It is scary to think that we can overdose from something that is sold over the counter or from a drug that our doctor prescribes to us. Overdoses do not just happen to addicts. Sometimes, it happens the very first time someone tries a street drug. This may be due to it being laced, the individual having an allergic reaction, or even experiencing an adverse reaction to the substances.

As easy as alcohol is to obtain, in 2015 alone, six people died daily from alcohol poisoning. Individuals ages 35 to 64 accounted for 76% of these deaths and approximately 76% of these individuals were male. More than 52,000 Americans passed away from a drug overdose in the same year.

What to Do if You Witness Someone Who Has Potentially Overdosed

Overdoses tend to occur when someone takes something in abundance, mixes specific substances that interact with each other, or ingests a laced substance. Typically, this leads to extremely harmful symptoms, including death. Overdoes range from mild, moderate, and severe. The type of substances used determines the symptoms you will notice, the course of action to take, and the individual’s recovery. Some symptoms of overdose include blue lips, shallow breathing, blue nails, and unresponsiveness.

Signs That Your Loved One May Have Overdosed

From the United States, you can call the American Association Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you believe you are witnessing an overdose. They will advise you on the next step to take. Another option is calling 9-1-1. Either way, you are probably covered by the Good Samaritan Law.

The Good Samaritan Law

The Good Samaritan Law was put in place in most states to help protect anyone who tries to help a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger who has possibly overdosed. Unfortunately, before this law was introduced many people would leave the individual for dead. This was due to a fear that they would get in trouble for being under the influence themselves, that they would be thought to have provided the individual with whatever substance was taken, or a worry that they would get arrested for possible murder.

In hopes of reducing deaths due caused by overdoses, Naloxone came into the picture. In 2014, Naloxone was attributed to reversing 26,000 opiate overdoses. If you find that your loved one is abusing opiates, many states offer Naloxone administration training. This drug can aid in decreasing the number of deaths from opiate overdoses. Most states also grant immunity to individuals who hold onto a prescription for, and administer, the drug during a potential overdose situation.

Where to Find Help for Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol, opiates, cannabis, stimulants, and other illicit substances are often abused in America today. While we may not be able to change the past, we can change the future of potential overdoses. At Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee, we offer an alternative treatment program that focuses on 12-Step treatment from alcohol and other drugs. We offer a variety of programs, including a thirty-day residential addiction recovery program and a long term recovery program. Get help today! Call us at 1-800-725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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