Opioid Overdose

Physical and mental symptoms that occur after taking too many opioids, a substance found in certain prescription pain medications and illegal drugs like heroin.

An overdose can be life-threatening and requires immediate emergency care. People who take high doses of opioid painkillers, are middle-aged, have a history of substance abuse, or are taking other sedatives are at highest risk.

Symptoms may include shallow breathing, confusion, lessened alertness, and loss of consciousness.

Opioid overdose is a medical emergency and emergency services should be called immediately. Treatments include medications like naloxone that reverse the effects of opioids. A breathing machine can help if breathing is impaired.

Cluster Number:
Wiki Number: PW143
Diagnosis: Opioid Overdose
US Patients: 110,000 deaths + more with permanent brain damage (2017)
World Patients: 500,000 deaths, world wide
Sex Ratio:
Age Onset:
Brain Area: inadequate oxygen in the brain in the medulla and pons can lead to death or brain damage
Symptoms: Inability to breathe or decreased consciousness can kill.
Progression:
Causes:
Medications: Naloxone has reversed more than 25,000 overdoses by 2014.
Therapies: Used as directed, Lohr’s DVD and Download, “Calming My Pain!” avoidusing opioids for post-surgical or other causes of pain.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE

Youtube Video:

A Real Life Opioid Overdose

Youtube Video: Addressing Opioid Overdose in the Workplace

Amazon or Library Book: Opioids, Opiates, and Overdose

Click the book to link or buy from Amazon.

Support Group: samhsa.gov; 800-662-4357

(U.S. Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration)

4 CURRENT ARTICLES
FROM PUBMED

The world-wide medical research
reports chosen for each diagnosis

Clicking each title opens the
PubMed article’s summary-abstract.

Multiple material need insecurities and severity of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic among women who use drugs
by Catherine Tomko on December 20, 2024
CONCLUSIONS: WWUD experienced a substantial burden of multiple material needs during the pandemic which were associated with elevated levels of mental distress. Results speak to the need to advance mental health equity by addressing access to material needs and mental healthcare for marginalized populations, particularly during health emergencies that threaten already-precarious social safety nets and healthcare infrastructure.
Systems analysis and improvement to optimize opioid use disorder care quality and continuity for patients exiting jail (SAIA-MOUD)
by Sarah Gimbel on December 19, 2024
BACKGROUND: Between 2012-2022 opioid-related overdose deaths in the United States, including Washington State, have risen dramatically. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a complex, chronic, and criminalized illness with biological, environmental, and social causes. One-fifth of people with OUD have recent criminal-legal system involvement; > 50% pass through WA jails annually. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) can effectively treat OUD. WA has prioritized improving access to MOUD, including...
Who feels safe calling 911: are prior experiences of anti-Black racial discrimination associated with hesitancy seeking emergency medical services in the event of accidental drug overdose? - a study protocol
by O Trent Hall on December 19, 2024
CONCLUSIONS: This article describes a planned cross-sectional survey of Black patients seeking treatment for substance use related health problems. Currently, there is no validated instrument to measure hesitancy in seeking emergency medical services for accidental drug overdose or how experiences of racial discrimination might relate to such hesitancy. Results of this study may provide actionable insight into medical discrimination and the rising death toll of accidental drug overdose among...
Disparities and longitudinal complications in opioid prescriptions after dermatologic surgery: An international propensity score-matched, retrospective cohort study
by Kyle C Lauck on December 19, 2024
CONCLUSIONS: This study finds female, African American, and Latino populations have a higher risk of being prescribed opioids postoperatively. This prescription may confer risks of potentially serious complications related to opioid use. Dermatologic surgeons should be aware of the risks these populations face when determining candidacy for postsurgical opioid analgesia.