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How to Prevent Opioid Overdose

Overdose deaths have diminished somewhat from their historic rise recently, but the opioid epidemic is a major public health problem affecting individuals, families, and communities across the country. It cannot be forgotten or put on the ‘back burner,’ and deserves our full and devoted attention.

At TreatmentRehabCenters.org we believe there are ways to help stop opioid overdoses and save lives.

This resource and guide will provide you with information and strategies to how to prevent opioid overdose; whether you use opioids, are a loved one of someone who uses opioids, or are a concerned community member.

What is Opioid Overdose?

An opioid overdose occurs when someone takes more opioids than their body can handle. This can cause slow or stopped breathing which can be fatal if not addressed quickly. 

Opioids include illegal drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.

6 Signs of Opioid Overdose

Knowing the signs of an opioid overdose is key to intervention. Look for:

  • Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
  • Slow, shallow, or no breathing
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Blue or purple lips and fingernails
  • Pale, clammy skin
  • Slow or no pulse

The Rise in U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths

The opioid overdose epidemic in the U.S. has changed a lot over the years, with a big increase in deaths involving synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths have skyrocketed to a record 93,331 deaths in 2020. This is a dire situation and we need effective solutions.

The CDC reports that overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, excluding methadone, increased 103-fold from 1999 to 2020. This is a huge jump and shows how dangerous synthetic opioids are in today’s drug landscape. 

Overdose deaths from psychostimulants with abuse potential, mostly methamphetamine, increased 64-fold during the same period. 

Cocaine overdose deaths increased 7.6-fold and prescription opioid deaths increased 4.1-fold. Heroin deaths are still a big problem and increased 2.5-fold from 1999 to 2020.

These numbers show the changing face of the opioid crisis and the need for comprehensive prevention and intervention to address synthetic opioids and other substances.

How to Prevent Opioid Overdose

1. Safe Use Practices

If you use opioids follow these safe use practices to reduce your risk of overdose:

  • Never use alone: Always have someone with you who can help if needed.
  • Start with a small amount: Especially if you’re using a new supply or haven’t used in a while.
  • Don’t mix opioids with other substances: Mixing opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other drugs increases overdose risk.
  • Know your tolerance: Tolerance can decrease quickly even after a short period of abstinence.

2. Naloxone: A Lifesaving Medication

Naloxone (often called Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes.

  • Learn how to use naloxone: Many community organizations offer free training.
  • Keep naloxone with you: It’s over the counter in many states.
  • Educate your friends and family: Teach them how to recognize an overdose and use naloxone.
  • Carry naloxone: It’s a preventive measure against opioid overdoses including those caused by synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Those at risk can get naloxone from local pharmacies and public health programs.

3. Proper Storage and Disposal of Prescription Opioids

If you have prescription opioids:

  • Store them safely: Keep medications in a locked cabinet or safe.
  • Don’t share prescriptions: What’s safe for you may be dangerous for someone else.
  • Dispose of unused medications properly: Many pharmacies and law enforcement agencies have disposal programs.

4. Get Help

If you’re struggling with opioid use:

  • Consider MAT: Medications like buprenorphine and methadone can manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • See a therapist: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other forms of counseling can address underlying issues and develop coping skills.
  • Join a support group: Narcotics Anonymous is an option.

Community-Based Prevention

1. Education and Awareness

Communities can do a lot:

  • School-based prevention programs: Early education about opioid use is key.
  • Community awareness campaigns: Educate the public about overdose signs and resources.
  • Train first responders: Make sure they know how to handle overdoses.

2. Harm Reduction Programs

Harm reduction can reduce overdose deaths:

  • Needle exchange programs: Provide clean syringes and often other health services.
  • Supervised consumption sites: Controversial but can provide immediate intervention in case of overdose.
  • Fentanyl test strips: Help users detect fentanyl in their drugs.

Increase Access to Treatment to Reduce Overdoses

Making treatment more accessible can prevent overdoses:

  • Expand MAT options: Increase the number of providers who can prescribe MAT.
  • Reduce treatment barriers: Address transportation, childcare, and insurance coverage.
  • Implement warm handoff programs: Connect individuals who have overdosed to treatment services.

Special Populations

High Risk Groups

Some groups are more at risk of opioid overdose:

  • Recently released from incarceration: Tolerance decreases during periods of abstinence.
  • Co-occurring mental health disorders: Mental health issues increase substance use and overdose risk.
  • Homeless: Lack of stable housing makes it hard to engage in treatment and safe use.

Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids Awareness

Fentanyl has become so prevalent in the drug supply that overdose risk has skyrocketed:

  • Fentanyl can be in any street drug, not just opioids.
  • Use fentanyl test strips to test your drugs before use.
  • Start with an extremely small amount if you think fentanyl may be in your drugs.

Get Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder or substance use disorder, seek help from a provider or treatment center. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7/365 service that provides referrals to local treatment centers, support groups, and community organizations. 

Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. 

You can also use the online treatment locator to find help near you and the HELP4U text messaging service to text your zip code to 435748 to find resources near you.

Improving opioid prescribing and reducing prescription drug abuse is key to preventing opioid overdose deaths. Carrying naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, can save lives. Family and friends can support individuals with opioid use disorder or substance use disorder. 

We need to address the stigma around these conditions so people will seek help.

Having health insurance can increase access to health care and reduce fatal opioid overdose risk. Properly disposing of unused drugs can prevent prescription drug abuse and overdose risk. 

Educating providers about substance use disorder and opioid use disorder can improve treatment outcomes. Addressing the root causes of substance abuse (poverty and lack of access to healthcare) can reduce overdose risk.

We can beat the overdose crisis together. Remember, recovery is possible and every life saved from overdose is an opportunity for healing and transformation.

Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers have a key role in overdose prevention:

  • Practice responsible prescribing: Follow CDC guidelines for opioid prescribing.
  • Screen for substance use disorders: Early detection means early intervention.
  • Educate: Tell patients about opioid risks and proper storage and disposal.

The Bottom Line on Preventing Opioid Overdose Deaths

Preventing opioid overdoses requires a whole person, whole community, whole system approach. By using safely, increasing access to naloxone, educating and resourcing, and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to opioid use we can save lives and make progress on the opioid crisis.

On an individual level, knowing the resources outlined above, and the process for helping someone who may be suffering from an accidental overdose, is vital. Be prepared with naloxone and stay informed!

At TreatmentRehabCenters.org we support individuals and communities in preventing opioid overdoses and getting treatment for opioid use disorder.

If you or someone you know is at risk of opioid overdose don’t wait to get help, whether by calling us or reaching out elsewhere, get support for recovery today.

Who is TreatmentRehabCenters.org?

TreatmentRehabCenters.org’s helpline is an offering from longtime behavioral health professionals to those struggling with substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders and their loved ones to help find effective care options.

Calls to our helpline (all non-facility specific 1-8XX numbers) will be answered by Integrity Together, LLC.

At TRC, our support is provided without charge or obligation to enter into rehab or treatment of any kind.

Our treatment representatives are never given incentives or fees that rely on callers selecting a specific rehab or treatment center.

Get details on the TreatmentRehabCenters team, our credentials, mission statement, and vetting process on our ‘About’ page.

If we cannot assist your needs with our support line you can find additional help and resources by visiting the ‘Find Treatment’ services offered at SAMHSA.gov.

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Our team assigns letter grades to each rehab and treatment center. These scores are derived from accreditation/s, online reviews, website assessments, and, when possible, outcome data and facility input.