Does An Overdose Always Mean Death?

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<h1>Does An Overdose Always Mean Death?</h1><strong> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Dr. Basim Elhabashy.aspx'>Dr. Basim Elhabashy</a></strong><br /><p>Drug overdoses count for the most part of accidental deaths in the world, and opioid drug overdoses make up a great percentage of these deaths. The addictive properties of many drugs, when combined with certain chemicals or conditions make them poisonous make them extremely potent and dangerous to human life. From alcohol to paracetamol and from cocaine to heroin, many chemical substances are associated with dangerous overdose conditions that are known to lead to death. Every day in the newspapers and on the TV, we read and hear many things about how people have died of overdose. However, what does overdose mean and does it always mean death? Since drug abuse in the United States is a major problem, it is imperative to know the importance of the term overdose. Overdose (OD) means application or ingestion of a substance in larger amounts than prescribed, recommended or practiced amounts. Overdosing is a broad term. One can OD on even very useful substances like vitamins and water, just as they can on heroin, cocaine and alcohol. It is extremely important to know what sort of conditions and doses trigger an overdose. Avoiding an overdose is more cost, time and worry-efficient than being treated for it. Perhaps the most dangerous form of overdosing is overdosing on opioids. Opioids are a group of chemicals that include morphine and drugs that resemble of morphine. They work by binding to their receptors (which are called opioid receptors) in the brain, nervous system and the digestive system. Once an opioid binds to its receptor, it starts showing the expected functions and side effects of opiates. Opioids are known to be extremely strong pain relievers. They also have very strong sedative effects. Opioids cause respiratory depression, constipation and they cease coughing as well. Even though these functions make opioids look friendly enough, they’re not. Morphine and other opioids must be administered very strictly, because their side effects are fatal and they’re extremely addictive. Heroin is also an opioid, and heroin addiction perhaps is the toughest addiction to cope up with or get rid of. Most of the time, professional counseling, heroin addiction treatment or hospitalization might be required. In some cases, outpatient treatment programs can also be applied to heroin addiction patients. When a person is showing the signs of heroin overdose, emergency treatment is required. The earlier the intervention is made, the less the fatal risk the affected individual faces. Vitally important drugs such as Naloxone (Narcan) can be administered to help revert the effects of heroin. The alarming symptoms of heroin overdose include: Cold skin Constipation Dilated pupils Bluish tint on skin, fingernails and lips Stomach cramps and spasms Shallow and slow breathing Slow pulse Drowsiness Seizures Reduced blood pressure Muscle spasticity Drowsiness Loss of consciousness Coma and death An overdose does not mean a certain death, but it certainly means agony and destruction. This is why addiction treatment programs are of vital importance in preventing damage done by drugs to both the addicted individuals and their loved ones. Never hesitate to leave yourself to the hands of many experienced professionals that are there to serve and help you in drug addiction treatment centers. Act soon and save much.</p><strong>About the Author:</strong><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.goodfuturerehabcenter.com/prescription-drug-abuse-treatment/">Prescription Drug Addiction</a> is a problem generated from prescribed medicines for others. It is recommended taking medicines only by doctor's instruction.<p> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Does-An-Overdose-Always-Mean-Death_314918.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Does An Overdose Always Mean Death?_314918.aspx</a></p>

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Keywords : Drug Addiction Treatment Centers, Heroin Addiction Treatment, Drug Abuse in the United States,

Category : Health and Fitness : Health and Fitness