A drug overdose is one of the most physically and mentally traumatic experiences a person can experience. An overdose occurs when the body is exposed to a lethal or toxic amount of a substance or multiple substances, impairing the brain and body’s ability to function normally. In the most severe cases, this can result in death. In nonfatal overdoses, the individual may experience several short and long-term physical and mental health problems.
Unfortunately, drug overdoses are on the rise. In a twelve-month study beginning April 2020 and ending April 2021, there were 100,306 recorded drug overdose deaths in the United States. This is a 28.5% increase from the prior twelve-month period. The increase in overdoses may be attributed to pandemic-related stress, as the COVID-19 crisis has caused significant increases in mental health challenges.1
Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.
Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.
Drug overdose symptoms vary depending on the substance. For example, an opioid drug overdose may involve pinpoint pupils and significantly slow breathing, while an alcohol overdose may cause seizures or vomiting. Despite differences in symptoms, falling unconscious, slow or no breathing, and being unresponsive to stimulation are the main signs of overdose.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a drug overdose, it is important to call 911 immediately. Overdoses are medical emergencies, so getting treatment as soon as possible is crucial in preventing overdose-related death.
Drug overdose can be caused by a variety of substances, even prescription medication. In the United States, around forty people die each day from abusing narcotic prescription medication.2
The drugs most often involved in prescription drug overdose include:
While these ten drugs are most commonly associated with overdose, other substances like alcohol, antidepressants, and combinations of substances can also result in overdose.
If you or someone you know has experienced a drug overdose, there are resources to help with recovery. At Essence Health and Wellness, we offer intensive outpatient drug overdose recovery programs to help patients process and heal from the challenges of drug addiction or drug overdose.
No matter how busy a person’s life may be with work, school, or family, we can fully accommodate anyone’s schedule with online counseling and group meetings. Additionally, Essence accepts most insurances, so no one has to take on a heavy financial burden to get drug overdose treatment. We believe that medical circumstances should not interfere with a person’s journey to recovery.
From medical detox to inpatient care to intensive outpatient care, the options at Essence Health and Wellness are tailored to each patient’s unique needs. You deserve to feel better and live a positive and healthy life. Recovery is the best way to regain autonomy over your own life, and we’re here to expedite the process. Get help at Essence Health and Wellness today.
At EHW, we accept health insurance plans from most providers. If you are covered by a private or commercial insurance policy, your plan may cover your substance use and mental health treatment costs.