You may know what to do when someone you are with overdoses and you may know what not to do as well, but if you don’t know what an overdose looks like, that knowledge isn’t going to help very much. An opiate overdose is often difficult to discern in its early stages as the effects of opioid-based drugs can be pretty overwhelming. But there are a few signs and symptoms that can tip you off before things get out of hand. These include:

- Constricted pupils
- Faint heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
- Labored breathing
- Weak, flaccid muscles
- Clammy skin
- Excessive sweating
- Cold flashes
- Dark urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fainting
- Mental dullness
- Confusion
- Yellowing skin or eyes
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Blue-tinted lips, fingernails or skin
- Unconscious state
- Coma
- No breathing

Overdose is deadly. It is rare to survive one and if you do, count yourself lucky. You’ve been given a second chance at life. Take advantage of it and get out while you still can. The risk of overdose does not decrease with the length of your addiction or the increase in your dosage. Your higher tolerance is not protection. It can shift depending upon a number of variables and turn your average dose into an overdose.
Instead, detox off of your prescription painkillers with Suboxone and eliminate the risk completely. Don’t wait.

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"Know an Overdose When You See One" posted in Addiction, Addiction Recovery, Opiates, Overdose, Painkillers, Prescription Drug Addiction, Suboxone, Suboxone Treatment.
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