Austin sees deadliest overdose outbreak in years. What are signs of an opioid overdose?

Marley Malenfant , Austin American-Statesman
·4 min read

Opioid overdoses are a recurring problem in the country and in Texas. In Austin, nine people died in what officials termed the city's deadliest overdose outbreak in nearly a decade.

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services responded to 75 overdose cases from Monday to Wednesday evening, the American-Statesman reported. At least 50 of those calls were on Tuesday, which is a 1,000% increase in overdose emergency calls in one day, according to EMS Assistant Chief Steve Whitean. The agency typically receives one to two overdose calls per day, he said.

While the opioid epidemic continues, there are defensive and preventive measures to stop an overdose. Here's what to know:

What are opioids?

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologist, opioids are a class of drugs that include both natural and synthetic substances. They are primarily used for pain relief, but they can also induce feelings of euphoria, which contributes to their potential for abuse.

Some examples are:

  • Morphine

  • Codeine

  • Fentanyl

  • Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet)

  • Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin, Norco)

  • Heroin

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid medication that is used primarily as a pain reliever and anesthetic. It's classified as a Schedule II prescription drug in the United States due to its high potential for abuse and risk of dependence. Fentanyl is estimated to be about 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and significantly more potent than heroin, which is a semi-synthetic opioid.

Preliminary toxicology reports by the Travis County medical examiner's office indicated the presence of fentanyl in nine of the recent overdose cases, cocaine in eight and methamphetamine in three.

What are the signs of an opioid overdose?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are signs to recognize if someone is near overdosing on opioids. It’s imperative to call 911 or seek medical care for the individual and not leave that person alone. Signs of an overdose could be:

  • Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”

  • Falling asleep or loss of consciousness

  • Slow, shallow breathing

  • Choking or gurgling sounds

  • Limp body

  • Pale, blue, or cold skin

What is Narcan?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Narcan is a brand name for naloxone, which is a medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose.

It works by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, but naloxone has a stronger affinity for these receptors, displacing the opioids and reversing their effects.

Where can you get free Narcan?

To find specific locations where you can get free Narcan in Austin, you can try the following:

  • Contact Local Health Departments: Reach out to the Austin Public Health Department or the Texas Department of State Health Services to inquire about naloxone distribution programs in the area. They may be able to provide information on locations where Narcan is available for free or at a reduced cost.

  • Harm Reduction Organizations: Look for harm reduction organizations or nonprofits in Austin that focus on substance use issues. These organizations often provide naloxone distribution programs and may offer free Narcan kits along with training on overdose recognition and response.

  • Community Health Centers: Check with community health centers or clinics in Austin to see if they offer naloxone distribution programs. They may provide Narcan kits as part of their harm reduction initiatives or overdose prevention efforts.

7 steps to avoid or reduce opioid overdose

The CDC recommends the following steps to reduce injury from opioid use disorder:

  1. Carry Naloxone: Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdose. Obtain naloxone from a pharmacy or community health center and learn how to administer it properly.

  2. Create a Safety Plan: If you or someone you know is at risk of opioid overdose, develop a safety plan. Identify triggers and high-risk situations, and establish strategies to prevent overdose, such as avoiding drug use alone and setting limits on opioid consumption.

  3. Know Your Limits: Understand your tolerance to opioids and never exceed recommended dosages. If you're prescribed opioids for pain management, communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns and any potential side effects.

  4. Dispose of Unused Medications Safely: Properly dispose of unused or expired opioids to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse. Take advantage of drug take-back programs or follow FDA guidelines for at-home disposal, such as mixing medications with undesirable substances like coffee grounds or kitty litter before throwing them away.

  5. Utilize Harm Reduction Strategies: Harm reduction approaches aim to minimize the negative consequences of drug use. Consider alternatives to opioid medications, such as non-opioid pain management techniques, and explore harm reduction programs in your community for support and resources.

  6. Stay Informed About Opioid Trends: Keep yourself informed about opioid trends, including the prevalence of potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Stay up-to-date on local overdose statistics and emerging risks to better understand the landscape of opioid use in your area.

  7. Advocate for policy change: Advocate for policies that address the root causes of opioid overdose, such as improving access to addiction treatment and mental health services, implementing syringe exchange programs, and promoting naloxone distribution. Get involved in community initiatives and support organizations working to combat the opioid crisis

— American-Statesman reporter Bianca Moreno-Paz contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What are the signs of an opioid overdose? What you need to look for