The severity of a drug overdose depends on the drug, the amount taken, and the physical and medical history of the person who overdosed. Overdoses can also occur from taking over-the-counter medications or even seemingly harmless substances, such as vitamin supplements, which the FDA does not regulate. Overdoses of over-the-counter drugs may be even more harmful and irreversible than controlled drugs. An overdose is when someone takes a dangerously large dose of some drug.
Risk factors
- An overdose is when a person consumes “over” the recommended or typical dose of a substance.
- Try to wake the person and provide supportive breathing if possible.
- Opioid overdose is the largest representation of drug-related overdoses within the US.
- Eventually, the brain is no longer able to do its basic job of ensuring regular breathing, and the person may stop breathing altogether.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual rates of death from overdose of synthetic opioids such as tramadol and fentanyl have increased five-fold since the early 2000s. Part of this increase may have to do with the potency of synthetic opioids. For example, the CDC indicates that fentanyl, a man-made opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Different substances cause different symptoms during an overdose. Although not universal, vomiting, seizures or convulsions, irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness or alertness are common across overdoses of several different substances.
- The term ‘overdose’ is often misused as a descriptor for adverse drug reactions or negative drug interactions due to mixing multiple drugs simultaneously.
- All these substances are considered highly dangerous as there is rarely any standardization to them.
- The drug naloxone (Narcan) can also help treat an opioid overdose by blocking opioids’ effects in the body.
- Always seek treatment for paracetamol overdose immediately, even if the person seems well.
- Opioids, including heroin, prescription painkillers and fentanyl, drive the majority of fatal overdoses in the United States.
- Signs and symptoms vary with the substance ingested, the method used, and many other factors, as do the treatments.
Overdose risk factors
An overdose (OD), or drug overdose, is when someone accidentally or intentionally consumes more than a safe or typical amount of a substance such as a prescription medication or drug. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and what to do if you think you or someone else may be overdosing is life-saving information. It is imperative that if you or someone you know is experiencing overdose symptoms, you find treatment as soon as possible to prevent any serious life-threatening conditions from occurring. For many, starting the addiction treatment process is the scariest step; however, it’s not the last. Once overdose symptoms are safely managed, and a safe detoxification process is complete, the next step toward recovery can begin. To learn more about the recovery process, contact a treatment provider today.
The hope was that this would encourage people to seek emergency medical care to help save someone’s life. For some accidental drug overdoses, the local poison control center may recommend home therapy and observation. Because of the potential for problems after some overdoses, syrup of ipecac or other therapies should not be given unless directed by a medical professional. An emergency-medicine specialist in a hospital’s emergency department treats a drug overdose. If a child overdoses, depending on the circumstances, Child Protective Services personnel may be involved.
Overdoses can cause long-term damage to the brain and body and can even lead to death. Getting an overdose victim to a hospital quickly could save their life. Many overdoses are believed to be accidental, happening when a person unknowingly ingests too much of a substance, but some are intentional when a person is attempting suicide. 2 Overdoses can be and often are, fatal if not treated by medical professionals immediately.
Why Do People Overdose on Drugs or Alcohol?
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has more information about different types of drugs, their effects and risk factors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very successful form of therapy because it targets a specific problem and finds a solution tailored to the problem. It is useful to teach patients about the negative habits connected to their overdose and help them work toward eliminating these factors to achieve a substance-free life. The dosage of drug or alcohol can establish the difference between a non-fatal overdose and a fatal one.
Opioid overdose
In some cases, though, people may refer to someone’s death as “They OD’d on heroin.” This is sometimes a common term in television medical dramas. Yes, overdosing can be a cause of death, just like a heart attack can. But in many cases, when drug overdose meaning someone gets medical intervention fast enough for a heart attack, they can be saved. An overdose occurs when an individual takes more than the recommended amount of a drug or alcohol.
People who take more than one CNS depressant (like drinking alcohol while on opioid painkillers) have a much higher risk of overdose. This is because they are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which slow down brain activity. Taking a toxic dose of a CNS depressant is what leads to stopped breathing, coma, and death. Unfortunately, we continue to experience an epidemic of drug overdoses within the US and across the globe. Overdose-related deaths have increased by 31% from 2019 to 2020, highlighting an alarming spike in what are otherwise preventable deaths.
The amount of substance taken
Drug overdose, ingestion or administration of a drug or drugs in an amount that exceeds recommended levels or quantities typically used, resulting in toxicity. Drug overdose can occur with prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational drugs and can be intentional or accidental. Symptoms vary based on the type of substance and the amount taken. Treatment for drug overdose varies but often involves the use of activated charcoal, gastric lavage, and intravenous fluids. Certain other drugs may be used to reverse an overdose, such as naloxone in the case of opioids.
Symptoms and treatment
A drug overdose occurs when a person takes too much of a drug, interfering with the brain and body’s ability to function. A drug overdose is a medical emergency and can have potentially fatal consequences.1 And in cases of non-fatal overdose, the person may still experience harmful short-term and long-term effects. Drug overdose is when a person ingests more the recommended, safe, or typical dose of a prescription medication, recreational drug, or illicit substance. It may happen accidentally or intentionally; both are emergencies.
Seek immediate medical help by calling 911 or taking them to an emergency unit. If you aren’t sure if someone is overdosing, it’s best to act as if they are by seeking emergency help. An overdose is when a person consumes “over” the recommended or typical dose of a substance. An overdose can be accidental (i.e., you were prescribed a dose of medication, and your body does not handle it as expected), or it may be intentional. Many substances can cause a state of sedation when abused due to how they interact with the central nervous system (CNS). Many systems are regulated by the CNS, which helps explain why overdoses of other substances, such as alcohol and opiates, can result in critical body systems failing.
Access State-Specific Provider Directories for detailed information on locating licensed service providers and recovery residences in your area. We do not receive any fee or commission dependent upon which treatment or provider a caller chooses. If three to five minutes has passed and the person hasn’t begun breathing and first responders have not arrived, then administer a second dose of Narcan.
Paracetamol is a common form of pain management and is also used to reduce fever. National Harm Reduction Coalition creates spaces for dialogue and action that help heal the harms caused by racialized drug policies. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. Start your recovery journey with peace of mind, knowing your care is covered. If you have depression or suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor right away.
Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health Centers is a network of intensive outpatient (IOP) addiction treatment centers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. More than 50 years ago – provides easier access to treatment, greater program flexibility, and dramatically lower costs traditional inpatient programs – with equal success and effectiveness. Although naloxone is now available over the counter, cost and lack of insurance reimbursement or coverage can prevent those most at risk from accessing it.