In addiction medicine, three situations require immediate response:
Every healthcare provider working with this population must be prepared to respond.
The Opioid Overdose Triad:
Other Signs:
Step 1: Assess and Call for Help
Step 2: Administer Naloxone
Step 3: Support Breathing
Step 4: Post-Naloxone Care
Ask directly:
Immediate Risk (plan + intent + means):
Elevated Risk (thoughts, no immediate plan):
Lower Risk (passive thoughts):
| Timeframe | Symptoms | |-----------|----------| | 6-12 hours | Anxiety, cravings, muscle aches | | 12-24 hours | Sweating, runny nose, yawning, dilated pupils | | 24-48 hours | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, goosebumps | | 48-72 hours | Peak symptoms, insomnia, fever | | 5-7 days | Symptoms subside |
Buprenorphine Induction (preferred):
Symptomatic Treatment:
Benzodiazepine/Alcohol Withdrawal CAN BE FATAL:
Opioid withdrawal is miserable but rarely fatal:
✅ Immediately recognize crisis keywords ✅ Provide emergency contact numbers ✅ Give basic safety instructions ✅ Alert human staff urgently ✅ Stay calm and supportive
❌ Attempt to handle crisis alone ❌ Delay escalation to gather more information ❌ Provide specific medication dosing ❌ Dismiss or minimize concerns ❌ End conversation abruptly
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Use one of the external tools below to explore "Crisis Response". Check clinical claims against approved sources.
External links
Use one of the external tools below to explore "Crisis Response". Check clinical claims against approved sources.