Since 1957, Azure Acres Treatment Center has given hope to individuals struggling with substance abuse and its lasting effects. Azure Acres provides residents high-quality alcohol and drug abuse treatment near Santa Rosa, California.
Overdose Risks
Substance abuse and overdose: the risks
When people become trapped in an ongoing cycle of drug or alcohol abuse, they are placing themselves at risk for experiencing a great deal of adversity. Many people quickly discover that their abuse of substances becomes their greatest priority, leaving all else to fall to wayside. As a result, responsibilities are not adhered to, relationships become tainted, and careers can be compromised. Furthermore, the health of these individuals will deteriorate, and the risk of experiencing an overdose is always present.
The longer that individuals continue to abuse drugs and alcohol, the more likely it is that they will develop a tolerance to them, resulting in a need to consume ever-increasing amounts in order to achieve the desired effects. This can prove to be extremely detrimental as the constant increase can place these individuals at risk for experiencing an overdose.
Signs of Overdose
The signs of substance abuse
Overdoses occur whenever individuals ingest more of a substance than their bodies are capable of appropriately processing. The body will typically try to expel the excess substances, but this is not always successful. If the body is unable to excrete the substances, the individual’s life could be placed at risk. For this reason, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of overdose. Depending on the substance that is being used, the signs that an overdose has occurred will vary. A few example of such signs include the following:
- Changes in breathing patterns
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Weakened pulse
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Loss of color in one’s fingernails, skin, and/or lips
- Discolored tongue
- Dry mouth
- Rapid eye movement
- Hypotension
- Muscle cramping
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Muscle spasms
- Hallucinations
- Catatonia
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Coma
- Psychosis
- Organ failure
Showing Signs of Overdose
What to do if a person is showing signs of overdose
When any of the aforementioned symptoms are displayed, it is imperative that emergency medical attention is received as quickly as possible. Even if you are not completely sure that someone has overdosed, it is always better to err on the side of caution and contact 9-1-1.
Upon the arrival of medical personnel, providing the following information can be of great benefit:
- The symptoms that caused you to suspect that an overdose was occurring
- Whether or not an overdosed has previously occurred
- The specific substance or combination of substances that was consumed
- The amount of the substance that was consumed
- Whether or not any medical conditions are present
Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone else who has experienced an overdose, the previously mentioned information can help attending medical professionals begin the process of treatment. However, if this information is not known, or if you are unable to provide any information as a result of suffering from the overdose yourself, these professionals will still be able to provide the care that could prove to be life-saving.
While accidental overdoses can result from inexperience with consuming substances, it is often the case that an overdose is indicative of the fact that someone is suffering from a substance abuse problem. In such cases, receiving comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment that addresses the presence of these addictive behaviors is necessary.
Residential rehabilitation is one of the best forms of treatment available for treating drug and alcohol addictions. In this setting, individuals are sheltered from the ability to obtain their substances of choice, therefore preventing them from continuing to use. Additionally, detoxification services are often available at the beginning of residential treatment, which can jumpstart the process of recovery.
At Azure Acres in Sonoma County, California, we recognize how intimidating it can be to seek treatment, which is why we strive to make the prospect of doing so much more manageable. At Azure, you will be shown respect and dignity as you work with our dedicated professionals towards overcoming your addiction. Individualized rehabilitation plans are at the center of the care we provide, allowing everyone who seeks treatment with us to receive the interventions that most appropriately meet their needs.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, please do not hesitate to contact our Santa Rosa rehab center today.
