The Tampa Bay Times recently reported that all Hillsborough patrol deputies will begin carrying an opioid overdose antidote, Narcan. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is also receiving 3,800 Narcan doses as well. I want to emphasize that number 3,800, just for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. On one hand this is really great news that Hillsborough County is going to have better access to Narcan, but on the other hand it’s very sad that opiate overdoses are so common.
In all my years of working with clients with addiction issues I will tell you that people who have a problem with drugs or alcohol are highly skilled at hiding it from their loved ones, hiding it from you. They love you, and their family so much, and for many people with addiction issues they are too ashamed of themselves to let you know the whole truth. And that is why addiction is such a terrible disease, it hides, and strengthens in the shadows. You might have suspicions that something is not right with your loved one, you might even think that they are on drugs. But I am going to tell you, most likely you have no idea how bad it is. Your loved one is going to deny, minimize, and lie to you to keep you from finding out the whole truth. This is just how addiction is.
I have never seen someone fully admit the extent of their substance use issues to their family and that is really scary because you don’t know what you are fighting. It’s like going into a boxing match and not being able to see your competitor, you are going to get knocked out. And that is why you need professional help to deal with this problem. Addiction experts already know what fight you and your loved one are facing. If you go to an Al-Anon, or Nar-Anon meeting in Hillsborough County you might hear some of the horror stories of what could happen. But the real stories, the ones you don’t want to know, but really need to hear, you’re only going to get those from the first responders.
First responders in Hillsborough County already know the fight you are facing. They have already seen what addiction looks like and that is why they have started carrying Narcan, and they are carrying a lot. That should tell you something. They know that when there is an opiate overdose, seconds matter between life and death, and they want to be prepared
What Can You Do?
Educate yourself. It is important that everyone be aware of the signs of a potential drug overdose. If the person isn’t responding, has shallow breathing, their skin might feel cold or clammy, maybe their pupils don’t look right. There might be drug paraphernalia around them, or their might not be. The person might look like they are just sleeping, but in an unusual place, or unusual position. I would rather you wake someone up and have them lose sleep, then you lose them to an overdose. Even if something just doesn’t seem right to you, trust your gut and encourage that person to get checked out by a medical professional. If you do suspect a drug overdose, please call 911 right away and let them know so that the first responders can be ready to help. Remember that seconds matter between life and death. It is better to be safe than sorry. And now since more first responders will be carry Narcan, people have a better shot at surviving an overdose.
What happens if my loved one was given Narcan to stop an overdose?
Watching someone almost die can be really hard on you. It might be a wakeup call to your loved one, or it might not be. Either way, you are going to be going through some difficult emotions. Getting support for yourself is going to be really important. Talking to another person who has gone through the same thing you have can help. Many people find that Nar-Anon in Hillsborough County or Al-Anon in Hillsborough County helpful. Others need more personalized support. Quiet Water Counseling offers free consultations, if you have any questions, please reach out.