What to Do When Someone Is Overdosing Responding to an Overdose

Get connected to naloxone near you, prescription drug disposal sites and substance use resources. Naloxone helps bystanders reverse the effects of the overdose. If you’re worried about someone and think they may have an addiction, you also should be aware of the signs of an overdose. Focus on the addiction and find treatment options in Maryland. If someone you know is showing signs of addiction, you can help them by providing supportive resources and encouraging them to get help. You can help stop the stigma of addiction by knowing the signs of addiction and getting the individual the help they need as soon as possible.

Parents need to be especially mindful of drinking behavior in teenagers, who are often susceptible to peer pressure. If you or someone you’re close to uses opioids or street drugs, these ideas may help protect them. The law provides certain legal protections when you call how to help someone that has overdosed to help an individual experiencing an emergency overdose.

Do I Qualify for Intensive Outpatient Services in Massachusetts?

Don’t wait any longer to get your family member or friend the help they need. Someone’s odds of overdosing depend on variables like the substance(s) they’ve taken, the amount consumed and how much time has passed between doses. Illegal fentanyl often comes as a powder or pressed into a pill.

How to Help Someone Who Overdoses

In a medical setting, you may hear addiction called substance use disorder. Join our supportive sober community where each day becomes a step towards personal growth and lasting positive change. Rich Whitman is a certified professional interventionist with a 98% success rate and more than three decades of experience staging interventions in all 50 U.S. states.

• Here are some red flags that someone is experiencing a drug overdose.
• By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use.
• Illegal fentanyl has added to the rise in overdose deaths in the U.S.
• The goal is to help someone experiencing an emergency overdose.
• You can help stop the stigma of addiction by knowing the signs of addiction and getting the individual the help they need as soon as possible.

Overdose Warning Signs

If you suspect that someone has an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help immediately. Do not wait for the person to have all the symptoms, and be aware that a person who has passed out can die. Don’t try to remedy the situation yourself; cold showers and coffee may not be enough to revive someone in extreme cases. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death from an overdose. Because someone who stops breathing can quickly slip into unconsciousness, a timely response can save their life.

• However, even if you have used Naloxone and the person’s condition is improving, still phone 999 so an ambulance can attend.
• The law provides certain legal protections when you call to help an individual experiencing an emergency overdose.
• You’re not protected if you witness the emergency and do not help the person.
• If you’d like to learn more about helping drug addicts, check out our in-depth interview with Catherine Boswell, PhD.

Most states have enacted Good Samaritan laws that limit liability for untrained people who voluntarily care for others who are injured, ill or incapacitated. These laws aim to encourage bystanders to intervene in an emergency without fear of legal repercussions. Signs and symptoms of an overdose will vary depending on the type and amount of drug that has been taken, as well as the person’s overall health at the time of taking the drug. However, if you are concerned about the person’s wellbeing, you should always call 999 for an ambulance to attend.

East Point Recovery Center offers a clinical approach to drug addiction treamtent. Our caring and compassionate staff are ready to help you or your loved one overcome addiction and lead a life full of meaning and purpose. If the person is not breathing and there is no pulse, you should begin administering CPR.

The Benefits of Treatment for Substance Abuse

If your loved one is overdosing on opioids, a drug called naloxone can block the effects and stabilize the person until first responders arrive. The healthcare provider may be able to use an antidote for certain drug overdoses. For example, the drug naloxone can help reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. You may notice warning signs to determine if someone has crossed the line and is at risk for alcohol overdose. You can prevent this from happening by staying informed, looking out for the warning signs, and by calling 911 if needed. Additionally, alcohol overdose may indicate signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), and if so, treatment options are available.

Mental Health

Several evidence-based treatment approaches are available for AUD. One size does not fit all—a treatment approach that may work for one person may not work for another. Treatment can be outpatient and/or inpatient and may include special programs, CBT, support groups, therapy, family groups, and alternative approaches (yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, etc.). Combining alcohol with other illicit drugs can increase the chances of overdose as well.

Getting medical help quickly can make a big difference in the effectiveness of drug overdose treatment. Problem or binge drinking that worsens is known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol overdose is a serious issue and may lead to death if not treated.

You should be concerned and phone an ambulance if they show any of these signs:

You should also not mix alcohol with prescription drugs without checking with your doctor first. In the case of an opioid overdose, a Naloxone kit is a key tool which can help save lives. However, even if you have used Naloxone and the person’s condition is improving, still phone 999 so an ambulance can attend.

Recognizing Signs Of An Overdose

The program is designed for individuals who are unwilling to get the medication in-person. You can also walk into a pharmacy and get the medication without a prescription and without training. It is covered by most insurance and Maryland Medicaid. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, do not wait. Contact Water Gap Wellness today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier future. We are here to be your partner in recovery, every step of the way.

Often, a person will mix depressants, like alcohol, with stimulants, such as cocaine, meth, etc., as a pick-me-up. Misusing prescription stimulants, such as Adderall, also increases the risk of overdose. Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. This means that even a small amount can lead to an overdose, which could be deadly.