What causes an opioid overdose?
More than 100 people die of opioid overdoses in the United States every day.
Opioid overdoses are typically unintentional and are often caused by unregulated street drugs that vary widely in strength.
With the increased availability of fentanyl, which is less expensive than heroin and active in much lower quantities, overdose deaths have become more frequent, however they can be prevented.
What Happens During an Opioid Overdose?
When a person overloads their body with opioids, there are effects on their brain, heart and lungs as well as other bodily systems. Normal functions of the body are suppressed by the drug’s sedative effects.
When experiencing an overdose, it’s common for a person to stop breathing, become comatose and experience an irregular heartbeat, or for their heart to stop completely. Regular CPR techniques may not be effective, because of the persistent opioids in their system.
In addition, their lungs may fill with fluid and vomit may clog their breathing.
How do I know if someone has overdosed? What are common overdose symptoms?
- Unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli
- Conscious but unable to communicate
- Slow, shallow breathing that’s erratic or has stopped
- Irregular pulse
- Blue or purplish lips
- Skin turning purple, grayish or ashen
- Vomiting, gurgling or choking sounds
- Limp, flaccid body
What can I do to help an overdose victim?
If you suspect someone is experiencing symptoms of an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately. Note that most states have Good Samaritan laws, which offer protection to those who report an overdose, even if criminal activity is involved.
Ensure the individual has an airway that is free of obstructions and roll the individual on their side.
If available, administer Narcan® (naloxone) within two to three minutes. When administered, Narcan works by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain and temporarily restores breathing.
Stay with the individual until help arrives.