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Narcotic Overdose Discharge Instructions

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Sometimes, people take too much of these drugs and an overdose happens. This might be because the pain is not better or does not improve right away. Some people take too much of these drugs on purpose to get high or to harm or kill themselves. Children may accidentally take or be given too much as well. ‚  
With an overdose, it is important to get care right away. This may help to avoid very bad physical or mental problems, or possibly death. With the right care and counseling, you may get better and go back to leading a healthy life. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Most of your recovery will take place after coming home. Work with your doctor. Ask for helpful tips. Make all of your doctors aware of your problem. Then, they will be able to help you as well.
  • Set a goal and write down a plan of action for how you are going to recover.
  • Get support.
    • Find a support group that is right for you. Once you find a group that you like, get a sponsor. Many people find help in a 12-step program Narcotics Anonymous. This is a good way for you to reach out to others with the same problems to help you. Call a local chapter for information on the meetings.
    • Talk with friends and family. They may also be a source of support while you recover. Let them know how to best help you. They may find it helpful to join a 12-step program for family members of one who is addicted. These programs will give your family facts about recovery and how they can help you recover.
  • Be active.
    • Get involved with others by joining social or church activities in your town.
    • Be a volunteer to help others.
    • Do something new in your life or career and focus on things that are of great value to you.
  • Deal with your feelings.
    • Learn to handle anxiety, anger, conflict, and feeling alone in healthier ways. Your doctor, support group, and sponsor can help with this.
    • Learn how to cope with stress without the use of drugs. Some people enjoy exercise and meditation. Others like to play with pets. Try listening to music or having a massage. Go for a walk or a drive. Find out what works best for you.
    • Avoid places, people, or situations that would trigger your cravings. Do not hang out with old friends who are still abusing drugs. Instead, spend time with people who can support your recovery. Avoid going to bars and clubs. Do not drink alcohol. Use caution with prescription drugs. Some of them have a high potential for abuse. These include sleeping pills, painkillers, and antianxiety drugs.
  • Find ways to cope with cravings:
    • Talk with family or friends. This often helps to ease and relieve the feeling of cravings. They may also help you do things to distract your attention.
    • Distract yourself with some activities. Get yourself interested in something to make your urges go away. Read a book, watch a movie, ride a bike, or take a walk.
    • Challenge yourself to change the way you think. When cravings happen, you may remember the good feelings only and tend to forget the bad effects. Remind yourself that you will not really feel good if you return to drug use.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • Make sure to keep all visits with your counselor.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order medicines to: ‚  
  • Help ease signs of withdrawing from the drug you were using
  • Prevent returning to drug abuse
  • Help block cravings for the drug you were using

These drugs come in different strengths and may sound alike. Always be sure to check and make sure you are taking the right dose of the right drug. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


  • Most often, being active can help you. Regular exercise and keeping busy can help you feel good. When you feel good, you may be less tempted to use drugs.
  • Take good care of your health. Get enough sleep and eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.

What problems could happen?


  • Drug withdrawal. These are the signs that happen when you quickly stop taking drugs that you have used for a long time. Get the help of your doctor and counselor to check you and help with drug withdrawal.
  • Mood problems
  • Worry
  • Upset stomach and throwing up
  • Sleep problems
  • Problems with thinking
  • Liver problems
  • You go back to using the drug
  • Death

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Learn about the risks of the drugs before using them. Prescription medicines are helpful in treating a specific problem. They are strong and can make people want to take them much longer than they need to.
  • Do not take more than the ordered amount of any drug.
  • Avoid people who are using illegal drugs. Also, avoid those who think it is OK to use drugs without a medical reason.
  • Learn how to handle peer pressure. This is not an easy task, but learn to say no. Take yourself out of places where you feel pressured to take drugs or drink alcohol.
  • Promote strong healthy family ties and friendships. This way you and your children may lower the chance of drug use.
  • Ask for help when you have problems with worry, fear, low mood, helplessness, or other mental problems.
  • When giving drugs to a child, use a dosing cup or syringe to avoid an overdose.
  • Do not leave drugs where a child or pet could find them.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call for emergency help or go to the ER right away.
  • You feel you might hurt yourself or someone else
  • You feel you are going to start using drugs again
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
  • You have any concerns about your condition

Helpful tips


If you think someone has overdosed: ‚  
  • Seek emergency help right away.
  • Let them know you think the person has overdosed.
  • Perform rescue breathing (mouth to mouth) if the person is not breathing.
  • Lay the person on their side.
  • Stay with the person until help comes.

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you how I will deal with my feelings and cravings.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I feel I might hurt myself or someone else.

Where can I learn more?


National Institute on Drug Abuse ‚  
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/infofacts/understanding-drug-abuse-addiction ‚  
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/science-addiction/treatment-recovery ‚  
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids/what-are-opioids ‚  
Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration ‚  
http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA13-4742/Toolkit_Patients.pdf ‚  
http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA13-4742/Toolkit_Survivors.pdf ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


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