Self-Care After Responding to an Overdose It is important to take care of yourself after witnessing an overdose and/or providing first aid to someone who overdosed.
Reach out to others and ask them to listen. Talk to someone you trust about the experience from your perspective. Talking about the overdose and your response can be healing. Make time to do healthy things that you enjoy. Allow yourself to feel your feelings. Connect to your spiritual and/or cultural practices. Remember to treat the person who overdosed with dignity and respect. It can be difficult to discuss a loved one's drug use after they overdose. Remember that support can help them heal.
If the person who overdosed is a loved one, consider finding a group to help support you. Examples include Nar-Anon, Al-Anon, & Parents Helping Parents.
Self-Care After Experiencing an Overdose Overdosing is a scary experience. Take the time to consider your next steps and take care of yourself.
For help getting Narcan and fentanyl test strips, email cward-freeman@spthb.org
Go to the hospital & avoid using drugs immediately after. If it was an opioid overdose and you were given Narcan (naloxone), it very important to not use drugs immediately. Though you might feel withdrawal symptoms due to the Narcan (naloxone), the effects of Narcan (naloxone) last for 30 to 90 minutes. Most opioids last longer than that. Once the Narcan (naloxone) wears off, you might go into overdose again. This does not always happen, but it is one reason why it is important to go to the hospital and not use drugs immediately after. Follow the self-care tips listed on the other side of this card.
Consider getting help for your drug use. There are many people who want to help and many resources available to you. You can consider joining a 12step group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. For help finding a Wellbriety talking circle near you, email lseabolt@spthb.org. To find a treatment center near you, you can text your zip code to 435748 or visit https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov. You can also contact someone at your Tribe for help navigating their resources.