Synthetic Opioid Overdose: A Guide To Preventing Overdose Deaths
The use of synthetic opioids has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to a sharp increase in overdose deaths. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose – and the majority of those deaths were caused by synthetic opioids.
The good news is that synthetic opioid overdoses are preventable. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are several things you can do to help prevent an overdose. This guide provides an overview of the risks of synthetic opioids, the signs of an overdose, and what to do in the event of an overdose.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are a number of resources available to you, and the most important thing is to get started on the road to recovery.
What are synthetic opioids?
Synthetic opioids are a type of drug that is designed to mimic the effects of natural opioids like morphine and codeine. They are typically much more potent than natural opioids, and they can be extremely dangerous. Synthetic opioids are often used as a cheaper alternative to heroin, and they are also sometimes used to cut heroin to increase its potency.
The dangers of synthetic opioids
The dangers of synthetic opioids are very real. They are often much more potent than natural opioids, and they can lead to an accidental overdose very easily. In addition, synthetic opioids can be very addictive, and withdrawal from them can be incredibly difficult. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to synthetic opioids, it’s important to get help and visit a professional drug detox facility as soon as possible.
Warning signs of an overdose
There are a number of warning signs that someone may be suffering from a synthetic opioid overdose. These include:
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Bluish lips or fingernails
- Extreme drowsiness
- Unconsciousness
- Convulsions
If you see any of these warning signs in someone who is using synthetic opioids, it’s important to get help immediately. Call 911 or call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
How to prevent an overdose
There are a number of things you can do to prevent an overdose of synthetic opioids. If you or someone you know is using synthetic opioids, it’s important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to reduce those risks. Some things you can do to reduce the risk of an overdose include:
- Only use synthetic opioids if you have been prescribed them by a doctor.
- Never share your synthetic opioids with anyone else.
- Don’t use synthetic opioids if you have any other medical conditions.
- Don’t drink alcohol or take other drugs while using synthetic opioids.
- Always start with a low dose of synthetic opioids, and increase the dose slowly.
- Be aware of the signs of an overdose and get help immediately if you see them.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to synthetic opioids, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are a number of resources available to you, and the most important thing is to get started on the road to recovery.
Resources for those struggling with addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to synthetic opioids, there are a number of resources available to you. These resources can help you get the treatment you need to recover from your addiction.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a 24-hour National Helpline that can help you find treatment and support services in your area. The number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides information on treatment options and resources in your area.
- The Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network can help you find information on treatment options and resources in your area.
