Recognizing the warning signs of an overdose is crucial for providing timely help and potentially saving a life. A variety of substances, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, and illegal drugs, cause overdoses. The specific signs can vary depending on the substance, which is why it’s essential to identify the cause of overdose and its associated symptoms.

The Most Common Substances Causing Overdoses

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is an ongoing issue, remaining the leading cause of injury-related death. Drug overdose deaths are up 30% every year, with over 96,000 people dying from drug overdoses a year. The most common substances associated with overdoses include prescription medications, illegal drugs, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• Stimulants
• Alcohol
• Antidepressants
• Sleep Medications
• OTC pain relievers
• Hallucinogens
• Psychedelics
• Synthetic drugs

Opioids persist as the leading cause of drug overdose deaths, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and heroin. Due to their high potential for dependence and fatal overdose, opioids are responsible for 75.4% of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin, are commonly prescribed for treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While they are prescription medications, they can be dangerous when misused, especially when combined with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol or opioids. Overdosing on stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, as well as illegal stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and severe psychological effects. Alcohol, especially when combined with other substances, is a common cause of overdose. Alcohol poisoning can exhaust bodily functions, leading to coma or death.

Overdosing on antidepressants, specifically SSRIs, can lead to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Sleep medications like Ambien can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory depression in high doses. Overdoses of medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (ibuprofen) can cause severe liver damage and gastrointestinal bleeding. While drugs like LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), and psilocybin are less commonly associated with fatal overdoses, they can cause reckless behavior and health complications. Substances like synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic marijuana, Spice, K2) and synthetic cathinone (bath salts) are generally unpredictable in potency, potentially causing severe health issues and overdose.

Signs and Symptoms of an Overdose

Overdose signs and symptoms generally vary depending on the type of substance used, but there are common signs to look for when recognizing a drug overdose.

• Unresponsive
• Irregular breathing
• Respiratory problems
• Changes in skin color
• Loss of consciousness
• Changes in pupil size
• Nausea and vomiting
• Irregular heart rate
• Abnormally high or low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Muscle twitching
• High or low body temperature
• Chest pain
• Agitation, anxiety, or paranoia

Any substance overdose is a medical emergency. If you recognize someone experiencing any of these overdose symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait until all symptoms appear, as overdoses can rapidly lead to fatal consequences.

The Importance of Recognizing and Responding to an Overdose

Recognizing and responding to a drug overdose can be a matter of life or death. Whether caused by prescription medication, illegal drugs, or cross-mixing substances, an overdose can cause serious health complications and fatalities. Quickly responding to an overdose by calling emergency services can prevent long-term health issues or even death in some individuals. Immediate medical attention is necessary to counteract the effects of the substance causing the overdose. Recognizing an overdose can reduce fatalities, allowing for medical intervention like naloxone, a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

Many substances, specifically opioids, exhaust the respiratory system, often leading to hypoxia—a lack of oxygen at the tissue level. Immediately responding can prevent brain damage and other long-term health issues as a result of prolonged oxygen deprivation (cerebral hypoxia). Effective response to an overdose can also help those struggling with substance abuse and addiction, potentially leading them to drug rehab treatment. Overdose awareness of the signs and dangers can help provide better access to addiction treatment, mental health services, and harm reduction resources.

Substance Abuse and Overdose Prevention: Safety Measures

Drug and alcohol addiction and overdose prevention requires a multi-faceted approach, including a range of safety measures addressing aspects of substance use, reducing the prevalence of addiction, and preventing overdoses. Programs can provide families, educators, healthcare professionals, and the community with the proper education and awareness to better understand the risks of substance abuse and overdose. With access to addiction treatment and recovery services, individuals struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) can receive effective counseling and rehab treatment on their recovery journey.

Addiction recovery programs can provide education on addiction and overdose to understand the signs and symptoms better. Mental health services and support groups are another crucial aspect of substance abuse prevention. Underlying mental health issues commonly contribute to drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health care can help manage these conditions before exacerbating into a co-occurring disorder. Prevention programs in the workplace and schools are another effective method for educating on overdose awareness and the risks associated with substance abuse. Families with addiction education can equip them with the knowledge and tools to identify and intervene when a loved one is struggling with addiction. The stigma associated with substance abuse and overdose often discourages individuals from asking for help or seeking treatment for their addiction. Reducing this stigma can help provide a safe space where individuals feel comfortable seeking help without fearing judgment.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Struggling with drug or alcohol dependence can quickly develop into an addiction and potentially lead to an overdose. Seeking rehab treatment and support in the early stages of addiction can help prevent the condition from worsening into a substance use disorder (SUD), requiring more extensive treatment. Drug and alcohol rehab can treat different types of SUDs, including alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid use disorder, and cocaine addiction.

If you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, contact us today. We are here to support you!

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023. Understanding Drug Overdoses and Deaths.
• National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. Drug Overdose Death Rates.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023. Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic.
• WebMD, 2023. What Is Serotonin Syndrome?
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022. Synthetic cannabinoids: What are they? What are their effects?
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023. Naloxone.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2023. Cerebral Hypoxia.
• National Institute of Mental Health, 2023. Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders.