Recognizing and Treating Opioid Poisoning
The opioid epidemic continues to wreak havoc on individuals, families, and communities in Florida and nationwide. The Florida Department of Health reports that although there has been a decrease in overdose deaths in recent years, opioids and stimulants were responsible for over 50% of fatalities when present. From prescribed opioids to illegal substances like heroin and fentanyl, these drugs can swiftly result in opioid poisoning, a condition that can be deadly. Nevertheless, prompt and effective opioid poisoning treatment can significantly increase a person’s chances of survival and recovery.
Understanding how to recognize the symptoms of opioid poisoning is the first step in preventing a potential tragedy, followed by knowing the appropriate actions to take immediately afterward. Inpatient treatment for opioid addiction and poisoning typically involves administering life-saving drugs such as naloxone, along with urgent medical attention and ongoing support.
While this knowledge can be critical during a crisis, it is equally important to understand how to prevent these medical emergencies by avoiding opioid and other illicit drug use and seeking professional assistance if personal recovery efforts fall short.
What Is Opioid Poisoning?
Opioid poisoning, often known as opioid overdose, is a critical and potentially deadly condition that arises when an individual consumes an excessive amount of an opioid, surpassing the body’s capacity to handle the drug’s effects.
Opioids, which include prescribed painkillers like oxycodone and morphine, as well as illegal substances like heroin, are strong central nervous system (CNS) depressants that influence brain areas responsible for regulating breathing. In excessive quantities, these substances can significantly slow or halt breathing, impair heart function, and ultimately lead to unconsciousness or death.
Essentially, during opioid poisoning, the person can stop breathing, and their heart function may diminish, resulting in an insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and other essential organs, resulting in a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Brain cells begin to die within minutes, and vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver begin to shut down. If oxygen is not restored within 4 to 6 minutes, irreversible brain damage can occur, and after 10 minutes, total biological death is probable.
The Cleveland Clinic indicates that an overdose can happen if someone ingests an excessive amount of an opioid or combines it with other addictive substances. Any opioid, whether prescribed or illegal, has the potential to cause an overdose. It’s crucial to understand that what constitutes “too much” varies based on an individual’s tolerance and the potency of the opioid.
Furthermore, the increasing presence of fentanyl mixed into various street drugs raises alarm, as some users may unknowingly ingest lethal doses, given that even a tiny amount of fentanyl can trigger an overdose. These situations are particularly concerning since those affected may lack access to life-saving treatments for opioid poisoning, unlike individuals who are aware of their risky behavior and the long-term effects of opioid abuse.
Who Is Most at Risk for Opioid Poisoning?
While anyone who uses opioids can experience an overdose, certain factors significantly increase an individual’s risk of opioid poisoning. Understanding the signs of opioid addiction and who is most vulnerable can help guide prevention, education, and treatment efforts.
- People Using Illicit Opioids and Other Drugs – Street drugs often have inconsistent and unpredictable potency, making it impossible for users to gauge a “safe dose accurately.” Additionally, with illicitly manufactured fentanyl increasingly infiltrating the illegal drug market, often without the user’s knowledge, anyone using any type of street drug, including heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit opioid pills, is at high risk for opioid poisoning.
- People Who Combine Opioids with Other Substances – Mixing opioids with other CNS depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol is extremely dangerous, as they increase sedative effects. However, mixing them with stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine is also risky, as the stimulant may mask the depressant’s initial impact of the opioid, leading the person to take more opioids than they can handle.
- Individuals with a History of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) – People with OUD who have abstained from opioids for a period are at extremely high risk if they resume using at their previous dose. Their tolerance has significantly decreased, making the accustomed dose lethal.
- Individuals with Certain Health Conditions – People with pre-existing breathing problems like asthma or COPD are more vulnerable to the respiratory depression caused by opioids. Also, individuals with liver or kidney impairment may not be able to process and eliminate opioids, leading to higher concentrations in the system.
- People with Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions – Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges can increase the likelihood of opioid misuse as individuals may use substances to self-medicate.
- Individuals Without Access to Naloxone – In case of accidental poisoning, quick naloxone administration can be lifesaving while emergency care arrives.
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Opioid Poisoning?
It is essential to be aware of the early or subtle warning signs of opioid poisoning, as getting emergency help as soon as possible can prevent a full-blown, life-threatening overdose. According to Merck Manual, the main toxic effect of opioids is decreased respiratory rate and depth, which can lead to other complications, including pulmonary edema and death, that can result from hypoxia.
Here are the early warning signs someone may be experiencing opioid poisoning or toxicity:
- Unusual drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
- Slowed or irregular breathing
- Pinpoint or constricted pupils
- Cold or clammy skin
- Bluish tinge to lips or nails
- Vomiting
- Limp body
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
Every person will experience opioid poisoning differently, so they may not exhibit one or two of these symptoms. However, it’s crucial to act quickly and not wait until severe symptoms appear. If you observe any of these symptoms:
- Try to wake them by shouting their name and gently shaking them.
- Call 911 immediately and tell the dispatcher you suspect an opioid overdose.
- Administer naloxone (Narcan®) if available. Naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and it’s safe to administer even if you’re unsure if it’s an opioid overdose, as it won’t harm someone who hasn’t taken opioids. For severe overdoses, it may be necessary to administer multiple doses of naloxone until emergency help arrives.
- Stay with them and continue to monitor their breathing until emergency services arrive. If they stop breathing and are prepared to perform CPR, 911 operators can walk you through how to perform CPR.
How Can Opioid Poisoning Be Prevented?
Awareness, education, and access to life-saving resources are crucial in preventing opioid overdoses. Those who use opioids, whether prescribed or illicit, need to understand the dangers of high doses and the risks of mixing substances. Naloxone, a vital overdose reversal drug, should be easily accessible; many states now permit pharmacists to provide it without a prescription, and it can sometimes be found over the counter.
Users of street drugs should also carry fentanyl test strips to help them make informed choices about their consumption or to safely discard tainted substances. These individuals need to avoid using drugs alone, ensuring that someone is present to administer naloxone in case of an overdose.
The most effective way to avoid undergoing opioid poisoning treatment is to stop using opioids altogether. Those prescribed opioids must recognize the signs of dependence and addiction to take proactive steps. If individuals struggle to quit independently, comprehensive treatment options, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), relapse prevention strategies, and support for co-occurring disorders, can lead them toward lasting recovery.
Learn More About Opioid Poisoning Treatment and Recovery Options at WhiteSands Treatment
If you or a loved one has faced opioid poisoning, it’s crucial to reassess your relationship with opioid use. An overdose can indicate a deeper issue of dependence and addiction, highlighting the need for ongoing care following emergency opioid poisoning treatment.
At WhiteSands Treatment, we create tailored treatment plans that incorporate a range of evidence-based therapies and medication management to support recovery from opioid dependence. Our strategy extends beyond immediate stabilization, emphasizing long-term recovery and holistic healing. From medically supervised detox to continuous counseling and relapse prevention strategies, our comprehensive treatment model is designed to support every stage of the recovery journey.
Take the first step toward recovery today by contacting WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Florida at 877-855-3470 to learn more about our opioid recovery programs.
External Sources
- Florida Department of Health – Florida Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology
- Cleveland Clinic – Opioid Overdose
- Merck Manual – Opioid Toxicity and Withdrawal
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
