Drug addiction is a prevalent problem in our country. With over 70,000 people overdosing from drugs during the year, it’s scary if you have a loved one who is addicted to drugs of any kind. You may wonder what to do when someone overdoses. The best thing would be to help your loved one seek treatment before an overdose occurs, but if that isn’t possible at the moment then you need drug overdose prevention in Florida. Learn the facts so you can be prepared in case of an emergency.
How Does Someone Overdose on Drugs?
You may wonder how can someone overdose on drugs if they’ve been taking them for a long time and never had an issue before. A person can overdose a few ways. For one thing, sometimes the drugs a person obtains are tainted. This is more common now that fentanyl is on the streets. Many drug dealers are mixing fentanyl with drugs like heroin to make more money. However, fentanyl is extremely powerful. Only a small amount can be too much for some people. The other reason people may overdose is that they just simply took too much of the drug. If they become tolerant to a certain dose and begin to increase it, this could cause an accidental overdose. Also, mixing different drugs together or drugs with alcohol can lead to an overdose.
What To Do When Someone Overdoses
How will you know if someone is overdosing? The main signs of a drug overdose are:
- Shallow breathing
- Problem with vitals such as pulse, blood pressure, and heart rate
- Skin may be cold and clammy or turning blue
- Nausea or other stomach problems
- Potential seizures, confusion, or unconsciousness
- Gurgling sound in the throat
If you witness these signs and the person seems unresponsive, it’s best to call 9-1-1 right away. While you’re waiting for help, try to keep your loved one alert by talking to him or her. If the person is overdosing on opioids and you have NARCAN, you can administer that. The 9-1-1 operator should be able to give you directions about any other steps to take to help in the situation.
Seek help for a Loved One
Welcome to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida where you’ll find help and compassion for your loved one. Our caring staff has experience helping people who have addiction issues.
Trained professionals will assist your loved one with their addiction problem and help him or her get on the right path to recovery. We offer a broad range of program such as :
- Residential Detox Center
- Inpatient Rehab Center
- Men’s Detox Center
- Women’s Detox Center
- Residential Treatment Center
Discover hope for your family and the dawn of a new beginning. Now that you realize what to do when someone overdoses, reach out to a treatment rehab today. Contact 866.294.5306, and we’ll get you on the right pathway.