The toll of the nation’s drug epidemic is staggering, both in lives lost and in lives shattered. Substance abuse, particularly tied to opioids, remains a pressing public health emergency, despite a lot of concerted effort to stop it. Not every overdose situation will look the same. But being able to spot the trouble signs is a crucial skill that could be a matter of life-or-death. Sometimes minutes count when someone has taken too much of a drug. You might be wondering what you can do to help, and there’s a simple answer: learn more about drug overdose symptoms and look for a drug addiction treatment program if you need help.
At Atlanta Detox Center, our drug addiction treatment program provides the care and support that some people need to overcome their substance use disorder (SUD). If someone you care about is struggling with drug addiction, reach out to our Atlanta Detox Center team today by calling 470-450-2355 or completing our convenient online form. Our admissions team is ready to provide you with the information you need about our services and programs, including our drug addiction detox in Atlanta, Georgia.
Drug Overdose Symptoms
Not every drug overdose case is an intentional one. Sometimes overdoses happen by mistake, either by the person taking the drugs or via an error in the prescription. Sometimes our bodies react in unexpected ways.
Drug overdose situations also can be more subtle than how they are portrayed in movies or on television. But the longer they are left untreated by a residential addiction treatment program, the greater the risk of harm. Symptoms include:
- Irregular breathing, blood pressure, pulse, or body temperature
- Severe lack of alertness – confusion, drowsiness, or even unconsciousness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal ailments
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Clammy skin
When seeking medical help in a suspected drug overdose, it’s essential to stay calm. To help your loved one, you need to find out as much as you can about the drug that was consumed. If by prescription, use the prescription bottle. Different drugs cause different types of reactions.
Is it an Addiction?
If drug overdose symptoms stem from the use of an illicit drug, it’s normal to wonder if your loved one is struggling with a deeper problem. You might be wondering if they are suffering from an addiction and need to seek help from a treatment center like Atlanta Detox Center.
Addiction isn’t necessarily something tied to the quantity of a drug being consumed. It shows up in changes in behavior. Put very simply by the American Psychiatric Association, addiction is a disease of the brain marked by uncontrolled use of substances regardless of the problems it causes in life, with family, work, school, or health. The drug or alcohol becomes an addict’s reason for being. And it dramatically increases the risk of death.
In 2018, an estimated 68,000 people died from overdosing on a variety of drugs, including prescription medications. Thousands more ended up in emergency rooms.
Drug Addiction Treatment Programs
Surviving a drug overdose is the beginning of a journey. It will likely require time in a drug and alcohol detox center. A successful stay in rehab requires strength and commitment, as tens of thousands of people find each year.
It may be helpful to know a little about what to expect in drug treatment. Everyone’s experience is a little different, and it will depend on the nature and severity of your addiction. But in general, some of the stages to expect:
- Meetings with a clinical team for a medical and psychological workup
- Development of a thorough treatment plan
- Time in detox to remove the drug or alcohol from your system
- Counseling, either on an individual or group basis
- Aftercare, to help reduce the risk of relapse
Seek Georgia Drug Addiction Treatment at Atlanta Detox Center
Someone showing drug overdose symptoms needs immediate medical help. Once they are stabilized, it’s the right time to pursue the services of drug and alcohol treatment. Let the clinical experts at Atlanta Detox Center guide you to recovery. We provide a full range of treatment and recovery support through both a drug detox center and our heroin detox center. Our clinical staff is experienced to address other forms of substance abuse, such as through our alcohol addiction treatment program. We also offer an alumni program for aftercare support. In other words, our team is there for our clients through each step of the recovery journey.
Substance abuse is not easily overcome. However, with the support of the therapists and addiction specialists at Atlanta Detox Center, recovery from addiction is possible. Call Atlanta Detox Center at 470-450-2355 for a confidential, caring consultation, or reach out online by filling out our online form. Help someone you care about get back on the right track. Contact Atlanta Detox Center today.
