Drug overdoses and deaths are increasing in Alabama. Knowing how to identify and treat an overdose could save a life.

In Jefferson County, overdose deaths increased from 452 deaths in 2022 to 494 deaths in 2023. Experts say it is vital for community members to know how to prevent and treat an overdose, and to know what resources are available for those trying to avoid addiction and overdose.

“We’re letting people know that they’re not alone in this situation. We’re here to step in and help at any time. It doesn’t just affect the individual that has the substance use issue. It affects the parents, the sisters and brothers, everybody. So we want to educate the whole family, churches, and schools and even jails. We’re hoping to decrease that overdose rate,” Stan Whitfield, program supervisor with the Recovery Organization of Support Specialists, said.

Overdose deaths are increasing

In 2023, an estimated 107,543 people died from drug overdose across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2016, Alabama was the highest opioid prescribing state per capita with a rate of 121 prescriptions per 100 people, according to the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

Drug overdoses don’t only happen to people who frequently use drugs or struggle with addiction. Overdose can happen to a stressed out student taking drugs to stay awake while studying for an exam, an excited concert goer wanting to enhance their experience or an injured athlete who was prescribed opiates for their pain.

Occasional and recreational drug use have become more dangerous due to the possibility of spiked products. In 2022, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration found that six out of 10 fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.

Fentanyl caused 386 deaths last year, according to the Jefferson County Coroner Medical Examiner’s Office.

What you can do to save a life before, during and after an overdose

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 and seek help from medical professionals immediately.

When a person overdoses on drugs, they may experience extreme drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, difficulty speaking, breathing or staying awake. Blood oxygen levels drop and the person may experience seizures or cardiac arrest.

Every overdose increases a person’s risk of lasting brain damage, according to Minutes Matter.

Before taking any drug not prescribed and administered by a doctor, experts recommend using fentanyl test strips.

Overdose can be deadly, but there is a window of opportunity to save a person’s life.

Overdose Good Samaritan laws can provide protection to people who call authorities in the case of an overdose. Alabama’s law, passed in 2015, says someone participating in underage drinking or illegal drug use shouldn’t be prosecuted if they call for medical help.

Administering Naloxone, a safe medication, most commonly used in Narcan Nasal Spray, that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin and fentanyl, could also save a life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Experts suggest carrying Narcan in case of an emergency.

The Jefferson County Department of Health will send free overdose prevention supplies to Alabama residents for free and offers free Naloxone and Fentanyl test strip training.

Resources are available across the state to provide recovery resources and services.

The Jefferson County Recovery Resource Center provides resources to help individuals navigate substance use recovery including free treatment services.

Recovery Organization of Support Specialists offers addiction recovery services, housing, food assistance and transportation as well as a 24/7 helpline, 844-307-1760, that offers immediate assistance for those in need.

The Addiction Prevention Coalition created a guide for parents to talk to their children about substance use, how to identify substance use disorder and offers programs for youth and young adults who may be at risk of a substance use disorder.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357 is a free, 24/7 information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals facing mental and substance use disorders. Helpline operators will provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups and community-based organizations.