{"id":45884,"date":"2022-02-04T06:00:04","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T05:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccadicciones.es\/preventing-opioid-overdose\/"},"modified":"2022-02-04T06:00:04","modified_gmt":"2022-02-04T05:00:04","slug":"preventing-opioid-overdose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ccadicciones.es\/en\/preventing-opioid-overdose\/","title":{"rendered":"Preventing Opioid Overdose"},"content":{"rendered":"

An opioid overdose occurs when a large amount of these substances is consumed. Opioids affect the part of the brain that controls breathing. Ingesting a very high dose can cause breathing to slow down or stop entirely. <\/p>\n

According to the 2020 Annual Report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) published in 2021, Spain is the country with the third-highest consumption of fentanyl in the world<\/strong>, an analgesic opioid. The US is the leading consumer, followed by Germany. Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relief medications available in pharmacies. <\/p>\n

At CCAdicciones<\/strong><\/a>, we offer detoxification treatment<\/strong> to overcome addiction to this substance and thus avoid suffering an opioid overdose.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose <\/b><\/h2>\n

The symptoms manifested during opioid intoxication<\/strong> are as follows: <\/p>\n

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  • Loss of consciousness.<\/strong> Altered mental state, which may refer to confusion or loss of mental alertness.<\/li>\n
  • Pinpoint pupils<\/strong>, known as miosis. The pupils contract and become very small. <\/li>\n
  • Respiratory depression<\/strong>, or hypoventilation. This is slow or shallow breathing that does not provide adequate ventilation. <\/li>\n
  • Pale face<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Nausea<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Vomiting<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Seizures<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Muscle spasms<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Risk Factors for Suffering an Opioid Overdose<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Certain causes predispose an individual to an opioid overdose. The first is resuming opioid use after a long period of abstinence<\/strong>. For example, after entering a detox center and completing treatment to stop using. Having spent time without ingesting opioids, the body no longer has the same tolerance as before; if the same amount is consumed, intoxication due to excessive opioid intake will occur. <\/p>\n

    If opioids are ingested alongside alcohol or other medications<\/strong> that affect respiratory function, the combination will contribute to intoxication. Consuming medication without a prescription, as is the case with certain opioids, harms the user’s health because a medical professional has not analyzed the case or prescribed them based on the person’s suitability for the drug. If users decide to self-medicate without medical supervision, they expose themselves to side effects or incorrect dosages\u2014elements that foster abuse and, eventually, addiction. Having comorbidities\u2014suffering from another illness alongside the addiction disorder\u2014is also a risk factor for experiencing an opioid overdose. <\/p>\n

    Opioid Addiction<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Opioids are medications that medical professionals may prescribe to relieve pain. Addiction can be identified when a person feels a strong desire<\/strong> to consume this medication at all times and is unable to control their impulses. They generate dependence<\/strong> because they are highly addictive, activating the brain’s reward centers. They trigger the release of endorphins that produce a sense of well-being. However, how does this dependence develop?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

    Addiction can result from misuse, such as when a patient increases the dose or frequency of use, or continues taking the drug when the doctor deems it no longer necessary. Another situation that favors addiction is when a person decides to self-medicate, obtaining the medication through someone else’s prescription. The specific circumstances of each individual must always be taken into account. <\/p>\n

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      Do you feel identified? Contact us and we will help you. <\/h3>\n<\/span>\n<\/span> \n<\/span>\n<\/span>\n