This is higher than the rate of the general population, which saw drug overdose deaths involving prescription opioids rise from 14,139 in 2019 to 16,416 in 2020. As the fight against opioid abuse continues, there are ways we all can help through education on opioid safety.
What are opioids?
Opioids are drugs used to treat pain, cough, and addiction. Some examples of common opioids include fentanyl, hydrocodone with acetaminophen, hydromorphone, methadone, oxycodone, and morphine. While prescription opioids can be useful, opioid overdose can happen when a person takes more opioids than the body can handle, which can cause a person to stop breathing and die.
Any person taking an opioid has a risk of opioid overdose. Prior overdose or substance use disorder, use with alcohol or benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, clonazepam, or drugs that make you sleepy, can all be attributed to higher risk of overdose. Even resuming opioids after not taking them for a while can be a risk.
What are the signs and symptoms of overdose?
Heavy nodding, deep sleep Snoring, gurgling, or choking sounds No response to shaking or shouting No or slow breathing (less than 1 breath every 5 seconds) Bluish-gray lips and fingernails Cold, clammy skin If a person has any of the signs listed above, check for a response. If there is no response, shout for help, call 911, and give naloxone.
What is naloxone and its role in opioid overdose?
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an easy-to-carry medication that reverses the effects of opioids. This medication can be administered by anyone witnessing an opioid overdose. In fact, a study found 1 in 3 overdoses involved a bystander who could have intervened. Giving naloxone to someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose can prevent brain damage or even death. However, it is important to know that naloxone will not reverse the effects of alcohol or benzodiazepines that could also cause sleepiness and trouble breathing.
Learning the signs of overdose and how to use naloxone can help save lives. If you or someone in your household are taking prescription opioids, talk to a provider about obtaining a prescription for naloxone.
SOURCE: United States Department of Veterans Affairs
