31 August : International Drug Overdose Prevention Day

In France, several hundred deaths by overdose were recorded in 2022, affecting users aged 15 and over. Drug use is intensifying and users and sellers are increasingly turning to hard drugs. Those who used to sell cannabis can now also sell cocaine. Access to these drugs has been made easier for users. Indeed, there is now a form of ubercisation in the sale of drugs, as the police have noticed that some people are now being delivered. It has therefore become a priority to think about saving lives by avoiding the use of illicit products.

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1. WHAT IS AN OVERDOSE ?

An overdose is an excessive intake of a substance, producing effects that the body can no longer tolerate. This consumption surpasses the body’s tolerance threshold, which is unique to each person based on morphology, usual consumption, lifestyle habits, etc.

Regardless of the drug or medication taken, an overdose is possible. Today, the illegal market for illicit substances is growing, affecting more and more users, whether they are new to consumption or not. Lack of knowledge about the consequences and uses among consumers makes this consumption even more dangerous. An overdose can occur accidentally following drug use or intentionally, as in a suicide attempt.

Moreover, it is difficult to truly know what the consumed substance contains. Products are often mixed with other substances that can be much more dangerous even in small doses, such as fentanyl or carfentanil. An overdose can manifest through altered states of consciousness, potentially leading to comas. Symptoms such as excessive sweating, reduced respiratory rate, and changes in heart rate (either slowing down or excessively speeding up) can be experienced, often leading to death if resuscitation is not administered very quickly.

If you see someone suffering from these symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

2. HOW TO PREVENT AN OVERDOSE ?

Regarding prevention, it is challenging to prohibit someone who wants to use drugs from doing so. They will not listen to or heed your advice. However, you can always try to prevent, guide, and support the person. It is true that drug use is often due to underlying distress that one tries to numb with a substance that temporarily eases the pain. Try to understand the composition of the drug the person is using. Do not judge but accept their consumption. This understanding can help in addressing the person’s distress and facilitate guiding them towards a healthcare professional. If this person is using drugs in your presence, encourage them to hydrate regularly. It is important that they do not use drugs alone. Overdoses often occur when there is no one to call for help and assist the person. But can you stay with this person while they use? It is important not to use other substances simultaneously and to start with small doses. Be ready to alert emergency services if necessary.

The most important thing if you want to help someone who uses drugs is not to make them feel guilty but to show that you are ready to listen and help guide them towards another professional. You can call a drug information center or an addiction center such as a CSAPA or CAARUD. They can also provide anti-overdose kits that you can use on the person if they lose consciousness (instructions are on the packaging). Overdose death can be prevented if you administer naloxone, present in these kits, either by spray or injection, and perform certain first aid measures while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Follow the instructions you have and what emergency responders tell you. There may sometimes be shortages, so always try to have some on hand or ask the person who uses drugs to carry one with them.

3. SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION

If you are unsure about someone’s drug use and have doubts about their behavior, certain signs can provide clues. Not all drugs have the same symptoms, but these can give you an indication. You may notice changes in the person’s daily activities and hygiene, significant weight changes, unstable sleep patterns, extreme fatigue, and an unpleasant body odor. Impulsive, aggressive behaviors and excessive daydreaming, accompanied by severe anxiety or depressive symptoms, may also be noticed.

Physically, you might see unusual marks on the body, syringe marks, red eyes with dilated pupils, tremors, abnormal redness or paleness, nosebleeds, and a dry cough.

If you think you have detected these signs in someone you know, you can try to talk to them about possible solutions in a supportive manner. Remember that drug use is often a crutch and a solution found to cope with another underlying problem. You can invite them to get a consumption assessment from a professional. There are specialized addiction clinics, hospital services, or psychiatrists who can help.

In any case, do not try to bear the weight of the person’s consumption on your own, but help them get redirected to a professional or center that can provide appropriate assistance.

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
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