Treatment for an Opioid Overdose

There is a treatment for someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose. If you are here because someone you know or around you are experiencing an opioid overdose, you need to call an ambulance.

Opioid overdoses can be fatal if not dealt with in time. It can be preventable by contacting medical professionals quickly. If you are not in an emergency, read on to learn more about what you can do and how an opioid overdose is treated.

How to spot an opioid overdose

Opioids are a depressant that affects the part of the brain which regulates breathing. Because of this, someone experiencing an opioid overdose will struggle to breathe. This makes it incredibly dangerous as suffocation is a threat.

More symptoms that define an opioid overdose are pinpoint pupils and unconsciousness. There may also be several general symptoms of an overdose which you can find in our article; Help with overdose and symptoms.

As with all overdoses, it is vital for the person experiencing it to receive emergency care as soon as possible. According to the World Health Organisation, about 70% of all drug-related deaths are caused by opioid abuse. 30% of these happen during an overdose.

Who is at risk of an opioid overdose?

One of the causes of opioid abuse is painkiller prescriptions. Other risk factors for an opioid overdose include taking the drug by injection, mixing opioids with other substances, particularly depressants, and having concurrent medical conditions that affect the immune system, liver or lungs.

Naloxone: medication for opioid overdose

Naloxone medicine is an antidote used for opioid overdose. This substance has almost no effect on people who have not taken any opioids but can save someone’s life who is experiencing an overdose on that drug.

Naloxone is not available in many countries as an over-the-counter medication. South Africa is one of those countries, but ambulances can administer this antidote, which is why it is important to call an ambulance first.

In countries where naloxone is available for purchase, it is wise to have it on you if you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose.

Help for opioid abuse

If you or someone you know is currently struggling with opioid abuse and addiction, acting now could save your or their life. Contact Get Help and one of our experts in substance addiction will assist you.