Lexington, KY - Local rehab facility SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky recently published a blog post educating the community on the dangers associated with a meth overdose. When someone consumes more meth than their body can safely handle, it often results in an overdose. Any overdose is a medical emergency that requires a professional to perform life-saving care. This can happen for multiple reasons. One of those being that meth experiences two stages of side effects: the “high” and the “crash.” The high includes positive feelings of euphoria and energy, while the crash comes with depression. This results in people taking more meth to start the cycle over again or make the positive emotions last longer. It also occurs when someone mixes it with another substance to increase the effects.
“When someone is experiencing an overdose of any substance, medical attention is needed immediately. However, depending on the substance, the symptoms of overdose may be different. Since methamphetamine is a stimulant, someone experiencing a meth overdose will have different symptoms than someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Understanding the symptoms of a meth overdose can save lives,” the blog post states.
Common symptoms of a meth overdose include dilated pupils, shortness of breath, altered mental status, agitation, chest pains, and increased body temperature. A meth overdose can also result in other potential dangers, which include a heart attack, stroke, serious health complications, death, or seizures. People may also have a loss of consciousness, impaired motor skills, dehydration, or hallucinations. The hallucinations they might experience could lead to them having psychological distress.
If someone is experiencing a meth overdose, 911 should be called immediately. It is essential to stay on the line with the dispatcher to give any updates on the person’s condition that will be helpful for the first responders to be aware of. When the paramedics arrive, it is vital to provide honest answers to any questions they ask. These could include questions about the substances taken, the person’s age and weight, when those substances were taken, and how much was consumed. Don’t be afraid to call for help. The Good Samaritan Law in Kentucky protects people from illicit substance charges in the event they are seeking assistance for an overdose.
Anyone can be at risk for a meth overdose, as it doesn’t matter if it is the person’s first time or last time. However, some risk factors make someone more likely than others. One of those factors includes starting meth at an early age or growing up in an environment where friends or family regularly consume the substance. Combining other substances with meth also increases the likelihood of an overdose, as can injecting or smoking the substance. This doesn’t mean other methods are safe. There is just a higher chance. Also, previous treatment or being without it for some time and returning to use results in an increased risk of an overdose.
“The best way to avoid a meth overdose is to stop taking it. This idea is often easier said than done, as meth withdrawal can come with uncomfortable symptoms that encourage you to continue. However, treatment for a meth use disorder can help. During your recovery journey, you will meet with a compassionate team who will work with and support you as you embark on the expedition toward healthier habits. Along the way, you will learn skills and form connections that will follow you for years. You don’t have to try to recover from a meth use disorder alone,” the blog post continues.
SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves the unmet needs of adults and adolescents in Lexington, Kentucky. They provide partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient care, enabling individuals to receive life-saving treatment without staying overnight. Their no-cost care assessments allow people to meet with representatives who will work with them and their doctors to determine the best treatment plan for their needs.
For more information, visit their website or call them at 859-429-5188. SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs.
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For more information about SUN Lexington Outpatient Center, contact the company here:
SUN Lexington Outpatient Center
Cristi Mcalister
513-880-8217
info@sunkentucky.com
2335 Sterlington Road Suite 100
40517
