Does Naloxone for Opioid Overdose Reversal Really Work?

When a person is struggling with an addiction to opioids, the potential for opioid overdose is genuine. It can be terribly frightening – not just for the person using the opioids, but for loved ones, too – to wonder if the next time you use heroin will be the last. Opioids, whether prescription painkillers or something more illicit, like heroin, can be easy to overdose on. There is also the risk that heroin can come laced with fentanyl, which can mean big problems when it comes to an overdose of any kind.

What Happens When Opioid Overdose Occurs?

When a person overdoses on opioids, their systems stop working. The heart slows down, the respiration slows down, and when an overdose is fatal, it’s because the user stops breathing. It’s widespread for those who struggle with opioid misuse or inappropriate use to have some naloxone if they do overdose. The question is, does it work?

The short answer is that yes, when a person overdoses on an opioid that doesn’t have tons of unknown ingredients, Naloxone can – and will – work. Is it a total solution to opioid misuse or inappropriate use? Sadly, no.

Also, it is becoming more common for those who misuse or inappropriate use opioids to wind up using substances that are more potent than their “usual” preferred drugs. In this case, it may take more than one dose of Naloxone to pull a person out of an overdose.

Avoid Opioid Overdose With Addiction Treatment

Chances are, if someone overdoses on an opioid, they are really struggling with an addiction. In this case, the need for treatment is genuine. There are many rehab options out there, too, but not all of them are as comprehensive as someone who struggles with an addiction to opioids might need.

Overcoming any addiction often requires much more than just therapy or medications. It requires a comprehensive life overhaul.

What Our Treatment Options Include

When someone in need of opioid misuse or inappropriate use treatment comes to us, one of the first things they ask is, “Will this make me stop using?” We always tell them that it will if they want it to. Rehab and recovery are work, but we have put lots of options in place to help make it the most pleasant journey it can be.

We offer a full range of treatment options, including:

• Detox. Unlike other detox services, while a person is going through the process and being medically monitored – and assisted when needed – they are also attending group and individual therapy sessions. This helps you to get going on your recovery that much sooner and often ensures you complete this uncomfortable stage of treatment.
• Holistic rehab. You don’t just want to stop using for a while, you want to learn to get to a place where recovery is a lifestyle, not just a dream. We work with you to help you get to the bottom of the cause of your addiction. If you treat the underlying issue, the symptom of addiction becomes so much easier to address. During this process, there will be lots of individual therapy sessions, but you’ll also have a chance to get in a group with others who are in the same place as you are right now.
• Sociometry therapy, Biosound Therapy, and Psychodrama therapy. Each of these treatments is unique in that it offers those undergoing treatment to understand and address their feelings and emotions to provide a more stable ground for all aspects of life.
• Fitness Classes. Burning off extra energy and anxiety has many benefits, but most of all, it releases “feel good” hormones, that have been shown to help keep cravings down.
• Nutrition Classes. Did you know that certain nutrients can make the recovery process easier? When our bodies are misuse or inappropriate used by substances, we often fail to eat. As we’re getting healthy again, it’s easy to eat the wrong foods, which can often make cravings and urges worse.
• Art, and Music Therapy. Art and music provide a free space for individuals to safely express themselves while creating something tangible and positive.
• Acupuncture, Yoga, and Massage. Everyone needs to relax, but it’s especially important when you’re trying to kick an addiction. All these techniques have been proven to help patients relax and calm both their minds and bodies.
• Medically assisted maintenance. Yes, cravings are real, and when you’re working to kick an opioid addiction, they can get really intense. That’s why we offer medically assisted maintenance programs. These help you to start living a sober life and kick the addicted mindset so that when it’s time to taper off you’re maintenance meds, you’re better than ready.

If You’ve Experienced an Opioid Overdose…

If you’ve experienced an opioid overdose, whether you were given Naloxone or not, it’s time to start overcoming your addiction for good.  Contact Design for Change Recovery today to learn more about our programs and begin your recovery journey.