Sanca reminds that overdose does not discriminate, can happen to anyone

Sanca Limpopo Alcohol and Drug Centre commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day last Friday by wearing silver and encouraged others to do the same.
The centre’s director, Amanda Swart said the day was an annual global event and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. “It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose,” she explained, adding that the day spread the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.
She further explained that suffering an overdose is not exclusive to street drugs. “People often abuse legal medications or substances such as prescription medication and over the counter drugs as well as alcohol.” These include pain relievers, sedatives, anti-depressants, barbiturates, cough and cold medicines and diet pills.
Swart said it is important to equip oneself with knowledge about drug use including the signs and symptoms of overdose and what to do in such a situation. Commons signs and symptoms include dilated pupils, unsteady walking, chest pain, severe difficulty breathing or shallow breathing, gurgling sounds that indicate the person’s airway is blocked, blue lips or fingers, nausea or vomiting, abnormally high body temperature, violent or aggressive behaviour, disorientation or confusion, paranoia or agitation, convulsions, tremors or seizures, unresponsiveness and unconsciousness. “If you abuse any substance, there is always a risk of overdosing,” Swart warned. A drug overdose is an extremely dangerous situation, and a potentially lethal outcome of drug addiction. “If you think you are in danger of potentially overdosing, or if you are worried about a loved one doing so, do not wait until it is too late, reach out for help immediately,” was Swart’s advice.
For further information or to get help go to www.sancanational.org or contact the Sanca Limpopo Alcohol and Drug Centre on 015 295 3700 during office hours or the national helpline on 0861 4SANCA.

Story: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za