In this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected, we identify the signs and symptoms of opioid use vs opioid overdose, we discuss training and education programs offered to reverse an opioid overdose, and go over some treatment options for opioid addiction, all thanks to Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare.
A lot of times when people are using, you’ll see a lot of behavioral changes, you’ll see a lot of mood changes. They may start retreating and just trying to be very isolated. They also may stop enjoying things that they typically enjoyed before. So I’m a huge dog lover. My dogs are my own personal coping skills. So if all of a sudden, I don’t want to hang out with my dogs anymore. That’s a, that’s a big red flag that something’s going on. And we also want to make it a point to help people identify what an overdose is versus someone who is experiencing a high from an opioid. So if you have someone that’s high on some kind of opioid, they’re going to be very, very relaxed. They’re going to be kind of sleepy and drowsy looking, but they’re going to have a normal heart rate and pulse. They’re going to have a normal skin tone. They’re gonna just kind of look a little different and sleepy. But on the flip side, if you have someone who is overdosing on an opioid medication, this is a huge emergency, and this is going to be something like very pale and kind of clammy skin for lighter skin tones. They’re going to have blue lips and fingertips for darker skin tones. It’s gonna kind of look like a grayish tone. They are gonna have some issues breathing, whether it’s infrequent or stopped altogether, they may experience kind of a deep snoring or a death rattle kind of noise. And when you experience any of these and you come across someone who is experiencing any of these, this is an emergency situation.
We operate a training course called Revive, it’s Virginia’s opioid overdose and Narcan education program. Basically this training helps people learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency by administering Narcan, which is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. We also discuss risk factors for overdoses and common myths about overdose reversal. The training is always free and includes a kit with supplies you would use during an emergency event. And also we offer free Narcan, but those who request it.
CIBH offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating substance use disorders. And we definitely want everyone to know that recovery is possible and there’s help available. It’s just a matter of knowing how to access that help. At CIBH we offer same day access, which means that an individual does not have to have an appointment to initiate services and services could include outpatient therapy on an individual or group basis. We also offer medication assisted treatment, which is often vital. When we’re talking about opioid use disorder, we have certified peer recovery specialists available who are individuals who have lived experience with mental health and or substance use disorders. So they really can sit down with the individual and help them walk through their path towards recovery. We also have medication management for substance use disorders and or mental health disorders and case management, which can work with the individual to coordinate services, whether it’s services at CIBH and /or the community and we can refer them to additional services that they might need.
Use the below sites if you or someone you know needs help:
cibhprevention.com
samhsa.gov
drugabuse.gov
namicoastalvirginia.org
If you live in the Commonwealth of Virginia and are struggling with an addiction to opioid drugs such as heroin and narcotic pain medications like Vicodin or Oxycontin, Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare can help.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration awarded us a Substance Abuse and Prevention Block Grant. With these funds we can provide priority services to individuals who want help overcoming their addiction.
We can help even if you do not have medical insurance.
We offer a variety of treatment options and can develop a plan suitable for your individual circumstances.
To find out what option is best for you, contact the Intake Unit Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 757-547-9334.
At this time, we are only accepting Virginia residents. We are unable to serve individuals living in other states, including North Carolina.
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3cstvshow
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calm_cool_connected/
Watch our Videocast: https://www.yurview.com/calm-cool-connected
