A Silent Epidemic
It may be hard to believe, but there has been an epidemic taking the lives of people every day, long before COVID hit. It is the Opioid Overdose Epidemic. This epidemic has caused approximately 81,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2020. This is highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period and a 29% increase from 2019, according to recent provisional data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Drug use in the United States has continued to increase, and the nature of this crisis has gotten progressively worse with each passing year. The death toll from drug use has always been a problem, however, during the last two decades in particular, we have seen the drug problem develop into a health crisis and now a national public health emergency.
An opioid overdose occurs when opioids overwhelm receptors in the brain causing the body to shut down slowly. While overdoses can be caused by any opioid drug, including prescription pain medication, many of the overdose deaths recently are linked to a synthetic opioid called, fentanyl. This commonly illicit manufactured drug was originally designed to sedate large animals, like elephants, but has unfortunately made its way to the drug market. This drug gets ‘cut in’ with street drugs, like heroine, to increase the amount of substance available so dealers are able to sell more product and make more money. Unfortunately, sometimes dealers themselves do not know how potent the fentanyl is and how lethal of a dose they are selling. Whether on purpose or accident, fentanyl use seems to be rising causing a direct link to overdose deaths.
It is important to remember that addiction is not a choice it is a disease, and overdose can happen to anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Overdoses usually occur over 1-3 hours after a substance is used. The good news is that most overdose deaths are preventable and learning to identify the symptoms of an overdose can save lives. Here are signs to help you identify if someone is really high or if they are overdosing:
REALLY HIGH OVERDOSE
~ Muscles are relaxed ~ Body is very limp
~ Head nodding ~ Heavy head nodding
~ Responds to stimulation ~ No response to simulation
~ Speech is slowed/slurred ~ Pale and/or clammy skin
~ Sleepy looking ~ Death rattle or not breathing
~ Blue skin tinge or very pale
~ Slow or no pulse
If you come across someone who you suspect is overdosing call 911 immediately. While waiting assess the situation. If you see white substance on or around the individual wait for help and do not come into contact with the substance as fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.
We come together during the month of August to promote Overdose Awareness Month, increase knowledge about overdose deaths in our communities, and reduce the stigma that surrounds addiction. You can help us spread awareness about this issue by wearing a purple ribbon, sharing information on social media with your contacts, or participating in local overdose awareness events in your area. Together we can save lives.
Written by
Sofia Zubairi
Substance Use Prevention Educator at Mutual Ground
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, contact Mutual Ground’s Substance Use Services at 630.897.1003 for support.