Do’s and Don’ts of Responding to Opioid Overdose

Would you know what to do (and what not to do) if a friend or family member was overdosing on opioids? The most important thing to remember is to respond immediately – call 911 – if you notice any warning signs.

In general, an overdose can be identified by the “opioid overdose triad,” which is a combination of pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, or respiratory depression.

And don’t hesitate to get help out of the fear of getting in trouble yourself. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 32 states and the District of Columbia currently have “Good Samaritan” statutes. This law prevents arrest, charges, or prosecution for possession of a controlled substance or paraphernalia if emergency assistance is sought for someone who is experiencing an opioid-induced overdose.


Just pick up the phone and say: “Someone is unresponsive and not breathing.” Give a clear address and/or description of your location. And remember these do’s and don'ts as outlined by SAMHSA:

Do...

• Support the person’s breathing by administering oxygen or performing rescue breathing.
• Administer naloxone, if available. Note: All naloxone products have an expiration date, so it is important to check the expiration date and obtain replacement naloxone as needed.
• Put the person in the “recovery position” on the side, if he or she is breathing independently.
• Stay with the person and keep him/her warm.

Don't... 

• Slap or try to forcefully stimulate the person — it will only cause further injury. If you're unable to wake the person by shouting, rubbing your knuckles on the sternum (center of the chest or rib cage), or light pinching, he or she may be unconscious.
• Put the person into a cold bath or shower. This increases the risk of falling, drowning, or going into shock.
• Inject the person with any substance (salt water, milk, “speed,” heroin, etc.). The only safe and appropriate treatment is naloxone.
• Try to make the person vomit drugs that he or she may have swallowed. Choking or inhaling vomit into the lungs can cause a fatal injury. 

Finding Help for a Loved One
One of the most important decisions you can make is to support your friend or family member in seeking treatment for opioid addiction. For information about Hope Academy's young adult substance abuse treatment program, or to begin the admissions process for a loved one, call 866-930-4673.

Young Adults and Prescription Drug Abuse: How You Can Help

If you’re visiting this website, it’s likely that you already know the dangers of prescription drug abuse and that children of addicts are at greater risk for addiction than other kids. And that half of young adults mistakenly think that prescription or over-the-counter drugs are safer than street drugs. 

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, caregiver, or teacher, you can have an enormous impact on a young adult's attitude toward prescription drugs — and in conveying the risk of abusing them. 

6 Steps for Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse

Talk it up.  Since prescription drugs are legal, many teens mistakenly think that parents won’t care as much if they get caught abusing these meds. Convey the dangers to your kids and let them know that you do care and that you are always there to help if they’re in trouble.

Track your meds. And don’t dismiss one or two missing pills; this could be a red flag.

Store meds properly. Keep your or your child's medications in a secure location; you may even consider putting them under lock and key if your child is showing any signs of abuse. 

Get rid of old or unused medicine properly. Many towns hold prescription-pill drop-offs to help community members safely dispose of old or unused pills. Check with your local police, sanitation department, and pharmacies.

Get family members and friends onboard. Talk to grandparents and parents of your child’s friends about properly safeguarding prescription drugs in their homes.

Learn the warning signs: These may include: 

• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Wanting to spent a lot of time alone
• Giving up interests and hobbies
• Hostile, angry and aggressive behavior toward anyone who tries to control their actions
• Unexplained crying or routine irritable
• Lack of self-care and cleanliness
• Loss of interest in schoolwork or failing grades
• Poor sleep patterns — sleeping during the day and staying up all night or for days at a time
• Disregard for family rules or curfew

Take Action Today
If your son or daughter has a prescription drug abuse problem, act now. Our staff at Hope Academy specializes in young adult addiction recovery, and will help your child pursue sobriety and open doors to a brighter academic and professional future. Call today: 866-930-4673.