You can find Al-Anon meetings in and around Orem. These meetings are open for anyone to attend, regardless of age.

Let Go Let God AFG
Sundays at 3:00 PM
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
50 W. 200 N.
Provo, Utah
Map
Website
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Courage to Change AFG
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
50 W. 200 N.
Provo, Utah
Map

Wednesday Night Orem AFG
Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
Cirque Lodge
1240 E. 800 N.
Orem, Utah
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Website
Facebook

Friday Noon Step Study AFG
Fridays at 12:00 PM
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
50 W. 200 N.
Provo, Utah
Map

There are many people who overdose on heroin every year in the United States. It’s essential to treat it quickly; otherwise the individual might not survive. The drug will depress heart and breathing rates so much that it’s impossible to survive without medical intervention.

Heroin overdoses are quite common among those who attempt to quit using on their own, without professional help. When that person goes back to using after stopping, their body’s tolerance levels simply aren’t equipped to handle a higher dose. As a result, they overdose.

Naloxone (Narcan) is a drug that is often used for heroin overdoses. It is an opioid receptor antagonist medication that can successfully reverse this type of overdose. The drug will bind to opioid receptors in the body to prevent heroin from activating them.

It’s not uncommon for people to need several doses of Naloxone before they’re considered “out of the woods.” They may go through severe withdrawal when the drug is administered, which is to be expected. Additional treatments can be given for that, if the medical team feels it’s necessary.

Once the person is stable, the hospital staff will talk with them about getting treated for their addiction. This might mean attending an inpatient detox and rehab to get the help they need.

When someone overdoses on cocaine, it can happen for one of two reasons. Sometimes people will simply use too much at one time. This is very common among those who are new to the drug. However, there are other cases when people attempt to quit and then go back to using. This is called a relapse.

When people relapse, they typically will use the same amount of the drug they were using previously. They don’t account for how their body’s tolerance levels change in a short amount of time. This can quickly lead to an overdose.

During a cocaine overdose, the effects of the drug are amplified. The individual will likely experience an increased heart rate. Their body temperature may go up as well. The extreme effects of a stimulant drug can cause organ failure. The brain can quickly shut down, resulting in death.

It’s very important to call 911 right away if you suspect that someone you love has overdosed on cocaine. In the meantime, make sure there’s no way the person can hurt themselves. Put a cold compress on their forehead to try and keep their temperature down. You should remain with them until help arrives at the scene.

According to the CDC, about 40% of all opioid overdose deaths involve prescription painkillers. These medications are among the most dangerous drugs in the world. The risks are even greater because of the fact that people perceive them to be safer than illegal drugs.

Most of the time, this type of overdose happens for the same reasons other overdoses happen. People decide that they’re going to quit using and then they suffer a relapse. Because the drugs are prescribed by a doctor, they’re assumed to be risk-free. This simply isn’t the case.

If you have a loved one who has overdosed on a prescription opioid, call 911 right away. You will need paramedics at the scene immediately. They may need to administer Naloxone, and then get your loved one to the nearest hospital for further treatments.

If you’re not sure what signs you should be looking for, here is a list of overdose symptoms:

• High temperature
• Higher than normal pulse rate
• High breathing rate
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Inability to respond to you
• Possible coma
• Cool and sweaty or hot and dry skin
• Chest pains
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Onset of diarrhea
• Blood in the stool

Even if you’re not sure, you should call 911. You just may save your loved one’s life.

Alcohol poisoning occurs when someone drinks a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. At that point, their blood alcohol level (BAC) becomes so high that’s actually considered poisonous or toxic. This is a very serious condition, and even when someone stops drinking, they can remain at risk afterwards. This is because for about 30-40 minutes, their BAC will continue to rise.

It’s not always easy to tell when someone is either drunk or suffering from alcohol poisoning. However, there are some symptoms that you can look for, and they include:

• Feeling confused
• A drop in body temperature
• Pale skin that may appear bluish in color
• Passing out
• Abnormal breathing rates
• Slow breathing or no breaths for as long as ten seconds
• Vomiting

In some cases, it’s possible for the following to take place:

• The person may stop breathing altogether
• They may suffer from a heart attack
• They may choke on their own vomit
• They may develop hypothermia
• They may suffer from severe dehydration
• They may be at risk for brain damage
• They may develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• They may begin having seizures

Alcohol poisoning shouldn’t be ignored, and it also shouldn’t be treated at home. If you believe someone you love has it, you need to call 911 to get them help right away. Try to keep them awake and in a sitting position. If they’re able to drink water, give it to them until help arrives.