The reality is there remains a very serious opioid epidemic both in the U.S. and abroad. This opioid epidemic now means that millions of people have either experienced an opioid overdose or have a loved one who has experienced an overdose. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover after they have experienced an overdose.
The Prevalence of Addiction and Overdoses in the U.S. And Abroad
Overdose deaths remain a serious problem in the U.S. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Overall, drug overdose deaths rose from 2019 to 2022 with 107,941 drug overdose deaths reported in 2022. Deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) continued to rise with 73,838 overdose deaths reported in 2022. Those involving stimulants, including cocaine or psychostimulants with abuse potential (primarily methamphetamine), also continued to increase with 27,569 and 34,022 respective deaths in 2022.”
Addictions that may cause an overdose are also under the umbrella of physical, mental, and emotional “diseases.” Many people are under the false notion that addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is a fallacy.
The reality is that addiction is a disease more similar to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Addiction is also known as a “family disease.” This is because it affects the whole family – not just the individual who is struggling with drug abuse. This is why the whole family needs help recovering after a loved one experiences an overdose. The good news is that the family may also be the first line of defense when it comes to getting their loved one help. This is because they are often the first people to recognize the signs and symptoms of addictions that may lead to an overdose.
The Signs and Symptoms of an Overdose
Of course, the signs and symptoms of addictions that may lead to an overdose are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms of addiction. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Not being able to stop once starting drinking or using substances
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Experiencing a loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and wellbeing
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Often, people can minimize addiction, overdose, or even falsely categorize them as that previously mentioned “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between experiencing short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
What to Do After an Overdose
After an overdose happens, it is important to reach out to a recovery center as soon as possible. This should most likely be a recovery center that also offers a detox program (or is connected to a facility that offers one). A detox can be critical for recovery. It can connect people to the next steps of recovery like residential addiction care or a partial hospitalization program (PHP). It can also help reduce the chances of a relapse.
Moreover, relapses are more prevalent than many people realize. According to Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment. Also, ”For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.” The good news is there are many effective solutions for recovery after a relapse or an overdose.
The Best Modalities to Recover From an Overdose
Effective modalities may be under the categories of “traditional” psychotherapies, experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
Connecting to a 12-Step program can also be highly beneficial after an individual experiences an overdose. This is because working with others in recovery is a critical component of success.
Healing at the Cellular Level With The Phoenix Recovery Center
To heal at the cellular level, we here at The Phoenix Recovery Center believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans have a focus on goals and the future.
Recovery is possible. The key is to reach out and grab it. There is hope. We can help.
Many people have heard of people having overdoses. However, they don’t know the specifics. Like addiction, overdoses are highly prevalent both in the U.S. and abroad. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover after an overdose. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about overdoses and the effective modalities that can help one best recover, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
