Understanding overdose—its signs, symptoms, and appropriate responses—is crucial for anyone who may be able to help someone in need. Events like International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, spread valuable information and highlight the importance of addressing this worldwide issue.
Overdoses often occur unexpectedly and have severe, usually life-threatening consequences. Having the vital information of recognizing the signs of an overdose, responding effectively in a crisis, and seeking the right help when needed will adequately prepare you in case of emergency.
Whether you’re worried about a loved one or want to be prepared to assist in an emergency, knowing what to look for and how to act when witnessing an overdose can make all the difference in ensuring someone’s safety and providing timely intervention for those seeking ongoing substance abuse care.
What is an Overdose?
An overdose occurs when a person consumes a substance—such as a drug, medication, or toxin—beyond the body’s capacity to process or tolerate it safely.[1] This excessive substance intake overwhelms the body’s ability to maintain normal functioning, leading to harmful effects on the body. Overdoses can be intentional, accidental, or the result of drug interaction with other substances in the body.
An overdose can impact various systems in the body, depending on the substance involved. For example, illicit or prescription opioids can severely depress the respiratory system, potentially leading to breathing difficulties or cessation. Stimulants can cause dangerously high heart rates and elevated blood pressure. The severity of an overdose can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions needing emergency care.
The body’s response to an overdose depends on several factors, including the type and amount of substance taken, the person’s overall health, and their tolerance levels. For some substances, even a small amount can trigger an overdose if the person is sensitive or has a compromised liver or kidney function.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of an Overdose?
Overdose symptoms vary widely depending on the type of substance involved, how much was taken, and a person’s overall health. In general, an overdose may present with a combination of physical, psychological, and behavioral changes:[2]
General Symptoms of an Overdose
- Altered mental status: Confusion, disorientation, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness.
- Physical symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, or severe abdominal pain.
- Respiratory changes: Difficulty breathing, slow or irregular breathing, or in extreme cases, respiratory arrest.
- Cardiovascular issues: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or significant changes in blood pressure.
Opioid Overdose [3]
- Common symptoms: Slowed or irregular breathing, extreme drowsiness or sedation, pinpoint pupils, or a bluish tint to the skin or lips (cyanosis).
- Severe signs: Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness, respiratory depression or arrest, or coma.
Stimulants[4]
- Common symptoms: Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), high blood pressure, agitation or paranoia, and dilated pupils.
- Severe signs: Severe hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), seizures, chest pain, or potential heart attack or stroke.
Alcohol
- Common symptoms: Confusion, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, and pale skin.
- Severe signs: Loss of consciousness, seizures, alcohol poisoning, slow heart rate, or coma.
Polysubstance Use (Mixing Drugs) [5]
- Common symptoms: A mix of effects from each substance involved, leading to unpredictable and severe symptoms. This can include a combination of reduced breathing, cardiovascular instability, and altered mental state.
- Severe signs: The interaction between different substances can worsen symptoms and lead to more severe outcomes, such as life-threatening respiratory or cardiac events, seizures, or coma.
Related: Understanding Polysubstance Abuse
The Rise of Fentanyl Overdose
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that poses significant dangers due to its high potential for overdose.[6] Approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, fentanyl has been linked to a dramatic rise in overdose deaths and has significantly altered patterns of drug use in the US and across the world.
The Risks of Fentanyl
- High potency and increased risk of overdose: Fentanyl’s potency makes it easy to overdose, even when used in small amounts. The margin between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose is extremely narrow. This narrow margin increases the risk of accidental overdose, particularly for individuals who are not accustomed to opioid use or who have a lower tolerance.
- Rapid onset: Fentanyl acts quickly in the body, leading to a rapid onset of effects. This can make it difficult to notice signs of a potential overdose and increase the risk of respiratory depression—a condition where breathing becomes slow and shallow or stops altogether.
- Severe respiratory depression: As with other opioids, fentanyl can cause severe breathing reduction. This can result in hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and subsequent damage to vital organs or death if not promptly addressed.
Fentanyl-Laced Drugs
Fentanyl has been linked to a significant increase in overdose deaths, and the increased prevalence of synthetic opioids like fentanyl in both prescription and street drugs is a consequential public health concern. [7] Illicit fentanyl is manufactured without oversight and quality control. The margin between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose of fentanyl is negligible, causing users who knowingly or unknowingly purchase fentanyl to be exposed to unpredictable and potentially lethal doses.
Additionally, because of its low cost and potency, fentanyl is often intentionally mixed with other substances to increase profit for dealers. Counterfeit pills that mimic legitimate prescription medications are frequently found to contain fentanyl. Other substances contaminated with fentanyl include heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Users who purchase these substances may or may not be aware that they contain fentanyl, increasing the risk of unintentional overdose.
The combination of substances can also increase the likelihood of an overdose. The rise of fentanyl has complicated efforts to address opioid abuse as law enforcement and health officials struggle to keep pace with the drug’s expansion.
Related: “Laced” Meaning: What are Laced Drugs?
Drug Overdose Statistics
Drug overdose deaths have been on the rise this past decade, with a significant increase from 2019 onward. In 2022, there were 107,941 reported drug overdose deaths in the US, with synthetic opioids (such as fentanyl) being involved in 73,838 deaths.[8]
In both 2021 and 2022, adults aged 35–44 experienced the highest overdose death rates among people aged 15 and older. Conversely, adults aged 65 and older had the lowest rates. Notably, between 2021 and 2022, the rates of drug overdose deaths decreased for people aged 15–34, while they increased for those aged 35 and older.
In 2022 in California, the drug overdose death rate stood at 26.9 per 100,000 people. In comparison, the state with the highest rate was West Virginia, where 80.9 per 100,000 people died of an overdose. [9, 10] These statistics emphasize the urgent need for increased overdose awareness and intervention strategies. The rising numbers highlight not only the growing crisis of overdose cases in the US, but also the necessity for more comprehensive public health efforts, education, and resources to address and prevent drug overdoses effectively.
What Should I Do if Someone is Overdosing?
If you suspect someone is overdosing, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly to provide the best chance of recovery. Every overdose should be treated as a medical emergency and deserves immediate medical attention.
Call Emergency Services
Immediately dial emergency services (911 or your local emergency number). Provide the operator with clear information about the situation, including the location, the person’s condition, and any known substances involved.
Check Airway, Breathing, and Circulation
Ensure the person overdosing’s airway is clear. If they are unconscious, gently tilt their head back to open the airway. If breathing is slow, irregular, or absent, begin rescue breathing, or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, if you are trained to do so. If there is no pulse, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately and continue until emergency services arrive.
Administer Naloxone
If the overdose is suspected to be due to opioid use and you have access to naloxone (Narcan), administer it as directed. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Follow the instructions on the naloxone kit, and if the person does not respond within a few minutes, administer a second dose. If Naloxone restores normal breathing, it is effective for thirty to ninety minutes. Continue to monitor the person until EMS arrives as a person can still experience the effects of an overdose as Naloxone wears off.
Keep the Person Safe
While waiting for medical professionals, ensure the person is in a safe position. If they are conscious and able to cooperate, place them in the recovery position (on their side with their head tilted slightly forward) to prevent choking in case of vomiting. Try to keep the person awake and breathing by rubbing their chest with your knuckles (sternum rub).
Monitor their Condition
Stay with the person and keep monitoring their condition. Be prepared to provide information to emergency responders about the substances involved, any known medical conditions, and the person’s recent activities. This information can help medical professionals provide appropriate treatment.
Acting quickly and effectively can greatly influence the outcome of an overdose situation. Your prompt actions, combined with professional medical intervention, can save their life and prevent serious health complications.
Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorders
Navigating the path to recovery from substance abuse can be challenging, but there is hope and support available. Clear Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive continuum of care for addiction and substance abuse treatment designed to meet the unique needs of those at various stages of their recovery journey.
Detoxification
Medical detox is often the first step in the recovery process. Our detox programs are designed to safely manage withdrawal symptoms while ensuring comfort and medical support. Our experienced team will provide a safe environment where people can begin their journey towards recovery with the reassurance of professional care.
Residential Treatment
Our drug rehab centers offer an immersive environment for more intensive therapy and support. These programs provide a structured setting where people can focus solely on their recovery, with 24/7 supervision and access to a range of therapeutic services. This setting is ideal for those needing a higher level of care and support as they work through the complexities of substance abuse.
Outpatient Programs
For those seeking flexibility while still requiring intensive support, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offer structured treatment schedules that allow you to continue your daily activities while receiving comprehensive care. These programs provide therapeutic sessions with the flexibility to maintain personal and professional responsibilities, helping bridge the gap between residential treatment and everyday life.
In addition to these programs, we offer specialized mental health programs for teenagers to address the unique challenges faced by younger individuals struggling with substance abuse. Our adolescent programs are designed to provide age-appropriate therapy and support, helping teens navigate their recovery in a supportive and understanding environment.
Substance Use Aftercare
Aftercare is a crucial component of our unique approach to our continuum of care. Once initial treatment is completed, our aftercare programs ensure that individuals have ongoing support as they transition back into their daily lives. This may include continued therapy, support groups, and resources to help maintain sobriety and address any emerging challenges.
Help Prevent Overdose
Drug and alcohol abuse is a growing issue throughout the world. More people are engaging in substance use causing the number of overdoses to increase. Spreading knowledge about dangerous substances and providing resources to those in need can help prevent overdoses.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to get the help you need. Clear Behavioral Health’s full spectrum of treatment options is designed to support you or your loved one throughout the entire recovery process. Through medical detox and drug rehab for stabilization, dual diagnosis outpatient programs for ongoing support, and aftercare programs, you can overcome addiction. We’re committed to providing the comprehensive support needed to achieve and sustain long-term recovery. Call us today to get started.
References:
- National Harm Reduction Coalition. (2019). What is an overdose? Harmreduction.org. https://harmreduction.org/issues/overdose-prevention/overview/overdose-basics/what-is-an-overdose/ on August 26, 2024
- Signs of Overdose. (n.d.). Www.cdph.ca.gov. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/Signs-of-overdose.aspx on August 26, 2024
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Opioid Overdose. Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/opioid-overdose on August 26, 2024
- CDC. (2024, May 8). Stimulant Overdose. Overdose Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/stimulant-overdose.html on August 26, 2024
- CDC. (2024, April 30). Polysubstance Use Facts. Stop Overdose. https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/polysubstance-use.html on August 26, 2024
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, June). Fentanyl drug facts. National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institute of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl on August 26, 2024
- CDC. (2024, April 2). Fentanyl Facts. Stop Overdose. https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/fentanyl-facts.html on August 26, 2024
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, May 14). Drug Overdose Death Rates. National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates on August 26, 2024
- CDC. (2020, May 19). California. Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/states/california/ca.htm on August 26, 2024
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, March 1). Drug Overdose Mortality by State . Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/drug_poisoning_mortality/drug_poisoning.htm on August 26, 2024
