Over the past few years, the number of drug overdose deaths continues to rise. Recently, government and health officials began placing a significant focus on battling this dangerous and unfortunate epidemic. To do your part to reduce this frightening number, you must learn what to look for in a loved one if you suspect an addiction. If you live in Pennsylvania, it’s also vital to understand how high the number of drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania are.

Common Drug Overdose Deaths

While all drugs are dangerous and can lead to drug overdose deaths, some are more dangerous than others. One of the most common deaths comes from a heroin overdose. Heroin use is on the rise, which also causes the number of fatalities to rise. Heroin drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania are also so common because of how dangerous relapsing can be. If an individual stops usage and then goes back to the drug, they risk taking too much. This comes from never knowing how much of the pure drug you’re using.

Another common cause of overdose is cocaine abuse. While cocaine doesn’t receive the same amount of attention as heroin and other opioids tend to receive in the media, it’s still a major problem. Cocaine tends to speed up the heart rate of a user, which can lead to death. Cocaine overdose symptoms include:

  • Increase in body temperature
  • Vomiting
  • Chest paints
  • Tremors
  • Delirium
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations and delusions

More serious symptoms include heart attack and seizures, which can be fatal.

How to Help a Loved One

To avoid your loved one becoming one of the numerous drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania, you need to know how to help. Knowing the signs of drug abuse can help you find help before they risk overdose.

The following signs tend to indicate an individual is struggling with drug abuse:

  • Abrupt changes in behavior, personality, and energy levels
  • Poor hygiene, like failing to bathe or brush teeth
  • Secretive and reclusive behavior
  • Lying about whereabouts, spending, and friends
  • Changes in sleep patterns and eating habits

Once you determine your loved one needs help, it’s time to look for drug detox programs. This initial phase of treatment will allow the loved one to remove the drugs from their system safely. Once they’re clean, other treatment programs can begin.

Preventing Drug Overdose Deaths in Pennsylvania with Steps to Recovery

At Steps to Recovery, we work hard to do our part to lower the number of drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania. Our drug addiction treatment options give clients their best chance at recovery. Our addiction recovery services include the following:

  • Drug addiction rehab
  • Alcohol addiction rehab
  • Partial hospitalization program
  • Intensive outpatient program
  • Outpatient program
  • Sober living program
  • Aftercare
  • Dual diagnosis treatment

Steps to Recovery also provides the following therapy options for clients:

  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Psychotherapy
  • Addiction counseling
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

Don’t let your loved one become another statistic when it comes to drug overdose deaths. Get them the help they need by calling Steps to Recovery today at 267.719.8528.