The epidemic of opioid abuse has been in the news a lot lately. It seems to affect Americans of all ages, sexes, races, and financial status. Many of these individuals were prescribed painkillers, like morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone for legitimate reasons. These drugs though, are highly addictive and can cause users to go to extreme lengths to maintain their supplies. If you are worried that a loved one may overdose, purchasing naloxone kits for an emergency, can be a lifesaving plan.
A kit, even full of supplies, won't do you or the abuser any good if you don't know how or when to administer the antidote. You have to completely understand the signs and symptoms that indicate the antidote should be administered. If you're worried about having another drug in the house, you can relax. It has no effect unless it used or given to someone with opioids in his or her system. It is not addictive.
If you find yourself with someone who has overdosed, calling 911 must be the first thing you do, and immediately. Let them know the type of emergency you have, whether the person is responsive, and that you are going to administer naloxone. If the person isn't breathing, begin CPR immediately, and continue until you get a response or the EMTs show up.
You have to make sure this is an opioid overdose. The antidote will work on heroin, but not cocaine or methamphetamine. Next you need to make certain the person is unconscious. You shouldn't worry about physically hurting the individual right now. It is okay to shake, punch, slap, and yell in an effort to get a response.
If you plan on using the nasal spray, you will need to put the parts together first. Once the syringe, atomizer and drug cartridge are in place, you should tilt the victim's head backwards. Shoot half the drug in one nostril and half in the other. Wait three to five minutes. If you don't see an improvement, repeat the procedure.
Injecting the drug into the victim using a syringe, can be very frightening. Make sure the individual is unconscious. You have to inject the drug into a major muscle, not a vein. If the upper arm is clothed or obstructed in some way, try injecting the antidote into the thigh muscle. It may take up to five minutes to work.
Naloxone will stop the opioid from working. It will allow the individual to begin breathing normally. It will only last thirty to ninety minutes however. So you will still need immediate help.
Living with someone addicted to opioids is a nightmare, no matter how old or experienced you are. You should do everything you can to make this individual get professional help. In the meantime, having an emergency antidote on hand, and knowing how to use it, may be the only thing you can do.
A kit, even full of supplies, won't do you or the abuser any good if you don't know how or when to administer the antidote. You have to completely understand the signs and symptoms that indicate the antidote should be administered. If you're worried about having another drug in the house, you can relax. It has no effect unless it used or given to someone with opioids in his or her system. It is not addictive.
If you find yourself with someone who has overdosed, calling 911 must be the first thing you do, and immediately. Let them know the type of emergency you have, whether the person is responsive, and that you are going to administer naloxone. If the person isn't breathing, begin CPR immediately, and continue until you get a response or the EMTs show up.
You have to make sure this is an opioid overdose. The antidote will work on heroin, but not cocaine or methamphetamine. Next you need to make certain the person is unconscious. You shouldn't worry about physically hurting the individual right now. It is okay to shake, punch, slap, and yell in an effort to get a response.
If you plan on using the nasal spray, you will need to put the parts together first. Once the syringe, atomizer and drug cartridge are in place, you should tilt the victim's head backwards. Shoot half the drug in one nostril and half in the other. Wait three to five minutes. If you don't see an improvement, repeat the procedure.
Injecting the drug into the victim using a syringe, can be very frightening. Make sure the individual is unconscious. You have to inject the drug into a major muscle, not a vein. If the upper arm is clothed or obstructed in some way, try injecting the antidote into the thigh muscle. It may take up to five minutes to work.
Naloxone will stop the opioid from working. It will allow the individual to begin breathing normally. It will only last thirty to ninety minutes however. So you will still need immediate help.
Living with someone addicted to opioids is a nightmare, no matter how old or experienced you are. You should do everything you can to make this individual get professional help. In the meantime, having an emergency antidote on hand, and knowing how to use it, may be the only thing you can do.
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