What CDC is Doing Overdose Prevention

If you aren’t sure if someone is overdosing, it’s best to act as if they are by seeking emergency help. These symptoms of stimulant overdose can lead to a seizure, stroke, heart attack, or death. The UN gives a figure of 300,000 deaths per year in the world through drug overdose. The following are some questions people frequently ask about drug overdose. Of course, moderating the consumption of alcohol and other substances can be challenging for individuals with a substance use disorder.

Although many drug overdoses involve the use of illegal drugs, it is also possible to overdose on prescription medication. These medications carry a high risk of addiction and overdose, especially if taken outside a doctor’s directions. This mixing shrooms and alcohol can include taking any amount of someone else’s medication or more than the doctor prescribed.

CDC’s prevention work to address the drug overdose epidemic

CDC also works to reduce stigma because stigma prevents people from seeking help for substance use disorders. CDC reduces stigma by addressing misinformation, endorsing non-stigmatizing language, and promoting awareness of stigma’s impact including among populations disproportionately affected by substance use and overdose. Recognizing the importance of data, CDC is helping jurisdictions track overdose-related morbidity and mortality as well as use data to inform prevention activities.

1. The DFC program has been a central component of our nation’s youth substance use prevention strategy and it provides funding and support to community coalitions to prevent and reduce youth substance use.
2. Stimulants, alcohol, and benzodiazepines can also lead to drug overdose.
3. These medications carry a high risk of addiction and overdose, especially if taken outside a doctor’s directions.
4. Employers can play a critical role in preventing overdose by offering comprehensive benefits and supporting employees affected by substance use disorders.
5. CDC is dedicated to broad and diverse partnerships as a foundation of preventing overdose and substance-use related harms.
6. Know that medical and mental health community support is available, and you don’t need to go through this alone.

Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Even substances that we consume every day, like caffeine, can cause an overdose, although it usually requires so much that it is unlikely to occur. For the purposes of keeping to substances that are more likely to cause an overdose, those generally fall within the categories of alcohol, Opioids, Sedatives, Stimulants, Cannabis, and Synthetic/Designer drugs. Depending on the type of substance, there are many different symptoms of an overdose. Additionally, there are many other factors that can impact how and when an overdose can occur.

An overdose (OD), or drug overdose, is when someone accidentally or intentionally consumes more substance abuse group activities for adults than a safe or typical amount of a substance such as a prescription medication or drug. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and what to do if you think you or someone else may be overdosing is life-saving information. In addition, health systems can implement quality improvement measures to track their efforts, integrate these measures into their electronic health records, and support care coordination. Due to the potential euphoric effects of stimulants, the urge for continued use becomes difficult to ignore and can create situations in which high-risk overdose events may occur. While not all stimulant overdoses are fatal in nature, it’s important to be aware that when using non-prescription stimulants, there is a risk that other substances, such as opiates, may also be used in their creation. Medical attention is necessary to address both the physical and behavioral health conditions that are experienced during a stimulant overdose.

Opioids

It is important that more is done to prevent overdoses and deaths. Prevention activities help educate and support individuals, families, and communities and are critical for maintaining both individual and community health. Additionally, we support the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program, which is the nation’s leading effort to support communities working to prevent youth substance use.

Recognizing Overdose by Substance

A person experiencing an opioid overdose might also have muscle spasms, seizures and decreased consciousness. A person experiencing an opiate overdose usually will not wake up even if their name is called or if they are shaken vigorously. Anyone experiencing a substance use disorder should seek treatment to address their symptoms. Treatment may involve therapy, certain medications, or rehabilitation programs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 106,699 people died what is mary jane drug of a drug overdose in the United States in 2021.

Cannabis developed today is strikingly different than what older generations experienced, with significant increases in potency now found in most of today’s cannabis supply. With that increased potency are more examples of cannabis toxicity, or cannabis overdose symptoms, being seen in hospital settings. Though not as common as the other substances on this list, it is still something to be aware of to ensure proper care is provided as needed.