What Should I Do During an Overdose?

August 31st is National Overdose Awareness Day, and with the growing concern for death by overdose, it's an excellent time to provide resources and education to individuals. Thousands of people die from an overdose each year. Reducing these numbers is possible by educating people on the dangers of substance use and what to do during an overdose. 

The risk of overdose shouldn't deter individuals from seeking treatment. Finding freedom from active addiction can be tough, but it'll be worth the journey. If you or a loved one are in active addiction, consider seeking professional treatment. Our program at West Coast Recovery Centers offers a number of clinical approaches, holistic practices, and other modalities to help people recover from addiction. Call or visit our website to learn more today! 

Understanding the Growing Concern for Overdose

A drug overdose occurs when someone takes more of a substance than their body can tolerate. These overdoses cause many harmful symptoms and can even result in death. Overdoses can be intentional or unintentional. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for individuals in recovery to experience an overdose upon relapse. That's partially why there's such a great concern for overdose. A single relapse can prove devasting for people, but how many individuals might that include? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that there was a decrease in the number of drug-related overdoses, although these numbers are still alarmingly high. Their data indicates that approximately 107,543 individuals died due to a drug overdose in 2023, which is a three percent decrease from the estimated 111,029 deaths that occurred in 2022. According to them, this is the first decrease we've seen in the United States since 2018. However, even a single death by overdose is one too many. 

What Could Be Causing Spikes in Overdose Deaths?

One stipulation that may explain the increase in deaths over the past few years, with the exception of 2023, is the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was a troubling time for everyone worldwide. Individuals struggling with mental illness or substance use disorder (SUD) found themselves scrambling to maintain their well-being throughout the pandemic. Unfortunately, this led many people to struggle with maintaining their sobriety and getting help during an overdose. 

As mentioned, a single relapse can be enough to cause an overdose. The more a person uses drugs or alcohol, the more their body adapts to it. When individuals are in recovery, their bodies lose the tolerance they've adapted. So, a single use or relapse can quickly lead to an overdose. A number of factors can lead these individuals toward a relapse, which is why it's critical to rely on professional help and peer support throughout the journey. 

Despite one's preparedness, it's still necessary for us to understand what to do during an overdose. That includes recognizing the signs of one and taking the necessary steps to hopefully save a life. 

Recognizing the Signs of an Overdose

Admittedly, the signs of an overdose may vary depending on the type of substance someone is overdosing on. However, some signs to be on the lookout for during an overdose include any number of the following: 

• Small, constricted pupils 
• Loss of consciousness
• Impaired breathing 
• Choking and gurgling  
• Pale and clammy face 
• Limp body and weak pulse 
• Purple or blue fingernails 
• Vomiting and choking
• Extremely slow heartbeat 
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Blurred vision
• Numbness in parts of the body 
• Impaired cognition and coordination 
• Nausea, fatigue, and cold sweats 

If you see one or more of these in yourself or someone else, there's a chance it could be from an overdose. It can be difficult to tell for some, as many symptoms are also classic of substance use. Nevertheless, if you fear someone is experiencing an overdose, it's always better to be safe and seek immediate help. So, what should someone do during an overdose? 

What Steps Can You Take During an Overdose?

If you experience someone overdosing, the first critical thing to do is call 911. It's critical to give them your exact location and your phone number in case the call drops. Additionally, it's helpful to provide the type of drugs and alcohol that could've contributed to the overdose. 

The next step may not always be possible, but in the case of an opioid overdose, it can make all the difference. If naloxone – also known as Narcan – is available, administer it within 2 -3 minutes of the suspected overdose. It'll temporarily block the effects of opioids and help the individual regain breathing and consciousness. To administer, simply tilt the head back, insert the spray into one nostril, and push on the applicator quickly and firmly. Upon administering, turn the individual on their side and be sure to keep a close eye until help arrives. 

In the moment, this may all feel scary and overwhelming. Just try to focus on the tasks on hand and how they can make all the difference in saving someone's life during an overdose. 

The most significant way to prevent overdoses is by seeking treatment and formulating a plan for long-term, sustainable recovery. Contact West Coast Recovery Centers to begin that journey today. 

Thousands of people overdose on any number of substances every day. Though treatment is available, individuals in recovery aren't completely free from the risk of overdose. A single relapse can be extremely harmful and even lethal, which is why having a robust recovery plan is essential to long-term, sustainable recovery. August 31st is National Overdose Awareness Day, and this can be an excellent opportunity for people to educate and spread awareness on the dangers of overdose. This includes learning what to do during an overdose. Of course, the first preventive measure individuals can take is seeking treatment. Call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 to learn more and start your recovery journey today.