Drug overdoses are responsible for many premature deaths. From the year 2000 up to now, drug overdoses have skyrocketed throughout the nation. More people seem to be getting into drug use daily. Hence the huge spike in the number of overdose cases. However, it is not all as gloomy as it looks. Even if a person overdoses, there is still the chance of saving the person. You only need to be keen on the signs of an overdose so that your response can be in time enough to get them the help they need. Oceanfront Recovery can help you learn the common signs of an overdose and find the substance abuse treatment necessary to heal.
What Is an Overdose?
An overdose is taking too much of a drug that your body stops functioning. The body becomes overwhelmed with the toxins from the substance that it can no longer perform some of its basic duties. Drug overdoses cut across all drugs, whether legal or illegal. For legal drugs, overdose occurs when you take more amount that what your prescription recommends. For illegal drugs, an overdose can occur because you exceed your normal limit or tolerance. This limit varies from person to person.
Signs of an Overdose
The symptoms of an overdose will depend on which drug someone is using. Some drugs have severe symptoms, while the symptoms for others are so subtle that you can miss them easily. However, some signs are very common among overdose cases.
They include:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Unconsciousness
- Agitation and convulsions
- Difficulty breathing and drowsiness
- Hallucinations together with delusions
- Trouble walking
If you notice the above in a drug user, it might be a manifestation of the signs of an overdose. Call for help immediately.
How to Prevent an Overdose
An overdose can be intentional or unintentional. To be safe, you need to take simple preventive measures. If you have children around, keep all medications or drugs where they cannot access them. Children can inadvertently overdose on drugs out of sheer curiosity.
In case of prescription pills, make sure you follow the prescription faithfully. Do not take more or less than what the doctor recommends. You should not combine the medications too. Only do that if the doctor gives express consent that you should do that. Never mix prescription pills with alcohol under any circumstance.
If you suspect someone wants to overdose intentionally, take pro-active steps to prevent them from accessing such medications/drugs. You can also enroll them in a mental health treatment center where they will get the help that they need. Finally, only take drugs using the modes that do not put you at risk of overdosing unintentionally. Inhaling or injecting drugs delivers them to the brain quickly. Such methods put you at risk of overloading your brain dangerously without knowing.
Treatment at Oceanfront Recovery
The best way to be safe from overdosing is to seek treatment at a reputable facility. Oceanfront Recovery has modern facilities that can handle addictions for various drugs. Its programs are flexible so that they can accommodate each person.
Some of these programs are:
- Men’s rehab program: The gender-specific facility will help you to detox and heal from your addiction. Medications are available to help you throughout the rehab period.
- Women’s rehab program: Another gender-specific program that focuses on women struggling with addiction.
- Sober living homes: These homes are ideal for those trying to maintain their sobriety. It has minimal distractions and temptations that can trigger your relapse.
- Residential treatment program: The program is ideal for severe cases. It requires the patient to stay at the facility. This allows medics to administer and supervise treatment very closely.
Visit Oceanfront Recovery Today
If you are exhibiting signs of an overdose, you may need to check into our drug and alcohol detox center. Once you get the help, your chances of overdosing are slim since you will no longer have an addiction to battle. Visit or call Oceanfront Recovery today at 877.279.1777, and we will save you from the abyss of addiction.