Understanding Opioid Addiction and Treatment (University of Minnesota)

The opioid crisis has had a heavy impact on people living in the United States and has resulted in many preventable deaths across Minnesota and the rest of the nation. The opioid crisis has reached all of our communities, and if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you are not alone.

What are the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and what do I do?

An overdose can dangerously slow or stop breathing. This can cause brain damage or death. It’s important to recognize the signs and act fast. Signs of an overdose can include:

Falling asleep or loss of consciousness (inability to rouse)
Slow, shallow breathing (less than 12 breaths per minute)
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Pale, blue, or cold skin
Small pupil

It may be hard to tell if a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to treat it like an overdose.

Immediately call 911.
Administer naloxone, if available.
Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
Stay with the person until emergency workers arrive.

Learn more about naloxone (Narcan) and find contact information for Minnesota Narcan availability.

What is opioid addiction?

Substance use disorder (SUD), commonly called addiction, is a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma.

Addiction is not a matter of personality, willpower or weakness.
Anyone can become addicted.
Drug addiction (substance use disorder) is a disease that affects the structure of the brain and people’s behavior.
Experimenting with recreational drugs or prescribed pain medication can lead to drug dependence or addiction.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKAbnhfFfzI