VALLEY — International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31st. Do you know how to respond to an overdose?

Globally, there is an estimated minimum of 190,000 – in most cases avoidable – premature deaths from drugs, the majority attributable to the use of opioids.

The United States accounts for approximately one quarter of the estimated number of drug-related deaths worldwide, including overdose deaths, which continue to rise. Mostly driven by opioids, overdose deaths in the United States more than tripled during the period of 1999-2015, from 16,849 to 52,404 annually. (The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2017 World Drug Report)

All drugs can cause an overdose, including prescription medication prescribed by a doctor. It is important to know your correct dosage, what drugs definitely should not be mixed, and know to seek help if you feel you are not in control of your drug use.

Signs of depressant drug overdose (e.g. heroin, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone) include: shallow breathing or not breathing at all, snoring or gurgling sounds (this can mean that a person’s airway is partly blocked), blue lips or fingertips, floppy arms and legs, no response to stimulus, disorientation and unrousable (can’t be woken up) unconsciousness.

Taking action could save a life. This is a medical emergency: call the ambulance immediately if you can’t rouse them. Use naloxone to revive them. Get a naloxone prescription from your medical provider.
For more information talk to your medical provider or call Charlotte Ledonne at SLV Area Health Education Center 719-589-4977.