When faced with a substance use overdose, knowing where to seek medical attention can be the difference between life and death. Many people are unsure whether urgent care is enough or if they need to go straight to the hospital emergency room (ER). This guide will help clarify the difference so you or a loved one can get the right care immediately.
When to Go to the ER for an Overdose
In most cases, an overdose is a medical emergency that requires the hospital ER or calling 911. Urgent care centers are not equipped to handle life-threatening overdoses. If you notice any of these severe symptoms, go to the hospital immediately or call 911:
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
- Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
- Blue or pale skin, lips, or fingernails (signs of oxygen deprivation)
- Seizures or convulsions
- Slow, weak, or irregular heartbeat
- Vomiting while unconscious (risk of choking)
- Extreme confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
ER Treatment for an Overdose
The hospital is equipped to provide life-saving treatment depending on the substance involved:
- Opioid overdose: Administration of Narcan (naloxone) to reverse effects.
- Alcohol overdose: IV fluids, oxygen, and monitoring to prevent breathing issues.
- Stimulant overdose (meth, cocaine, etc.): Medications to stabilize heart rate, blood pressure, and agitation.
- Benzodiazepine overdose: Supportive care, breathing assistance, and sometimes flumazenil.
When Urgent Care Might Be an Option
Urgent care is not designed to treat overdoses, but it may help in limited situations, such as:
- Mild withdrawal symptoms (nausea, headache, anxiety) where immediate medical intervention isn’t necessary.
- Non-life-threatening drug-related issues (dehydration, minor injuries, infections from injection drug use).
- If you’re unsure about your symptoms and need medical guidance, urgent care can assess and refer you to the proper level of care.
Beyond the Emergency: Finding Long-Term Help
While urgent care and the hospital can save your life in the moment, they don’t provide a long-term solution. If substance use has led to an overdose or repeated medical emergencies, it may be time to consider professional addiction treatment.
A facility like My Time Recovery offers medical detox, inpatient rehab, and ongoing support to help individuals break free from addiction for good. If you or a loved one needs help beyond urgent care or the ER, seeking professional treatment could be the next life-changing step.
Need guidance? Contact a trusted recovery center to explore your options—because real healing starts after the emergency is over.