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I’m Afraid They’ll Overdose

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(949) 807-2008

Medically Reviewed By:

EricChaghouriMD-641h-e1758224525342

Dr. Eric Chaghouri

Medical Director

Dr. Eric Chaghouri is a distinguished forensic psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist with a thriving private practice in West Hollywood and Century City, California. He specializes in the treatment of co-occurring psychiatric and addictive disorders and is recognized for his work with attorneys, courts, and legal teams in both civil and criminal litigation. He also provides expert consultation on psychiatric issues for major television networks and oversees a growing team of mental health clinicians.

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Support That Truly Cares

Reach out for confidential support, no pressure, no judgment. We’re here to help you take the next step.

  • 100% Confidential. Your Privacy Is Protected.

When Every Phone Call Makes Your Heart Skip a Beat

If you’ve ever seen an unfamiliar number pop up on your phone and felt your heart race, wondering what you were about to hear, you are not alone.

We have sat with many families who live with that fear every single day. Families affected by addiction often carry a constant, exhausting burden of worry, wondering if the next text, missed call, or knock on the door will bring devastating news.

You are not overreacting, and you are not alone. Millions of families and children navigate the painful realities of a loved one’s substance use disorder every day.

The Reality of Today’s Drug Supply

Today’s drug supply is more unpredictable than ever. According to the DEA, many counterfeit pills contain fentanyl. In fact, laboratory testing has found that 7 out of every 10 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills contain a potentially lethal dose.

prevent relapse reduce risk

Because fentanyl is frequently mixed into other drugs, many people unknowingly consume it believing they are taking a completely different substance.

What You Can Do Today

While you cannot control every circumstance, there are actionable steps you can take right now to protect your loved one and prepare yourself:

  • Carry Naloxone (Narcan): Keep it on hand and learn exactly how to use it. It can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.
  • Learn the Warning Signs: Educate yourself on the physical symptoms of an overdose (such as blue/gray lips, slow breathing, or unresponsiveness).
  • Keep Emergency Numbers Ready: Have critical phone numbers easily accessible for quick dialing.
  • Reach Out Early: Seek professional guidance and support before a crisis occurs.

The Most Important Thing to Remember

If you are worried about your loved one, trust that feeling. You do not have to wait for an overdose or another crisis before reaching out for help. The earlier you seek guidance, the more options you and your loved one may have.

integrated dual diagnosis treatment plan

IMMEDIATE DANGER: If you believe your loved one is currently experiencing an overdose or is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

Whether your loved one is ready for treatment today or not, we are here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you understand your options. One conversation can make all the difference.

We’ll walk this path with you.

References & Resources

You Don't Have to Carry This Alone.

Whether your biggest fear is an overdose, losing a job, declining health, damaged relationships, or simply not knowing what to do next, we want you to know that there is hope. Our team is here to answer your questions, help you understand your options, and support both you and your loved one. There is no pressure, no judgment, and no obligation, just caring professionals who understand how difficult this journey can be. The call is free.

Take the next step when you’re ready. We are here to walk this path with you. We also have free monthly informational and support meetings for you. Please click here for more information. It is a hybrid meeting, live in person and on-line for those who cannot make it to Costa Mesa.

I’m ready for help
I’m a loved one

Quiz: How Much Drinking Is Too Much?

Is your evening glass of wine a harmless habit, or is it starting to catch up with you? It’s not always easy to tell where “social drinking” ends and “too much” begins.

Take this quick, 2-minute quiz to check in on your relationship with alcohol and get clear, personalized insights.

If you answered "Yes" to more than one question:

Reflecting on your routine and finding balance

Answering "yes" to one or more of these questions can be a sign that alcohol might be starting to take up a bit more space in your mind, routine, or relationships than you would like. It is incredibly common for drinking habits to slowly shift over time, especially during stressful seasons, but realizing you want to look closer at those habits is a brave first step.

  • A gentle next step: You don’t have to make any major, life-altering decisions today. Simply giving yourself permission to talk openly and honestly about where you are can lift a massive weight.
  • Let's talk it through: We have compassionate, real people ready to listen and walk alongside you. Whether your goal is to cut back, take a temporary break, or just share your story, we are here with zero judgment and absolute confidentiality.

Want us to reach out to you?

Leave your details below and a caring member of our team will connect with you quietly and confidentially.

Quiz: Am I Depressed?

We all experience days when we feel down, exhausted, or just completely unmotivated. But when those heavy feelings start lingering, it can be hard to tell if you’re just going through a rough patch or if it’s something more.

This quick, confidential check-in is designed to help you pause and reflect on how you’ve actually been feeling lately. It is completely anonymous, entirely non-judgmental, and takes less than two minutes.

If you answered "Yes" to 3 questions or more:

Finding a gentle path forward

Answering "yes" to one or more of these questions can be a sign that a heavy mood, low energy, or a sense of exhaustion has started to weave its way into your daily life. Carrying this emotional weight is incredibly tiring, but acknowledging how much you have been holding inside is a profound and brave first step toward feeling like yourself again.

    • A gentle next step: You don’t have to navigate these heavy feelings or find the answers all on your own. Simply letting someone else help carry the weight for a moment can offer immense relief.
  • Let's talk it through: We have warm, compassionate people ready to listen and walk alongside you. Whether you are looking for guidance on how to start feeling better, or simply want a safe, confidential space to share what you've been going through—we are here for you.

Want us to reach out to you?

Leave your details below and a caring member of our team will connect with you quietly and confidentially.

Quiz: Do I Have a Substance Use Problem?

It’s common for habits to slowly shift over time, especially during stressful seasons. Often, we find ourselves using a substance to cope, unwind, or get through the day, only to realize it is starting to take up more space in our routine, thoughts, or relationships than we’d like.

This quick, 10-question check-in is a quiet space to reflect honestly on how your use is impacting your life. It is entirely anonymous, completely free of clinical judgment, and takes less than two minutes.

If you answered "Yes" to more than one question:

Reflecting on your routine and finding balance

Answering "yes" to one or more of these questions can be a sign that substance use might be starting to take up a bit more space in your mind, routine, or relationships than you would like. It is incredibly common for these habits to slowly shift over time, especially during stressful seasons, but realizing you want to look closer at those habits is a brave first step.

  • A gentle next step: You don’t have to make any major, life-altering decisions today. Simply giving yourself permission to talk openly and honestly about where you are can lift a massive weight.
  • Let's talk it through: We have compassionate, real people ready to listen and walk alongside you. Whether your goal is to cut back, take a temporary break, or just share your story, we are here with zero judgment and absolute confidentiality.

Want us to reach out to you?

Leave your details below and a caring member of our team will connect with you quietly and confidentially.

Quiz: Could It Be Both?

When we are struggling with deep stress, anxious thoughts, or a low mood, it is incredibly natural to look for immediate relief. Sometimes, we turn to alcohol or other substances just to quiet our minds, get some sleep, or feel normal for a night. 

This short self-assessment is designed to help you pause and look at how these two parts of your life might be influencing each other. It is entirely anonymous and takes less than two minutes.

If you answered "Yes" to more than one question:

Reflecting on how your experiences connect

Answering "yes" to one or more of these questions can be a sign that your mental health and substance use are deeply intertwined. When anxiety, depression, or stress connect with alcohol or drug use, they often feed into one another in a cycle. Recognizing this link is a powerful and brave step toward finding a path that heals both at the same time.

  • A gentle next step: You don’t have to separate these struggles or try to fix them one by one. True recovery looks at the whole picture, and starting with a simple, honest conversation can offer immense relief.
  • Let's talk it through: We have compassionate, real people ready to listen and walk alongside you. Whether your goal is to find balance, heal from trauma, or address both mental health and substance use together—we are here with zero judgment and absolute confidentiality.

Want us to reach out to you?

Leave your details below and a caring member of our team will connect with you quietly and confidentially.

Alcohol Self-Assessment

Take a moment to answer these questions honestly.
There are no right or wrong answers.

This assessment is not a medical diagnosis, but it can help you determine whether alcohol may be having a greater impact on your life than you realize.

In the past 12 months…

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Developed by Patrick Conod, LCSW, and Cari Lawyer, CATC I, on behalf of the Changes Treatment Center Clinical Leadership Team.

Is My Loved One Struggling with Alcohol?

A Self-Assessment for Family Members and Friends

Watching someone you love change because of alcohol can be confusing and heartbreaking. You may find yourself questioning what you’re seeing, wondering if you’re overreacting, or hoping things will get better on their own.

This assessment is designed to help you reflect on the behaviors you’ve noticed. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it may help you determine whether it’s time to seek guidance or support.

In the past 12 months…

Check our resources Help My Loved One
Developed by Patrick Conod, LCSW, and Cari Lawyer, CATC I, on behalf of the Changes Treatment Center Clinical Leadership Team.

Developed by Patrick Conod, LCSW, and Cari Lawyer, CATC I, on behalf of the Changes Treatment Center Clinical Leadership Team.