What Happens During An Opioid Overdose?

Dr. Peter Coleman, who is Board-certified in Addiction Medicine and has been in recovery from opioid use himself since 1984, discusses what happens when someone overdoses on an opiate like fentanyl, heroin, or Oxycontin. Opioid overdose deaths have skyrocketed in the US in recent years as fentanyl began to be mixed in with many street drugs.

-Safe, Comfortable Outpatient Detox
The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine has been a leading outpatient addiction treatment center since 1998. Our innovative withdrawal management programs, often referred to as The Coleman Method, have helped thousands of people free themselves from addiction to Alcohol, Opioids, and Benzodiazepines. Originally founded in Richmond, Virginia, our network has expanded to cover 14 cities across the US.
-3 - 8 Day Opioid Detoxification Process
For short-acting opiates like oxycodone, most patients complete their detox and begin Naltrexone therapy within 5 days. Longer-acting opiates like Suboxone and Methadone typically take 8 days. Our standard opioid treatment package in Richmond, VA, Wellesley, MA (Boston area) and Willoughby, OH (Cleveland area) includes the detox and 6 months of case management and Naltrexone therapy. As a non-addictive opioid blocker, Naltrexone dramatically reduces cravings so that patients can focus on their recovery. We have a 98% success rate for completing detoxification and starting Naltrexone therapy. During the detox, we work with patients and their families to develop an appropriate aftercare plan. We also offer a convenient, 3-day outpatient alcohol detox and a Rapid Benzodiazepine Detox.
-Caring, Empathetic Environment
Dr. Peter Coleman understands first-hand the challenges our patients are facing due to his own personal struggle with the disease of addiction. He has been in long term recovery since 1984. Dr. Coleman has dedicated his career to treating addiction patients and creating a team and an environment conducive to long term recovery for his patients.

Other common questions that this video addresses are: How long does detox last? How long does opiate detox take? What is the duration of opioid withdrawal symptoms?

[FitzSchlitz]

Thank you for this info! I’m documenting my methadone detox from 160mgs/day and 6mgs/day of Klonopin. 9 months in and going strong. This message should be spread far and wide! Awareness is key. Love and blessings to you ALL!

[maribelgarcia]

Overdosed to from fentanyl, was told I wasn’t breathing, was purple and very faint heartbeat. I’m not a regular user.. but really opened my eyes. Never Messing w that stuff again!