Reduced Consciousness

Reduced consciousness is a condition in which the physiological and psychological state of your being aware of your environment, or response to stimuli, is other than normal.

When you suffer from reduced consciousness, your ability to remain awake, aware, and oriented is also affected.

Your brain is responsible for maintaining consciousness, and it requires certain level of oxygen and glucose in order to function properly. However, many substances you take daily affect your brain chemistry, thereby reducing your level of mental alertness and consciousness. For substance abusers and addicts, when they take these substances, their brain chemical composition is altered, thereby reducing consciousness.

Reduced consciousness can be an emergency health situation and should be attended to immediately. Everything possible should be done a coma, which is the most severe level of consciousness impairment. Some common types of reduced consciousness include: confusion, disorientation, delirium, lethargy, stupor, and coma.

The Signs of Reduced Consciousness

Many conditions related to addiction have overlapping, and similar, symptoms and signs. The substances consumed reduce the mental alertness of the individual. You should always be aware of the following signs, and report immediately to an expert before the condition grows beyond your control:

The doctor may find it necessary to assess the patient using the ‘ABCDE’ steps (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Disability, Exposure/Everything else).

Other things the doctor may ask you about is the preceding events, the duration and onset of reduced consciousness, its progression, pattern, past medical history, and past social history.

Meanwhile, here are some signs for which you need to call a doctor immediately for help if they occur:

• The person faints (first aid should be carried out to immediately to resuscitate the person).
• The person has a seizure (the person might be an epileptic patient or has some type of head injury, or, if substance abuse is combined with this condition, it might lead to death).
• Irregular heart beat or rapid pulse (pulse and heartbeat beyond the normal level is a telltale sign you need a doctor).
• Loss of balance, falling, or difficulty walking (substances like alcohol can impair the balance of an individual. Such a person should be assisted immediately to avoid sustaining further injuries).
• Coma (don’t allow it to get to this stage. However, if the person has gone into a coma without anybody around, call for help immediately and find someone who can help.)

Helping someone overcome an addiction challenge should not be left to an individual alone. Showing love when someone needs it can help improve recovery speed. Talk to a professional now.