Drug overdoses are actually brain injuries that result when a patient lacks sufficient oxygen supply to the brain. Overdoses may be intentional or unintentional, although the latter happens more frequently. Every time you use recreational drugs (or even prescribed drugs outside their indications), you run the risk of suffering drug overdose symptoms and needing to seek treatment at a facility such as CMAR. All drugs should be strictly used according to a qualified physician’s prescription. If you’re suffering from an addiction to opioids, such as heroin or OxyCodone, contact our addiction treatment center at 833.448.0127 today.
Common Drug Overdose Symptoms
Common symptoms of drug overdose include:
- Physiological symptoms – rapid heartbeat, increased body temperature, dilated pupils, blue lips or fingertips
- Respiratory symptoms – chest pain, difficulty or cessation of breathing, airway obstruction (gargling or choking sounds)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms – nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain
- Behavioral/neurological symptoms – confusion, aggression or violent behavior, unconsciousness, seizures
The signs of drug overdose vary according to the type of drug and body chemistry of the person. Different people may experience various symptoms, even after overdosing on the same drug. If you or anyone else think they may have overdosed on any drug, you need immediate drug overdose treatment. In the longer term, addiction treatment therapy can help you or your loved one beat their addiction.
Opioid Overdose
Opioids are drugs or medications that come from the opium plant. These can induce a euphoric high, but they can be dangerous drugs when taken in large quantities. Signs of opioid overdose include:
- Extremely dilated or pinpoint pupils
- Slack or droopy muscles
- Being awake, but unable to talk
- Pale or clammy skin
- Slow or erratic heartbeat and breathing
The first thing to do when you suspect alcohol poisoning is to stop help the person by calling 911. If you have access to the medication naloxone, use it as quickly as possible. If you need medication-assisted treatment, contact CMAR.
Heroin Overdose
Heroin is a type of opioid drug which carries the risk of overdose whenever it is used. Common signs of drug overdose from heroin include slow or shallow breathing, looking or feeling “spaced out,” bluish lips, nails and fingertips, weak pulse, lethargy, confusion, dry mouth, tiny pupils, and unresponsiveness.
Experiencing or watching someone experience a heroin overdose can be frightening, and this overdose can easily turn fatal if not managed swiftly. Always seek emergency medical attention if you suspect someone has overdosed. If you are struggling with opioid abuse, contact our opioid addiction treatment center.
What to Do If Someone Has Overdosed
Many Americans are more likely to die from drug overdose than motor vehicle accidents. Opioid overdose is currently the most common cause of preventable deaths in the USA. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to know what to do in the event you come across someone who is showing drug overdose symptoms. If you think you or another person has overdosed, call, and stay with the person until the paramedics arrive. Ensure that they stop using whatever drug they’re on, and report your suspicions to the emergency line. Someone will guide regarding what to do as you wait for assistance.
Seek Treatment and Aftercare at CMAR Today
If someone you love has recently overdosed on opioids, it is clear that drug addiction is a major problem for you or your loved one. After emergency treatment for drug overdose symptoms, you need to get yourself or your loved one professional drug overdose treatment and rehabilitation therapy. Don’t let drug addiction get the best of you or your loved one. Let us help you get on the path to recovery and long-term sobriety with our patient-centered addiction treatment options. Contact CMAR Today at 833.448.0127 today.
