How much opiates does it take to overdose

This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive. In , more than 47, Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. This issue has become a public health crisis with devastating consequences including increases in opioid misuse and related overdoses, as well as the rising incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome due to opioid use and misuse during pregnancy.

The increase in injection drug use has also contributed to the spread of infectious diseases including HIV and hepatitis C. As seen throughout the history of medicine, science can be an important part of the solution in resolving such a public health crisis. In response to the opioid crisis, the U.

The increase in overdose deaths highlights the need to ensure people most at risk of overdose can access care, as well as the need to expand prevention and response activities.

CDC issued a Health Alert Network Advisory to medical and public health professionals, first responders, harm reduction organizations, and other community partners recommending the following actions as appropriate based on local needs and characteristics:. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Often, people taking opioids to manage their pain are unaware of the potential adverse reactions.

It is important to know that opioid overdose emergencies can occur at any time, even when opioids are used as directed, especially at higher doses, and when taken with other sedating substances. An opioid overdose happens when the body has been overloaded with either a medication or an illicit drug. Because they affect the part of the brain that controls breathing, if opioid levels in your blood are too high, your breathing can slow down to dangerous levels, which could even cause death.

Each day, more than 1, people are treated in emergency departments for opioid overdose emergencies. Are you prepared? Anyone exposed to prescription or illegal opioids should be aware of risk factors that may lead to an accidental, life-threatening opioid overdose.

Remember to keep opioids in a locked cabinet, away from children, and ask your doctor or pharmacist how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose.

The bottom line is that anyone who uses opioids for long-term chronic pain, as well as uses illicit opioids or misuses prescription opioids is at risk for an overdose. The link you have selected will take you to a site maintained by a third party, which is solely responsible for its content.