What should I leave at home during my stay?

iPhones, iPads, iPods, radios, or any personal electronic devices Razors or anything that needs to plug into a wall Weapons, such as blades, knives, guns, or weapon-like items Scissors Drugs and Medications (excluding HIV medications) Alcohol.

What should I bring with me to the hospital for my stay?

Casual clothing, Comfortable shoes for exercise (e.g., sneakers, house slippers, etc.) Personal care items (e.g., toothbrush & toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner) Insurance card and photo I.D. or Driver's License List of current medications No more than one moderately-sized bag of personal effects Calling card

Where is Ridgeview Hospital located?

Ridgeview is located outside of Middle Point, OH, in a rural setting. We are 30 miles west of Lima, OH and 45 miles east of Fort Wayne, IN.

How Do You Identify Psychological Triggers?

Identifying psychological triggers involves several steps: Identify Your Responses: Pay attention to your emotional and physical reactions when you feel overwhelmed. Note feelings like anger, sadness, or physical symptoms like a pounding heart or rapid breathing. Retrace Your Steps: Reflect on what led to these emotions. Analyze your activities and surroundings prior to the onset of these feelings to identify potential triggers. Repeat the Cycle: Understanding triggers can be complex and may require multiple attempts. If the process is challenging, consider seeking professional mental health care to assist in identifying and managing these triggers.

What is an Emotional Trigger?

An emotional trigger is a type of psychological trigger that specifically evokes an intense emotional response. This reaction can be sudden and usually feels more severe than what the trigger logically warrants. Common emotional triggers include public speaking or certain social situations, leading to symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea, anger, or anxiety.

What Does it Mean to be Triggered?

Being triggered means having an intense emotional or psychological reaction due to an external factor, typically associated with recalling a traumatic event or experiencing a reminder of past distress. It can manifest as sudden anxiety, sadness, anger, or other emotional responses.

What Does Triggered Mean?

The term 'triggered' refers to experiencing a strong emotional or psychological response that is set off by a specific external stimulus. In the context of mental health, being triggered often relates to an emotional, symptomatic, or memory-based reaction tied to past trauma or intense experiences.

Triggers, also known as emotional or mental health triggers, are stimuli like memories, objects, or people that spark intense negative emotions. These triggers can lead to a sudden and often disproportionate emotional response compared to the stimulus.

How Strong Is Fentanyl Compared to Other Opioids?

Fentanyl vs Dilaudid: Dilaudid, containing hydromorphone, is about 10 times more potent than morphine but still about one-tenth as strong as fentanyl. Fentanyl vs Oxycodone: Oxycodone is about one-and-a-half times more potent than morphine, making it much weaker compared to fentanyl. Fentanyl's potency is such that even a small amount can lead to overdose, significantly stronger than oxycodone and other commonly prescribed opioids.

How Much Stronger Is Fentanyl vs Morphine?

Fentanyl is significantly stronger than morphine. For example, fentanyl is about 100 times stronger than morphine, with some fentanyl analogues being up to 10,000 times more potent.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, more potent than morphine, and is used in cases of extreme chronic pain, particularly in patients who have developed a tolerance to other pain medications. It is typically used in controlled hospital settings or for end-of-life care due to its high potency and addiction risk.

Is Morphine an Opiate?

Yes, morphine is an opiate, derived from the opium poppy. It functions by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, thereby blocking pain signals from the nervous system.

What is Morphine Used For?

Morphine is primarily used for alleviating severe pain. It is commonly applied in various medical settings, including acute postoperative pain and palliative care, to maintain comfort and quality of life.

Morphine is an opioid pain medication, originally isolated in 1827, and is extensively used for pain relief. It serves as a benchmark for comparing the potency of other opioids.

How Do I Help a Loved One Experiencing Suicidal Ideations?

Approach them with empathy and understanding, avoiding blame. Encourage them to express their feelings and seek professional help. Be supportive in their journey towards recovery, which may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Remember, having difficult conversations and offering a listening ear can be vital first steps in helping them.

What are Signs That Someone Is Suicidal?

Signs can include verbal expressions of wanting to die, researching suicide methods, engaging in risky behaviors, feelings of hopelessness or isolation, increased substance use, anxiety, mood swings, withdrawing from social activities, giving away possessions, and visible signs of self-harm.

What are Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation?

Risk factors include a family history of suicide or mental illness, mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, substance abuse, personal history of abuse or trauma, major personal losses, significant physical illness, lack of support networks, and limited access to mental and physical healthcare.

Are Suicidal Thoughts Normal?

While suicidal thoughts indicate extreme emotional distress and should be taken seriously, they are not uncommon, especially among young adults. However, they are not 'normal' in the sense of being healthy or acceptable.

What are Examples of Passive Suicidal Ideations?

Examples include thoughts like 'I just don't want to live anymore,' 'I wish I was never born,' 'I hope this plane crashes,' 'My family would be better off if I wasn't around,' and 'I hope I die in my sleep.'

What is Passive Suicidal Ideation?

Passive suicidal ideation involves thoughts of dying or wishing for death without a plan to act on these thoughts. It's often linked to feelings of depression or anxiety and can be a recurring experience for those with chronic mood disorders.

What Does Passively Suicidal Mean?

Being passively suicidal refers to having thoughts about wanting to die or wishing for death, without actively planning or attempting suicide. It differs from active suicidal ideation, which involves specific plans or intentions to harm oneself.

Meth and crack (a form of cocaine) differ in composition and effects. Crack is a short-acting stimulant with effects that last a shorter duration compared to the longer-lasting effects of meth.

Yes, meth is a stimulant, increasing activity in the central nervous system and leading to heightened alertness, energy, and physical activity.

No, meth is not an opioid. Opioids are a different class of drugs that primarily affect the body's pain and reward system.

How Long Does a Meth High Last?

The high from meth can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, influenced by the method of ingestion and the dose. The intensity and duration of the high are key factors contributing to the drug's addictive potential.

Can You Overdose on Meth?

Yes, it's possible to overdose on meth, and such occurrences can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a meth overdose can include high fever, chest pain, seizures, and heart problems. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such situations.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Urine?

Meth generally remains detectable in urine for one to four days for occasional users, but this duration can extend up to a week or more for those with heavy or prolonged usage.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

Meth can be detected in urine for one to seven days, in blood for one to three days, in saliva for up to two days, and in hair follicles for up to 90 days.

What Does Meth Look Like?

Meth typically appears as a white, bitter-tasting powder or in crystalline form, which resembles glass fragments or shiny, bluish-white rocks.

How Addictive is Meth?

Meth is extremely addictive due to its rapid and powerful impact on dopamine levels in the brain, leading to quick development of tolerance and dependence.

How Long Do Meth Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Withdrawal symptoms from meth addiction can persist for several weeks, with the most intense symptoms typically subsiding within the first one to two weeks.

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is a potent central nervous system stimulant known for its euphoric effects, often found in powder or crystallized form known as crystal meth.

What is a Behavioral Health Technician?

A behavioral health technician supports the treatment of individuals with behavioral disorders, mental health issues, or substance abuse problems, assisting in implementing care plans and providing direct patient support under professional supervision.

What is a Behavioral Health Specialist?

A behavioral health specialist is a professional trained in diagnosing and treating a variety of behavioral health issues, often providing counseling, therapy, and creating treatment plans for mental health and substance use disorders.

What are Behavioral Health Services?

Behavioral health services encompass a range of interventions and support for mental health issues, substance abuse, and behavioral challenges, including counseling, psychiatric care, and rehabilitation programs.

What is the Difference between Behavioral Health and Mental Health?

The key difference lies in scope: behavioral health covers a broader range, including mental health, substance use, and behaviors affecting health, while mental health focuses specifically on emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

What is Integrated Behavioral Health?

Integrated behavioral health is a holistic approach combining mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and primary healthcare, ensuring comprehensive patient care for both physical and mental well-being.

What is Behavioral Health Counseling?

Behavioral health counseling is a therapeutic approach focusing on modifying behaviors and lifestyle choices to improve mental and physical well-being, often addressing mental health issues alongside.

What is Behavioral Health?

Behavioral health refers to the interplay between behavior and the health of the mind, body, and spirit, encompassing mental health, substance use, and lifestyle choices impacting wellness.

What are the Risk Factors of Ignoring Dual Diagnosis?

Ignoring dual diagnosis poses severe risks such as worsened mental health symptoms, increased substance abuse, and higher relapse rates. Lack of targeted treatment can lead to a cycle of deterioration affecting relationships, employment, and overall well-being. Early identification is key.

What Mental Illnesses are Commonly Tied to Dual Diagnosis?

Common mental illnesses in dual diagnosis include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and ADHD. These conditions often interact with substance abuse, exacerbating each other and complicating treatment. Proper diagnosis is crucial for a targeted, effective treatment plan.

Why is it Important to Identify Dual Diagnosis?

Identifying dual diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Treating only one condition often leads to high relapse rates for both. A targeted approach that addresses both mental health and substance abuse can significantly improve overall well-being and reduce the stigma associated with these conditions.

How common is dual diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is increasingly recognized as a common occurrence, affecting millions in the U.S. alone. Estimates suggest that about 50% of individuals with a mental disorder will also have a substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives, making integrated treatment crucial.

What is the most common dual diagnosis?

The most common dual diagnosis often involves depression or anxiety disorders paired with alcohol or drug abuse. These conditions interact, as individuals may use substances to cope with mental health symptoms, which in turn exacerbates their condition. Proper treatment targets both issues.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder in an individual. These conditions often interact, making treatment more complex. Addressing both issues is essential for effective, long-term recovery.

What is an example of dual diagnosis?

An example of dual diagnosis is an individual suffering from both depression and alcoholism. The conditions often feed into each other, creating a cycle that worsens both issues. Treatment requires a coordinated approach to address both the mental health and substance abuse aspects.

When should you walk away from someone with mental illness?

Deciding to distance yourself from someone with a mental illness is a complex and sensitive issue that should be handled with care. If the relationship becomes too emotionally draining, affects your own mental health negatively, or if there's a pattern of toxic behavior that doesn't improve despite attempts to help, it may be time to consider walking away. Prioritize your own well-being, and consult with mental health professionals for guidance on how to approach the situation.

What can you do for the severely mentally ill?

For individuals with severe mental illness, immediate professional intervention is crucial, which may include inpatient or residential treatment for acute symptoms. Support from loved ones in helping them access and navigate mental health services is vital. It's important to maintain an open dialogue, while also guiding them toward professional evaluation and treatment options tailored to their needs.

How do people with mental illness get help?

Individuals with mental illness can begin their journey to recovery by recognizing the signs and symptoms of their condition. Open and empathetic conversations with loved ones can provide initial support and encouragement to seek professional help. Professional assistance may include consulting a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment, which can encompass various approaches like therapy, medication, and sometimes inpatient care.

What to do with a mentally ill person who won't get help?

When dealing with someone who is mentally ill and refuses to seek help, it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Providing non-judgmental support while offering information on available mental health resources can be beneficial. However, if the person poses an immediate risk to themselves or others, emergency intervention may be necessary.

A Xanax bar is usually the 2 mg version of the alprazolam. It comes in four squares attached lengthwise and is referred to as a Xanax bar (or xanny bar).

8 Signs of Alcohol Poisoning: What to Do in an Alcohol Emergency

Many people enjoy alcohol on special occasions and at friendly gatherings. However, if you or someone else is in physical distress from drinking too much, the happy times may seem far away. Alcohol overdose is a dangerous condition. Yet, how can you tell if it is happening to you or a friend? Here are the main signs of alcohol poisoning and how to seek immediate alcohol treatment.

Table of Contents

Recognizing Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

woman laying on the table near alcohol drink

When you or someone you care about suffers from an alcohol overdose, the consequences could be severe. Yet, if you recognize the symptoms, you can get help quickly. The following sections describe what to look for to identify the possibility of alcohol poisoning.

How Do You Know If You Have Alcohol Poisoning?

If you are overdosing on alcohol, you will notice the following symptoms.

You feel confused, and like you are in a stupor.
It becomes hard to stay conscious or awake.
You begin vomiting.
Your breathing slows and becomes irregular.
You feel your heart slowing down.
Your skin feels clammy.
Your body is not responding as usual. For example, you may not have a gag reflex anymore.
Your body temperature gets so low that your skin turns bluish, and you look very pale.

What Does Alcohol Poisoning Feel Like?

Alcohol poisoning does not happen all at once. At first, you might notice mild impairments, like slurred speech, poor coordination, feeling relaxed or sleepy, or having trouble balancing, remembering, or paying attention. If the condition gets no worse, you have little to worry about.

However, remember: Your BAC can continue to rise for up to 40 minutes after you quit drinking. So, the signs of alcohol poisoning could show up for a while after you take your last drink.

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Once your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises a little higher, you become more impaired. Some people become aggressive, and you might feel angry or ready to fight. You might not realize that driving is a bad idea at this point. However, your reflexes are too slowed down, and your ability to pay attention decreases.

If your BAC reaches 0.16 to 0.30%, all these effects become more severe. In addition to increasing difficulties in speech, coordination, and balance, you now have trouble making decisions or judging what you should do. You might feel very confused. You may have blackouts where you do not remember what happened. Vomiting could start, and you may even lose consciousness.

Then, if your BAC reaches 0.31 to 0.45%, your condition worsens. You lose consciousness, and your basic bodily functions begin to fail. Your breathing may become irregular, you may have trouble staying awake, your breathing becomes irregular, and your heart rate slows. Your body temperature drops, your skin becomes clammy, and you may have seizures. In short, alcohol poisoning feels miserable for as long as you are conscious. By then, it has already become life-threatening.

Effects of Alcohol Poisoning

Aside from the signs of alcohol poisoning, what does an alcohol overdose do to your body? Here’s what you need to know about what happens once alcohol poisoning begins.

How Long Does Alcohol Poisoning Last?

There is no one exact answer to how long the signs of alcohol poisoning will last. How long it takes to happen and how long it takes to leave your body varies, depending on several factors.

Age
Gender
Weight
Metabolism
Alcohol sensitivity
Strength of alcohol
How fast you are drinking
Whether and what you have eaten
Any medications in your system

Because everyone is different, and everyone has a different set of circumstances, it makes sense to seek help sooner rather than later. Once you or your friend gets help, it could take a significant amount of time to get their body back to its usual functioning.

Here’s another thing to keep in mind about alcohol overdoses. While alcohol is one of the 5 most addictive drugs, you can fall prey to alcohol poisoning even the first day you drink if you do it to excess.

Can You Die from Alcohol Poisoning?

It is true that you can die from alcohol poisoning. The bodily systems that keep you alive begin to fail, putting you at an ever-increasing risk of death or severe brain damage. Without your gag reflex, you could choke on your vomit. If you pass out, you could lose consciousness permanently. Alcohol overdose is a scary condition, but with help, you can avoid the worst outcomes.

What to Do in an Alcohol Emergency

If you see signs of alcohol poisoning, you need to use your emergency number immediately. Call 911 and ask for help as soon as you see some of the signs. Do not wait to see every one of them. Remember, if you or your friend displays these symptoms, get help now.

Is awake but unresponsive
Can’t wake up or stay conscious
Vomits
Has a seizure
Breathing is slowed to 8 breaths per minute or slower
Breathes irregularly, with at least 10 seconds between breaths.
Heart rate slows down
Skin is clammy
No gag reflex
Skin looks bluish and feels very cold
Has a seizure due to low blood sugar or dehydration

While you are waiting for help to arrive, it is important to take the right actions and avoid doing things that will make matters worse. Here are some rules of thumb to make sure you stay on the right track to help yourself or someone else survive.

What to Do

Do not leave someone with alcohol poisoning alone. If you are the one with signs of alcohol poisoning, ask someone to stay with you if possible. Stay sitting upright, preferably on the floor or ground, to prevent falls. To prevent choking, help your friend when they vomit by having them lean forward. If the person is unconscious, turn them on one side to prevent choking due to an absent gag reflex. Cover them with a blanket to prevent further hypothermia.

The emergency team will need information about you or your friend who is suffering from an alcohol overdose. If you are there with your friend, it might help to write down things like:

How much and what they drank
Any other drugs they took
Any medical conditions you know they have
Medications you are aware they take

What Not to Do

Do not try home remedies while someone is potentially suffering from an alcohol overdose. Do not give them anything to eat or drink unless it is small sips of water. Do not take them for a walk. Instead of telling them to take a shower or drink coffee, keep them as quiet and still as possible. Their life may be in danger, and they need to avoid doing anything that might cause them injury or increase their risk.

Treating Alcohol Poisoning

Once someone with alcohol poisoning reaches the hospital, the critical phase of treatment begins. During this phase, the doctors and nurses may do several things, including:

Give IV fluids to hydrate, keep blood sugar at good levels, and give them vitamins
Give oxygen therapy or intubate to improve breathing and decrease the chance of choking
Flush alcohol out of the stomach
Use hemodialysis to remove alcohol from their blood.

The goal in this phase is simply to keep you alive while they get your body back to a state of normal functioning.

The second phase of alcohol poisoning treatment happens after the crisis is past. At this point, the goal is to help you or your friend deal with a binge drinking disorder, other alcohol use disorder, or behavioral health problems that contributed to your alcohol overdose. These treatments could include medications, individual and group psychotherapy, and various other types of therapy.

Where to Go for Help with Alcohol Poisoning

For the first phase of alcohol poisoning treatment, you might be taken to any hospital near where you are. However, for the second phase, and in some cases the first as well, you may be able to choose where you seek help.

If you decide to come to Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital, the emergency room, your family member, or you yourself can make the referral. In any case, you admit yourself if you feel a longer-term program would help you.

At Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital, we assist people in and near Central and Southern Ohio. We welcome you to our treatment programs if you are ready to make a fresh start after drug and alcohol problems such as an alcohol overdose. With a full range of services and groups ranging from life skills training to music and recreational therapy, you will get the help you need to overcome alcohol-related problems.

Within our beautiful grounds and inpatient facility, we provide the most effective treatments for those experiencing the emotional and physical aftereffects of alcohol poisoning. Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital is always here for you, making it easy for you to get the help you need.

FAQ

1. What are the common signs of alcohol poisoning?

The common signs of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia, and unconsciousness. Immediate medical attention is required if any of these symptoms are present.

2. What should I do if someone is showing signs of alcohol poisoning?

If someone shows signs of alcohol poisoning, call emergency services immediately. Keep the person awake and sitting up if possible. Do not leave them alone, and try to keep them warm. Do not give them food, water, or coffee.

3. Can alcohol poisoning be fatal?

Yes, alcohol poisoning can be fatal. It can lead to severe health complications such as choking, brain damage, and death if not treated promptly.

4. How can I prevent alcohol poisoning?

To prevent alcohol poisoning, drink alcohol in moderation, eat before and during drinking, avoid binge drinking, and know your limits. Stay hydrated and never leave drinks unattended.

5. Is it safe to let someone “sleep off” alcohol poisoning?

No, it is not safe to let someone “sleep off” alcohol poisoning. The person’s condition can worsen, and they can become unresponsive. Always seek immediate medical help if you suspect alcohol poisoning.

If You Are Considering Rehab

More than anything, patients need to know that they will receive the best possible care. It’s important to remember that the care you need today may be different from the care you need tomorrow. There are many types of therapy available at Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital, so reach out if you need assistance in the Middle Point, Ohio area.

Call (419) 949-8590 to speak with one of our treatment specialists and learn more about our programs. Take our 😍 Mental Health Assessment or our 🧐 Addiction Test.