Prescription drug overdose is a growing concern in the United States, as statistics from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) show that more than 92 000 people died from drug overdoses in 2020.
Most of these deaths were due to opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription drugs. Knowing the warning signs of a potential overdose can help save someone’s life.
This article will provide an overview of the signs and symptoms associated with a prescription drug overdose and information on prevention strategies and treatment options available at Findlay Recovery Center.
Signs and Symptoms Associated with Prescription Drug Overdose:
When someone is experiencing an overdose on prescription drugs, the signs and symptoms can vary depending on the type of drug taken. Generally speaking, some common physical signs of drug overdose include the following:
• Slowed or shallow breathing
• Unresponsiveness, confusion, or disorientation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle aches and pains
• Loss of consciousness
• Extreme drowsiness or fatigue
• Bluish tint to skin, lips, and nails (cyanosis) due to lack of oxygen
If you observe any of these symptoms in someone who has recently taken a prescription drug—even if it was a small dose—it is essential to seek medical help immediately. Time is of the essence in overdose situations, so it is important to act quickly.
Preventing Prescription Drug Overdose:
When it comes to prescription drugs, prevention is key. A few tips for preventing an overdose include:
Talk to Your Doctor:
When it comes to prescription drugs, talking to your doctor is one of the most critical steps to prevent an overdose. Your doctor can provide valuable advice on the proper use and dosage of medications and answer any questions you may have about potential risks or side effects.
They can also help identify other treatment options that may work better for you than a certain medication. By having open conversations with your healthcare provider about prescription drug use, you are taking proactive steps toward protecting yourself from an overdose situation.
Educate Yourself:
Educating yourself about prescription drugs is important in preventing a potential overdose. Ensure you understand the proper dosage and any possible side effects or risks associated with the medication.
Also, be aware of any changes in your physical condition while taking the drug—if you start to feel sick or out of sorts, contact your doctor immediately.
Follow the Directions:
The importance of following directions cannot be overstated. Not only can failing to follow directions on prescription drugs lead to dangerous situations, but it can also have serious consequences on your health.
Therefore, make sure you follow all instructions provided by your doctor when taking prescription drugs, as well as any directions on the label or packaging of the medication.
Know Your Limits:
It is essential to be aware of your limits when taking prescription drugs. Even though a doctor prescribes these medications, it is still possible to take too much and experience an overdose.
Knowing the signs and symptoms associated with prescription drug overdose can help you recognize if someone has taken too much medication and understand how to prevent a potential situation from occurring in the first place.
Treatment Options for Prescription Drug Overdose at Findlay Recovery Center:
The most important step in treating a prescription drug overdose is to seek medical help immediately. If you or someone you love has overdosed on prescription drugs, the team at Findlay Recovery Center can provide specialized addiction treatment services, including 24-hour medical supervision and support.
Findlay Recovery Center offers residential treatment programs for those struggling with alcohol abuse and drug use disorders. Inpatient care provides a safe, supportive environment where individuals can focus exclusively on their recovery without pressure from outside influences.
Our dedicated team of clinicians utilizes evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatments (MATs) to provide a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan for each of our clients.
In addition to traditional residential care, we also offer partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). PHP allows individuals to reside in their own homes while receiving daily addiction treatment at Findlay Recovery Center.
IOP offers an individualized recovery plan that includes on-site or online counseling sessions and therapy groups, depending on the client’s needs.
At Findlay Recovery Center, we believe everyone deserves to receive the highest quality treatment services possible.
We are committed to helping those struggling with substance abuse regain control of their lives and find long-term success in sobriety. For more information or to get started on your journey to recovery, please contact us today.
