International Overdose Awareness Day
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day when we come together to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose. The goal is to raise awareness about the signs of an overdose and what to do in the event of one. In this post, we’ll walk through each step of this process. Let’s get started!
History of International Overdose Awareness Day
On August 31st, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared that this day would be International Overdose Awareness Day. The UN chose this date after Sally J Finn began the celebration the first awareness day in 2001 at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne. Today, it is a day to remember those who have lost their lives to drug overdoses and also to raise awareness around the world about how important it is for everyone to get help before it’s too late.
Opioid Use
Who is affected?
We know someone who has been prescribed pain medication for a chronic condition, an injury or some other ailment. If you do not, you certainly will in your life, at some point. It may be a friend, family member, colleague or even yourself. Over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain and over 25% of the US population ages 18-64 have taken prescription opioids (like OxyContin®) without being prescribed them by a doctor.
Addiction vs Physical Dependence
The fact is that anyone can become addicted to substances—including prescription pain medication—even if they have no prior history of substance abuse or addiction. In fact, many people who become addicted to prescription painkillers never intended to use them recreationally and did not initially intend to misuse the drugs either.
Physical Dependence
Some individuals don’t develop an addiction. Their bodies become physically dependent on opiates and require them to continue to take opiates to avoid physical withdrawal. They still take the medications as prescribed and are not using them to chase a high. This would be where their bodies are now physically dependent on the drug, but not psychologically addicted to the drug.
Addiction
Individuals cross to addiction when they are no longer using opiates for pain relief. Some use drugs to escape from other emotions or stressors in their lives.
It becomes an addiction when there is an increase of doses to get high, using for a longer time than intended, difficult handling situations without using, intense cravings, wanting to stop and not being able to, preoccupied with getting, using drugs and recovering from use, neglecting areas of your life, continue to use despite problems in areas of your life, using in risky situations, continuing to use despite physical or psychological issues, and physical withdrawal symptoms.
Who is at Risk of Overdosing?
Overdoses can occur whether a person has been using for 1 day, or many years. A person’s risk of overdose is not dependent on their length of time or frequency of use, so it is important for everyone who uses drugs to know the signs of an overdose and what they should do if someone they know has overdosed. It’s important to know that overdose can occur whether you are taking your medication as prescribed or are active in an addiction.
Overdosing Symptoms
Overdose can happen quickly—and with heroin and some other opioids, within minutes or even seconds after taking the drug. The longer someone uses opioids and/or takes higher dosages of them, the more likely they are to experience an overdose once they stop taking their usual dose because their body has built up tolerance to all medication effects (positive or negative).
While the signs and symptoms of a heroin overdose are known, other drugs may not cause the same set of symptoms. If you suspect someone has overdosed on another drug, look out for these:
Nodding off or unconscious/unresponsive
Unusual behavior or appearance
Agitation
Confusion and/or trouble interacting with others
Dilated pupils
Sweating
Pinpoint pupils (sometimes called “pinpoint eyes”)
Slurred speech
Rapid breathing or shallow breathing
Vomiting without nausea or abdominal pain
Preventing Overdosing
Knowledge is power and lifesaving. One way to prevent overdoses is through prevention education and proper disposal of opioids. If you are taking opiates or know someone who is taking opiates and you suspect they may be at risk for an opioid overdose, talk with them about how to prevent it from happening.
There are several resources that are found online through SAMHSA or local resources that help in learning more about opiate use and overdosing.
Narcan/Naloxone
Another way to prevent overdoses is having Narcan or Naloxone on hand. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl. Anyone can administer it—family members, friends, or other non-medical providers—to someone who may have overdosed.
Good Samaritan Law
Many people who witness an overdose are afraid to call 911. They’re afraid that by doing so, they will be arrested for drug possession or trafficking themselves. This is not true!
The Good Samaritan Law is an example of how we are working to ensure that people experiencing an overdose don’t have to fear arrest or prosecution.
This law protects both the person experiencing an overdose and those around them from being arrested if they call 911 during an overdose situation.
The law also protects those who stay at the scene after calling 911—you don’t have to stay with the person while medical professionals tend to them.
How does Narcan work?
When someone has an opioid overdose, their breathing slows or stops completely. Narcan is used on a person who is unconscious and breathing slowly or not breathing at all. Narcan cannot be used on a person who is alert and conscious.
Narcan blocks the receptors in the brain that opioids attach to and restores normal breathing within minutes. Narcan is only effective if given right away after an overdose; this means it’s important to act quickly when someone overdoses on opioids like heroin or fentanyl so they can receive naloxone while they wait for emergency medical care.
Narcan will temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose for about 30 minutes before its effects wear off.
During that time, it gives the person enough time for paramedics to arrive on scene with additional doses. Paramedics continue treatment until they reach medical care facilities where they may receive further care—which could take several hours depending upon how many drugs were taken before overdosing.
It is safe for all ages or even if you are not sure what they were using.
Where Can I get Narcan?
Narcan is available in several locations and different states or cities have different access areas. Everyone can get access to Narcan from their local pharmacy. There may be a cost. Some states have free access to Narcan. Reach out to your state’s Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse Department. Some cities or states even have Narcan in vending machines!
In Oklahoma, any local community mental health center are hub locations for free Narcan kits. This would be places like NorthCare, Red Rock, Grand, or HOPE. They will explain how to administer Narcan, and you will be asked to fill out a demographic sheet but they do not ask your name. It is completely anonymous. They are available to anyone! No questions asked. You can also click here to get one mailed to your home.
Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
If you know someone who is addicted to opiates, there are several treatment options.
Outpatient
For some, outpatient therapy with a private practitioner or an agency is beneficial. You always want to make sure it is someone who is specialized in addiction treatment. Often, we want you in the least restrictive treatment to decrease barriers impacting your life.
Medicated Assisted Therapy
Another outpatient level, there are medications that can help stabilize individuals and keep them safe from overdose (Methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol). These medicines are used to treat opioid addiction, but not all medications for opioid addiction are the same. It is important to consult with a medical professional or addiction therapist to determine if Medicated Assisted Therapy is appropriate for you.
Residential
If attempts to stop or reduce use are unsuccessful in an outpatient setting, there are residential treatment available locally and nationwide. Your medical professional or therapist can assist you in obtaining a higher level of care. You will also want to consult with your insurance provider if you have one. Most states will have facilities for those who are underinsured or with low income.
How You Can Help
On August 31st, we encourage you to join the conversation about addiction, overdose and Narcan. You can show your support by posting on social media with the hashtag #overdoseawarenessday, #EndOverdose, #IOAD2022, and by getting involved in events around the world.
If you are needing opiate treatment, I am accepting new clients or can assist in evaluating for appropriate level of care. Contact me here.
Disclaimer: This is in no way a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or substance abuse/mental health services. This is for educational purposes only and should be in used only in conjunction in working with a licensed mental health professional. Reading this blog or responding to it does not constitute a provider-patient relationship. If you are looking for a local mental health professional feel free to use the contact tab to request an appointment or search Mental Health Match, Therapy Den, or Psychology Today for local therapists in your area. If this is a mental health or substance abuse emergency and you need immediate assistance, please call 911, call 988, go to your local ER, visit your local detox center, or call 211 if you are in Oklahoma.