Within the past year, nearly half of all overdose deaths in Texas were linked back to fentanyl. This is why the Texas-based rehab center, San Antonio Recovery Center, recently published a blog talking about fentanyl overdoses. As a local expert on how substances impact individuals and families alike, they wanted to utilize their knowledge to help the community. Their goal with this blog is to lower overdose numbers as more people understand why they happen and how to react when they do.
The local rehab center starts the blog by immediately explaining what a fentanyl overdose is. “An overdose is a life-threatening condition that occurs when someone takes a higher dose of a substance than their body can safely consume. The technical name for an overdose is ‘poisoning’. This can occur with legal substances like alcohol, or illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. With fentanyl, overdose can lead to respiratory failure, heart attack, and ultimately death.”
Many readers likely aren’t aware of the potency of fentanyl, which is why San Antonio Recovery Center takes the time to explain this. To give a better point of reference, they compare it with more well-known medications, like morphine. They also highlight the fact that most people who encounter fentanyl do so without even realizing it.
To help readers further understand overdoses, the next portion of their blog dives into recognizing the signs of a fentanyl overdose. “Each person may experience fentanyl overdose differently. They might experience only a few of these symptoms, or perhaps all of them. Additionally, the severity of these symptoms can vary based on the dose, the method of delivery, and the individual’s tolerance.” The signs mentioned in the blog include changes in pupil size, blue tint to skin, and difficulties breathing.
SARC recognizes that those experiencing an overdose, or who watch someone experience an overdose, may hesitate to reach out for medical help. This can be because they don’t understand the severity of the situation or because they believe they will get into legal trouble if they do. The rehab center stresses the importance of reacting in a timely manner if an overdose is suspected. “Call 911 immediately and tell them there has been a potential fentanyl overdose. Early treatment is critical to safety and survival. Try to keep the individual awake and alert. If breathing has stopped, it is important to begin CPR until first responders arrive.”
To wrap up their blog, the local rehab center talks about risk factors that can increase someone’s chances of experiencing a fentanyl overdose. The primary ones include withdrawal and general substance use. “Fentanyl is often mixed with other opioids – such as heroin or prescription painkillers – due to its high potency. Individuals who take these substances may be unaware they contain fentanyl, putting themselves at risk of overdose. This can be particularly dangerous with counterfeit prescription pills. These can contain lethal amounts of fentanyl, with no way of knowing the strength of the dose.”
At the end of the piece, San Antonio Recovery Center connects readers to resources to help them prevent overdoses from happening to them or loved ones ever again. Those curious to learn more of the specifics, or who wish to know how to help a loved one living through this, can read the blog linked above.
San Antonio Recovery Center, a Texas-based rehab clinic with locations on Cagnon, has been a community partner for years. They utilize their extensive experience treating behavioral health and substance use disorders to take an education-based approach to treatment. With the largest alumni program in San Antonio, they offer support to all at their alumni events, including those who did not attend their center.
To learn more about San Antonio Recovery Center, call 866-957-7885 or visit their website.
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For more information about San Antonio Recovery Center - Cagnon, contact the company here:
San Antonio Recovery Center - Cagnon
Liam Callahan
210-361-5266
lcallahan2@baymark.com
8975 Cagnon Rd
San Antonio, TX 78252
