Use of Multiple Drugs in Teens: Care Instructions
Overview
You have had treatment to help your body get rid of a combination of any of these types of drugs:
Taking certain drugs together may cause a bad reaction. They can have unexpected or stronger effects on your
body and mind. For example, opioids and alcohol both depress the nervous system. Taken together, each one is
stronger than when it is taken by itself.
You are getting better. But it takes time for the drugs to leave your body. It may take up to 2 weeks or
longer for your mind to clear and your mood to improve.
Depending on the drugs you took, the doctor might have:
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Watched your symptoms or done tests to find out what drugs were in your body.
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Treated you to control your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
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Tried to remove the drugs from your body by pumping your stomach or giving you a substance by mouth that
absorbs chemicals.
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Given you medicines to ease withdrawal.
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Given you oxygen to help you breathe.
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Given you fluids.
The doctor also watched you carefully to make sure you were recovering safely.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all
appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results
and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
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Adopt healthy habits to ease withdrawal symptoms. When you use alcohol and certain drugs regularly, your
body gets used to them. This is called physical dependence. If you are physically dependent on them, you may
have withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. These symptoms may include trembling, feeling restless,
and sweating. To help get past these:
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Get plenty of rest.
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Drink lots of fluids.
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Stay active.
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Eat healthy foods.
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Drink fluids to soothe your throat. If you had a tube in your throat to help you breathe, you may have a
sore throat or hoarseness that can last a few days.
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If you use opioids, ask your doctor or pharmacist about having a naloxone rescue kit on hand.
Get help to stop using drugs. You may need medical care to manage withdrawal symptoms when you first quit.
Withdrawal can be dangerous without medical care. Ask your doctor about substance use treatment programs.
When should you call for help?
Call 911
anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a
substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
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You have new or worse symptoms of withdrawal, such as trembling, feeling restless, and sweating,
that you can't manage at home.
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Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Current as of: November 15, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of
this information.