What Are the Signs of Overdose?

What Are the Signs of Overdose?

Drug overdoses happen often and are frightening to witness. It is estimated that 32% of the United States adult population has lost someone to a fatal drug overdose. In 2022, more than 111,000 deaths occurred due to these dangerous events. Those who survive overdose don't get away scot-free; they often face long-term effects and trauma. 

Overdose isn't always easy to spot, whether it involves alcohol, benzos, or opiates. Understanding overdose and knowing the signs to look out for can be life-saving. Keep reading to learn more about overdose. This information will help you protect yourself and keep those you care for safe. 

What is an overdose? 

Overdose happens when someone takes too much of a drug. Overdoses can occur with stimulants, depressants, opiates, and more. Sometimes, it's easy to spot an overdose as the symptoms are visible, but sometimes, the signs appear to be minor, which makes it difficult to tell. 

Taking too much of a drug is difficult on the body. Excess of really any drug can mess up normal functions of the body and mind. This can be life-threatening depending on many factors, including the amount taken. 

An overdose can not only cause death, but it can lead a person to become extremely sick or lead to permanent mental and physical damage. In some cases, overdoses cause a loss of oxygen to the brain, which can lead to permanent damage. 

Who is at risk of having an overdose? 

Anyone who is prescribed a drug or uses substances illegally can have an overdose. Overdose isn't something that only happens to people with an addiction. However, some things can increase the chance of an overdose. 

Abusing a prescription drug by taking a higher dose or using it more often than recommended puts people at a higher risk of overdose. Using alcohol or sedatives, including sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and benzodiazepines, at the same time as opioids can lead to issues. 

Overdose is also more common when the body isn't used to an opioid, or someone switches to something stronger. Taking higher doses, injecting drugs, mixing drugs, or taking a medication without knowing the purity or strength all increase the risk of overdose. There are other factors not so easy to control as well, such as having health conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, and difficulty breathing. 

What are the signs and symptoms of an overdose?

Signs of overdose can look different depending on a range of factors like what drug was taken, how much was used, and the method used to consume it. These symptoms may also appear differently depending on how healthy an individual is and their age.  

Overdose ranges in severity. In some cases, a person may die or end up in a coma. Common symptoms that occur during an overdose include: 

• Pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty talking
• Trouble staying awake
• Loss of consciousness
• Blue lips
• Grey lips
• Blue nails
• Grey nails
• Cold and clammy skin
• Paranoia
• Agitation
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Poor coordination
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Choking
• Odd sounds like gurgling or snoring

It's challenging to narrow down all of the symptoms as there is quite a range depending on what drugs were taken. Overdosing on opiates or opioids may cause the heart rate and breathing to slow. Pupils may begin to shrink, and the body can go limp. Lips and fingernails often turn blue, and the skin pales and becomes clammy. Vomiting and weird sounds may begin to occur, as well as the inability to speak and even unconsciousness. 

Depressant overdose may lead to vision problems, slowed breathing, confusion, and, in extreme cases, a coma. Overdosing on alcohol often leads to alcohol poisoning. This can cause a change in breathing, a slower heart rate, confusion, low body temperature, blue or pale skin, and even seizures. Stimulant overdose can cause fever, irregular heartbeat, quicker breathing, restlessness, irritability, aggression, paranoia, and ultimately a coma or convulsions. 

How do you respond and help during an overdose? 

If you think you or someone else is overdosing, call your local emergency line or 911 right away. It's handy to carry something like naloxone, which is a safe medicine that reverses overdoses if given right away. This comes as an injectable or nasal spray. If this is used, it's still essential to seek professional help. 

To reduce the risk of overdose, don't use drugs alone. Understand your body and know your tolerance. It's best to limit drinking and not to take medications that your doctor doesn't prescribe. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug use, seek help from a trusted source like Pride Detox. Call us at 1-562-545-3289.