By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    stress management for healthcare workers
    3 Tips For Healthcare Professionals: How To Stay Beautiful, Healthy, and Happy
    November 2, 2021
    importance of relaxing on the weekend for your health
    Importance of Relaxing During the Weekend for Optimal Health
    March 25, 2022
    LASIK Eye Surgery
    What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
    May 16, 2022
    Latest News
    Getting Back in the Game: Sports Injuries Rehabilitation Tips
    May 31, 2023
    4 Signs It’s Time to See a Therapist
    May 24, 2023
    11 Ways To Modernize Your Private Practice
    May 17, 2023
    How to Recognize the Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Men
    May 29, 2023
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    value-based payment system
    The Triple Aim: Better Health, Better Care, Lower Cost
    May 29, 2014
    Another Reason That Malpractice Reform is Overrated
    July 17, 2012
    ebola virus
    What the Ebola Outbreak Shows Us About Modern Health Technology
    September 19, 2014
    Latest News
    MRI Sedation Options: What You Should Know Before Screening
    May 17, 2023
    What is the Process of Creating Medicine from Nature?
    May 2, 2023
    Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Varicose Veins
    May 2, 2023
    What Are Wrong-Site Surgeries and How Do They Occur?
    April 27, 2023
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Opiate Overdose Symptoms Families of Addicts Must Know
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Aa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Aa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Health care > Opiate Overdose Symptoms Families of Addicts Must Know
Health carePublic HealthWellness

Opiate Overdose Symptoms Families of Addicts Must Know

Ryan Kh
Last updated: 2021/02/05 at 8:55 AM
Ryan Kh
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

Opiate addiction is a growing problem throughout the United States. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that over 2.1 million Americans suffer from opiate addictions. An estimated 26.4 million to 36 million people around the world abuse opiates. The problems caused by opiate addiction can be either be very gradual or very quick. If patients abuse opiates for years, they can suffer extreme liver damage, impairment of cognitive functioning and risk of certain cancers. If they overdose, they can be permanently disabled or die within hours.

Contents
Pay Attention to the Symptoms of Opiate OverdoseConfusion or DeliriumMood SwingsNausea and VomitingSeizuresGet Treatment Immediately

Pay Attention to the Symptoms of Opiate Overdose

Opiate overdose can cause long-term damage or even death. According to American Addiction Centers, over 14,000 people died from abusing opiates in 2014 and the numbers are rising rapidly ever year. Patients suffering from opiate overdoses need medical attention immediately. ?Opioid painkiller addiction is a rapidly growing problem in the US. In fact, addiction to these substances has been declared an epidemic, with many lawmakers seeking ways to end addiction to these powerful painkillers, as well as limit access. Since 2000, overdose deaths from prescription opioid painkillers have risen dramatically, with more than 14,000 deaths in 2014 attributed to prescription painkiller overdose.? Family members of prescription drug addicts need to understand the opiate overdose symptoms, so they can take preventive action. Here are some common symptoms.

Confusion or Delirium

When patients overdose on opiates, they may appear intoxicated or exhibit the symptoms of someone under the influence of other drugs. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

  • Delirium
  • Disorientation
  • Hallucinations

These symptoms may even be present in patients that are taking opiates under the guidance of a doctor. According to a study by Romayne Gallagher, the Head of the Division of Residential Care for Providence Health and Clinical Professor in the Division of Palliative Care at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, patients may experience these symptoms within two weeks after reaching a therapeutic opiate dose.

More Read

health risks of dirty mattress

Clean Your Mattress Properly to Avoid Common Health Issues

Understanding the Relationship Between Trauma and Chronic Pain
The Best Natural Sleep Remedies & Aids
The Best Natural Ways to Boost Your Body Energy & Focus
Obese? 5 Reasons You Should Lose Weight (Some Are Surprising!)

Mood Swings

Patients that abuse opiates often suffer from extreme fluctuations in their moods. Without a knowledge of their addiction, a psychiatrist could mistake these symptoms for bipolar disorder or another mood disorder. If patients suffer from both mood disorders and opiate abuse, it can be difficult to identify their behavior as an opiate overdose. Family members and healthcare providers must look for other red flags, because the consequences of an opiate overdose are severe.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are two of the most common symptoms of opiate abuse. Vomiting is often a warning sign that the body is trying to reject excess opiates. If the body fails to get rid of them, the patient is at risk of opiate poisoning.

Seizures

Seizures are another symptom of opiate addiction. They are also among the most serious. If patients begin to suffer from seizures, they may be at risk of the following:

  • Brain damage
  • Stroke
  • Asphyxiation
  • Potential death

Seizures should be treated as a medical emergency, especially if the patient had abused opiates recently. You need to determine how many opiates they took and see if they exceeded the recommended dose. Keep in mind that the risk of overdosing can be higher if people have taken a break from opiate use, because they may use the same doses after their tolerance levels have fallen.

Get Treatment Immediately

The Recovery Village

has a list of clinics that patients can go to seek treatment in their area. The lists are organized geographically, which makes it easier for anyone to find the nearest clinic. However, these clinics are generally setup for long-term recovery from addiction. If you think someone has abused opiates, you should look into getting them emergency medical help. If a friend or family member is suffering from opiate abuse, you need to make sure they get immediate assistance. They can face serious health problems without treatment.

TAGGED: opiate addiction, opiate overdose

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Ryan Kh October 24, 2017
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
By Ryan Kh
Follow:
Ryan Kh is an experienced blogger, digital content & social marketer. Founder of Catalyst For Business and contributor to search giants like Yahoo Finance, MSN. He is passionate about covering topics like big data, business intelligence, startups & entrepreneurship. Email: ryankh14@icloud.com
Previous Article How Mobile Application Trends are Changing the Healthcare Industry
Next Article Appearance 3 Ways to Enhance Your Appearance in time for the Holidays

Stay Connected

1.5k Followers Like
4.5k Followers Follow
2.8k Followers Pin
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

test
Essential Steps for Starting Your Journey as a Fitness Instructor
Fitness June 5, 2023
mimosa pudica
Health Benefits of Mimosa Pudica: The Marvel of Nature
News June 2, 2023
medical bills
Who is Responsible for Paying the Medical Bills After an Injury?
News June 1, 2023
sports injury rehabilitation
Getting Back in the Game: Sports Injuries Rehabilitation Tips
Health May 31, 2023

You Might also Like

benefits of urgent care
Health

What Are the Advantages of Urgent Care Facilities?

April 14, 2023
don't sleep with contact lenses
Wellness

Why You Should Never Sleep While Wearing Your Contacts

April 4, 2023
orthotics
Wellness

Find the Perfect Orthotic Device to Make Foot Pain Manageable

April 4, 2023
sleep apnea
News

Viktoriya Dombrovska Shares Insights on Sleep Apnea

April 3, 2023
//

We influence million of users and is the most authentic source of information on healthcare business and technology news.

Quick Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow US

© 2008-2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?