What can happen in an addiction emergency?
When a person is addicted, the withdrawal symptoms when they try to abruptly stop can be dangerous – when done without professional supervision. Overdose of substances can be lethal. Higher doses of substances such as opioids can slow down a person’s heart rate and breathing and can potentially kill a person. There could also be infection from shared needles. A person with addiction may also have other co-morbid conditions such as depression with a tendency to self-harm or suicidal ideations or attempts. All these could classify as an emergency situation.
Which professionals can help in an addiction emergency?
A general physician, a psychiatrist, and nursing staff in a hospital setting would be able to medicate the addicted individual and monitor the individual until they are stable.
How to prevent an addiction emergency?
Early intervention can help an addicted individual recover from their addiction as well as prevent an emergency situation. Taking regular consultations with a psychiatrist and a psychologist could help the individual deal with the withdrawal symptoms and work on the underlying causes of their addiction in order to recover. The individual can also be admitted to a rehabilitation facility where they have access to all professionals and 24*7 monitoring by the nursing staff to ensure their safety and quick help in case of an emergency situation.
How to help the person in an addiction emergency?
Rush the person to the Emergency Room of a hospital. The doctors would be able to monitor and take care of the physical health of the addicted person with medications and any other required medical procedures.
