How to Prevent Opioid Overdose in Los Angeles: Resources and Warning Signs

The US is in the middle of an opioid crisis, and Los Angeles is not spared. It’s been marking high rates of opioid overdose for years. Furthermore, the number of deaths caused by it is not to be ignored. Fortunately, the community in LA can count on many resources and support from the Sun Valley rehab program at Tranquility Recovery Center. We are here to help fight the opioid overdose crisis and support each individual struggling with opioid addiction.

Understanding Opioid Overdose

Opioid overdose is intoxication due to excessive consumption of opioids such as morphine, codeine, heroin, fentanyl, tramadol, and methadone. Several risk factors can contribute to the probability of an opioid-related overdose. Those factors include having an opioid use disorder, taking opioids by injection, taking opioids after a period of abstinence, mixing opioids and other substances, as well as struggling with co-occurring mental or medical conditions (such as HIV or lung disease).

The World Health Organization (WHO) shared that in 2019, about 600,000 deaths worldwide were attributable to drug use, with close to 80% of these deaths being related to opioids. About 25% of those deaths were caused by overdoses. Data for the US shows that fentanyl involvement in fatalities has steadily increased since 2014. Furthermore, opioid-involved overdose deaths rose from a little over 49.000 in 2019 to nearly 82.000 in 2022.

Why can an opioid overdose cause death? As opioids are impacting the part of the brain in charge of breathing, they can seriously slow it down. The breathing difficulties can eventually lead to death. 

Signs and Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose

Keeping in mind the potentially devastating consequences of intoxication with opioids, it’s important to learn to recognize early signs of opioid overdose. Spotting these signs can prevent deadly consequences; some imply you should urgently call 911.

Opioid overdose signs and symptoms include:

• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness.
• Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing.
• Pinpoint pupils.
• Cold or clammy skin.
• Blue lips or fingernails.

Any of these symptoms calls for an urgent reaction; in rare cases, you might be able to help yourself or someone around you. Nevertheless, addressing the symptoms of opioid overdose will require seeking professional medical assistance. This is particularly the case when a person is unconscious, unresponsive, or has stopped breathing. Once you call 911, you must communicate the situation to them. 

So, which statement is correct in regard to opioid overdose emergencies? SAMHSA advises saying, “Someone is unresponsive and not breathing.” Ensure you give them the correct address and follow the dispatcher’s instructions while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

How to Prevent Opioid Overdose in Los Angeles

There are several ways to prevent the fatal consequences of overdosing on opioids. 

• Safe prescription use and alternatives: Opioids are medications prescribed as painkillers. You will be safe if you use them the way they are prescribed and with medical monitoring. Don’t make any changes before consulting your physician. 
• Carry and use Naloxone (Narcan): This is a lifesaving medication that reverses opioid overdose. At selected locations, it can be obtained without a prescription. Additionally, community programs and harm reduction centers can provide it for you. Furthermore, some free distribution programs at certain rehab facilities and nonprofit organizations can help you obtain it. 
• Seek addiction treatment and support: While Naloxone administration can provide immediate help, lasting results and successful prevention of overdose in the future can only be achieved with professional programs, such as opioid addiction treatment Los Angeles CA. Try getting your loved one to seek professional support from facilities like our drug detox center in Los Angeles.
  • Following an overdose, your loved one would benefit from a medical detox Los Angeles CA doctors recommend, which would cleanse their body of any traces of opioids and set a solid base for following treatments. 
  • Following treatments, like psychotherapy, counseling, and holistic treatments, can take place in an inpatient or outpatient format. Inpatient or residential offers more structure and constant support, while outpatient gives more flexibility and allows you to keep your daily routine. 

What to Do in an Opioid Overdose Emergency in Los Angeles

To help you manage an overdose situation, here’s a step-by-step response guide:

• Call 911 immediately. Clearly explain that the person is unresponsive and provide as much detail as possible.
• If available, administer Naloxone. This medicine can help reverse the negative effects of opioids.
• Perform rescue breathing or CPR if necessary. If you’re unsure about how to do it, communicate that to the 911 dispatcher, and they will guide you through the process.
• Stay with the person until medical help arrives. 

If, for whatever reason, you are worried about providing help to someone experiencing an overdose, keep in mind the Good Samaritan law that California adopted to fight the opioid overdose epidemic. This law protects bystanders from any legal consequences when helping during an overdose emergency.

How Tranquility Recovery Center Can Help

There are many good rehab facilities in California, but we believe that we at Tranquility Recovery Center can provide the best drug addiction treatment in Los Angeles. Several arguments support this conviction:

• We provide personalized opioid addiction treatment plans. Your program would be tailored to your needs, circumstances, and preferences.
• Our luxury rehab relies on evidence-based therapies. Both individual and group psychotherapy sessions will help you reframe dysfunctional thinking patterns and develop new, healthy coping mechanisms.
• Holistic treatments, including detox, inpatient care, and dual diagnosis treatments, ensure equal care for your body, mind, and spirit. We treat you as a whole person, not just a collection of opioid overdose symptoms.

Lastly, our expert team will provide you with 24/7 assistance during your stay with us and continuous support after your rehab is done.

You Can Break Free from Opioid Addiction

You can find your way out of opioid addiction and prevent the fatal consequences of it. We at Tranquility Recovery Center can support you and help you achieve long-lasting and sustainable results. Call us and start taking control of your life today.