In 2017, there were 95 deaths from opioid overdose in DuPage County and over two hundred opioid overdoses total, according to the DuPage County Health Department.

Neuqua Valley, like many high schools, has had its issues protecting the student body from drugs. In recent years, much of the focus has, understandably, been on juuls and vaping. The opioid crisis, both in the community and nationally, continues to worsen, however.

Do you know what to do if someone overdoses?

The DuPage County Health Department has partnered with Linden Oaks to offer training to residents as part of the DuPage Narcan Program, which has been running since 2013. Their most recent session was held at the 95th Street Naperville Public Library. In it, they provided the following information on responding to an overdose.

What happens when someone overdoses on opioids?

Opioids slow down breathing. When someone is overdosing, breathing can become highly irregular and/or stop altogether. The person may suffer from brain damage due to the lack of oxygen, experience heart failure, a seizure, a stroke, and possibly death.

Step 1: Identifying an opioid overdose

The first step in treating an overdose is properly identifying it. Methods used to counteract an opioid overdose will not necessarily help someone suffering through a different kind of overdose. The DuPage County Health Department offered the following signs of opioid overdoses to check for if you suspect someone in your vicinity is overdosing.

Deep snoring or gurgling, sometimes referred to as a “death rattle”

Infrequent breathing or no breathing

Pale, clammy skin

Heavy nodding of the head

Unresponsive to voice or touch

Slow heartbeat/pulse or low blood pressure

Blue or purple fingernails and lips

Pinpoint-sized pupils

If these signs are present, the individual is probably overdosing on opioids.

Step 2: Attempt to stimulate breathing

If you believe someone you know is suffering from an opioid overdose, the second step is to try to stimulate their breathing by rubbing the sternum or chest area. You can also attempt to lightly tap the person and call their name, as you would if checking for the need to administer CPR. Do not hit or slap the person to try to stimulate them.

Step 3: Call 911

The next step is to call 911. You may put the phone on speaker so that you can continue trying to help the person. Remember, Illinois has laws in place that protect people who call for help in situations of overdose, even if they themselves have been doing drugs or drinking. Always call if someone you know may be in trouble.

Step 4: Administer naloxone/provide rescue breathing

At the instructional event, the county provided two doses of naloxone, a rescue medication for opioid overdose. It “blocks the opioid receptors in the brain, thereby … restoring breathing,” according to the DuPage County Health Department. They also explain that there is no chance of misusing the drug because it produces no effect besides relieving the symptoms of an opioid overdose.

Naloxone can be purchased without a prescription at most local drugstores such as Walgreens or CVS. It can also be ordered online. It can cost around $75, however, and comes in multiple forms.

The county will have future events as part of the DuPage Narcan — a brand of naloxone — Program to provide at-risk residents with free Narcan. The county provides nasal spray doses, along with directions on administering them. Naloxone can be administered as a nasal spray by placing the end in either nostril and pressing to release.

It can also help to provide rescue breaths, as you would for CPR. This can help keep oxygen in the person’s system while you wait for help to arrive. (If they still aren’t breathing better after the first dose of naloxone, it is alright to administer the second. They can’t overdose on naloxone.)

Step 5: Place them in the recovery position and wait with them for help.

If (and only if) the individual seems to be breathing better, place them in the recovery position, on their side, with their head braced on their arm and top leg down to keep them from rolling onto their stomach. It is the same recovery position used after CPR.

Always wait with the individual for medical help to arrive. They may need further assistance. Analyze the situation and repeat the previous steps as necessary.

Other important information when responding to an overdose:

A person who has received naloxone could experience withdrawal symptoms and become angry or aggravated. It is important to make sure professional help is on the way.

Do not give them any substance besides naloxone and do not try to make them vomit what they have ingested. Do not put them in a cold bath or shower.

Stigma and dealing with overdose and addiction:

One other area the Linden Oaks representatives addressed was the stigma surrounding drug use in society and the effect it could have on those seeking help. Addiction is an illness. They explained that negative language such as “junkie,” can increase stigma. They recommended person first language, such as saying “someone struggles with alcoholism” rather than “someone is an alcoholic,” because it puts the person above their condition and does not define them by it.

Additional resources:

http://www.dupagehealth.org/EPR/dnpinfo

https://hopedupage.org/

Another important program in reducing and prevent drug use is the Drug Take Back Center program. Read about it here: https://nvhsecho.com/662/news/prescription-drug-drop-off/

Information provided by Linden Oaks of Edwards Hospital and the DuPage County Health Department.