an overdose. Using Opioids when alone means there’s no one to intervene or call for help if an overdose occurs.
  • Age: Older adults, especially those over 65, may metabolize drugs differently, and they often take multiple medications that can interact with Opioids. Therefore, potential drug interactions and altered metabolism can increase susceptibility to overdose in this population.

What To Do If Someone Is Experiencing An Opioid Overdose

Time is of the essence if someone is showing signs of an Opioid overdose. Here’s what you can do:

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Try to keep the person awake.
  • Perform rescue breathing if the person stops breathing.
  • Administer Naloxone, an Opioid antagonist, if available.
  • Stay with the person until emergency services arrive.

If you suspect yourself or a loved one may be experiencing an Opioid overdose, stop reading and contact emergency medical services immediately.

Opioid Overdose Deaths In The US

The prevalence of Opioid Overdose in the U.S. has reached alarming proportions. Over the past two decades, Opioid-related deaths have surged, driven in part by increased prescriptions of painkillers, the proliferation of powerful synthetic Opioids like Fentanyl, and the availability of heroin.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, nearly 75% of all drug overdose deaths included an Opioid, which translates to the staggering number of 80,411 Opioid overdose fatalities. The magnitude of this public health crisis underscores the urgent need for robust prevention and accessible treatment.

Prevention Of Opioid Overdose

Preventing an Opioid overdose requires an integrative approach that addresses both the direct risks associated with Opioid use and the broader societal factors that contribute to misuse. To reduce the risk of an Opioid overdose, a person should consider the following steps and harm reduction strategies:

  • Medication Adherence: Overuse or misuse of prescribed Opioids can easily lead to an overdose, especially if the individual is unaware of the potent effects of their medication. Following the recommended dosage and frequency minimizes the risk.
  • Safe Storage: Unauthorized access, whether accidental by children or intentional by someone seeking the drug, can result in overdoses. Safe storage prevents unintended consumption and theft.
  • Proper Disposal: Safely disposing of unused or expired Opioids can reduce the risk of unintended consumption and environmental contamination.
  • Naloxone: Consider getting a prescription for Naloxone (Narcan) if you or a loved one is at risk of an Opioid overdose. This medication can reverse the effects of an Opioid overdose if administered in time.

Harm Reduction Strategies

Harm reduction refers to practices and strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use, rather than necessarily curbing the drug use itself. These strategies recognize the realities of drug use and prioritize safety. Key harm reduction strategies include:

Supervised Consumption Sites

These facilities provide a controlled environment where people can consume drugs under medical supervision. By doing so, they reduce the risk of overdose deaths, prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, and offer an entry point for health and social services.

Needle And Syringe Programs

Such programs provide people with sterile needles and syringes to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

  • Drug Testing Services: Some harm reduction organizations offer drug testing services to check for the presence of potent substances like Fentanyl in street drugs.
  • Education And Outreach: Being informed about the risks and safety measures associated with Opioid use can help people make safer choices. Outreach programs can provide this crucial information.
  • Peer Support Groups: Sharing experiences and coping strategies within a supportive environment helps individuals navigate their relationship with Opioids and reinforces safer use behaviors.

Get Help For An Opioid Addiction

If you or a loved one struggles with an Opioid addiction, seek treatment. Not only does it offer a path towards a healthier, drug-free life, but it also significantly reduces the risk of an overdose.

Treatment programs often include therapy, medication, and support groups, addressing the root causes of addiction and providing tools for long-term recovery. Reach out to a treatment provider today to learn more.