10.3 Substance abuse emergencies and interventions

Substance abuse emergencies can be life-threatening. From alcohol poisoning to opioid overdoses, recognizing signs and taking quick action is crucial. This section covers common overdose types, their symptoms, and immediate interventions.

Treatment for substance abuse emergencies involves more than just addressing the immediate crisis. We'll explore the use of medications like naloxone, proper positioning techniques, and the importance of long-term support and harm reduction strategies.

Overdose Emergencies

Types of Overdoses

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• Drug overdose occurs when an individual takes more than the recommended or safe amount of a drug, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences
• Alcohol poisoning happens when a person consumes a large quantity of alcohol in a short period, causing dangerous levels of alcohol in the bloodstream that can impair vital functions (breathing, heart rate, temperature regulation)
• Opioid overdose involves taking excessive amounts of opioids (heroin, prescription painkillers), which can cause respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and death
• Stimulant overdose results from taking high doses of stimulant drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine), leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and risk of stroke or heart attack
• Depressant overdose occurs when taking excessive amounts of depressant drugs (benzodiazepines, barbiturates), causing slowed breathing, decreased heart rate, and potential loss of consciousness or coma

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

• Common signs of overdose include unresponsiveness, shallow or irregular breathing, bluish lips or fingernails, cold and clammy skin, and pinpoint pupils (opioid overdose)
• Alcohol poisoning symptoms may include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature, and loss of consciousness
• Opioid overdose is characterized by pinpoint pupils, slowed or stopped breathing, gurgling or choking sounds, and unresponsiveness to stimuli
• Stimulant overdose signs include chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, high body temperature, agitation, confusion, and possible seizures or cardiac arrest
• Depressant overdose symptoms may include slurred speech, impaired coordination, slowed or stopped breathing, weak pulse, and loss of consciousness

Treatment and Intervention

Immediate Actions and Medications

• Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by displacing opioids from their receptors and restoring breathing
  • Administered as an injection or nasal spray
  • Can be given by trained bystanders or first responders
• Recovery position helps maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration in an unresponsive person
  • Place the person on their side with the top leg and arm positioned to support the body
  • Tilt the head back slightly to keep the airway open
• Call emergency services immediately and provide CPR if the person is not breathing or has no pulse

Long-term Support and Harm Reduction

• Withdrawal symptoms may occur when a person dependent on a substance stops or reduces use, and can include anxiety, tremors, nausea, sweating, and seizures depending on the substance
  • Medical supervision during detox can help manage withdrawal safely
• Harm reduction strategies aim to minimize the negative consequences of substance use without necessarily requiring abstinence
  • Examples include providing clean needles to reduce disease transmission, offering safe injection sites, and distributing naloxone kits
• Encourage individuals to seek professional help through substance abuse treatment programs, counseling, and support groups to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies