How long is the opiate overdose timeline? This can be a hard question to answer because overdosing from any type of drug depends on various factors. For some people, overdoses occur with first use, even with a small amount of the drug. For others, long-term and consistent use doesn’t cause an overdose. If you’re worried about overdosing, don’t wait to get help. Instead, seek out care from our team to learn more about the treatment available to you at The Ranch PA.
What Is the Opiate Overdose Timeline?
One reason to know the opiate overdose timeline is to know when to get help. Can a person that uses opiates and overdoses get help if they wait too long? To be clear, any instance of opiate overdose is a medical emergency. In some cases, these drugs can be life-threatening in minutes. If you are a friend or family member watching an overdose occur, don’t wait to get them help. The most effective treatment for an overdose at that moment is the use of a drug such as naloxone, which works to counteract the drug’s presence, allowing for the body to return to normal breathing and heart rates. It has to be administered quickly. If a person is overdosing, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Shallow or no breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Inability to communicate or mumbling
- Inability to focus their eyes
- A slowed heart rate
- Seizures
In any of these situations, call 911 immediately. You may be instructed to perform CPR on an individual that is unresponsive until the police or paramedics arrive. Again, there is no way to know how long a person has if they are overdosing. Minutes matter. During this time, the brain is not receiving the oxygen it needs. The organs in the body are shutting down. Don’t wait, just react.
Beyond the Overdose: Realize Risks Continue
Once a person receives medical care, and the opiate overdose timeline stops, it is then necessary to consider ongoing support. In every situation, a person who overdoses once is more likely to continue to use opiates and is at a higher risk of overdosing again. That’s why it is so important to seek out immediate and effective treatment through opiate addiction programs like what we offer at The Ranch PA. For many people, this begins with opioid detox therapy. The body can naturally remove the drug from its tissues and circulation, but it takes time. If addiction and dependence are present, this can be a painful and even threatening process. In our detox center, we can reduce that pain and provide for the medical support you may need if a medical problem occurs. We offer medications to treat opioid cravings, improving your chances of remaining healthy long-term. From there, residential drug treatment may be beneficial to you or your loved one. This is an opportunity to work on their addiction and any underlying causes of it, such as trauma, pain killer addiction, and stress. You’ll learn how to manage the underlying mental health disorders you may have. We also can help you learn how to fight relapse triggers that could lead to the same overdose risks. Through our comprehensive treatment, we can provide you with the tools you need to get healthy, so you don’t have to worry about a drug overdose.
If You Are at Risk, Call The Ranch PA for Immediate Help
Understanding the opiate overdose timeline is just one step. You also need to know how to get help, so you don’t have to worry about overdosing. If you or your loved one is using opiates, turn to our team at The Ranch PA for support and guidance. Request a free consultation that’s 100 percent private, to learn more. Call 717.969.9126 for help.
