An overdose isn’t always caused by illegal drug use. It can also occur with doctor-prescribed medications. Sometimes an overdose is accidental, and sometimes it’s on purpose. Regardless of how someone got to the point of overdose, the most important thing is to get help. An opioid rehab program like the one at Solution Based Treatment can be the best choice for someone struggling with a substance use disorder. You will greatly benefit from the support and professional help of like-minded individuals, as well as those trained to deal with opioid use.
Overdose Signs to Look Out For
Not all people experiencing an overdose will have the exact same symptoms, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry and err on the side of caution. Knowing what some of the symptoms could be will help you be able to act quickly in the event someone you care about shows symptoms. An Opioid overdose can be fatal. One of the first things to look for is a noticeable drop in breathing and heart rate, which limits oxygen to the brain. Other common signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Shallow breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Small pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Loss of color in the skin
- Lethargy
One of the most important things you can do if you are trying to help is remain calm. Then, call 911 and follow their instructions. Unless you are a medical professional, it’s best to wait until emergency medical services arrive to try and provide any care yourself.
Opioid Rehab Programs
The scary facts are that more than ten percent of people who use prescription opioid drugs become addicted, and more than one hundred people die each day from an opioid overdose in the United States. Whether you or a loved one has undergone treatment before or is starting the process for the first time, addiction treatment always begins with detox. The side effects of ridding your body of drugs are severe. Managing this at home is not easy. Medically supervised detox allows the drugs to be thoroughly flushed from their system in a safe and controlled environment under medical supervision.
After detox is complete, a residential treatment program is recommended to focus on health, well-being, and recovery. Most treatment programs incorporate 12-step-based treatment and individual and group therapy to analyze and understand the underlying issues that led them to substance use. It is also possible to go straight from detox to an outpatient program. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) allows those recovering to attend treatment while living off-campus (often in sober housing) and maintain work and family life balance at the same time.
Even after leaving a treatment facility, it’s recommended to continue recovery through either an aftercare program, group therapy, family support, and/or a local 12-step organization such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Having the right plan in place will eliminate the risks for relapse and potential overdose.
Contact SBT to Avoid an Opioid Overdose
An overdose is serious and life-threatening. The effects will stay with you or a loved one for life. If you are concerned that you or a loved one could be at risk, seek help right away. Be proactive – if possible – and learn how to recognize the signs of a potential overdose. Seeking the help of medical professionals is the safest way to get sober. At a residential treatment facility like Solution Based Treatment, you can rely on a caring and professional team to guide you through the various treatment options available for substance use disorders.
Treatment for opioid addiction is an ongoing process and involves a combination of the following:
- Partial hospitalization (PHP)
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Residential addiction treatment
- Faith-based recovery
- Sober living
Our team is standing by, so reach out by calling today at 833.999.1941.