Overdose from drugs
Key points
- Drug abuse is the misuse or overuse of any medication or drug, including alcohol.
- Legitimate medications can be abused by people who take more than the recommended dose or who intentionally take them with alcohol or other drugs.
- Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation.
- Prevention A variety of resources are available for treating substance abuse and chemical dependency.
Alternative names
Drug abuse first aid
Definition
Drug abuse is the misuse or overuse of any medication or drug, including alcohol.
Considerations
Many street drugs have no therapeutic benefits. Any use of these drugs is a form of drug abuse.
Legitimate medications can be abused by people who take more than the recommended dose or who intentionally take them with alcohol or other drugs.
Drug interactions also produce adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to let your physician know about all the drugs you are taking.
Many drugs are addictive. Sometimes the addiction is gradual, while with others (such as cocaine), an addiction can happen after only a few doses.
Someone who has become addicted to a drug will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it. Withdrawal is greatly assisted by professional help.
A drug dose that is large enough to be toxic is called an overdose. Prompt medical attention may save the life of someone who accidentally or deliberately takes an overdose.
Drug emergencies are not always easy to identify. If you suspect someone has overdosed, or if you suspect someone is experiencing withdrawal, give first aid and seek medical assistance.
Causes
- An overdose of narcotics can cause sleepiness and even unconsciousness.
- Uppers (stimulants) produce excitement, increased rate of heartbeat, and rapid breathing. Downers (depressants) do just the opposite.
- Mind-altering drugs (hallucinogens), including LSD and other street drugs, may produce paranoia, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, or extreme social withdrawal.
- Cannabis-containing drugs, such as marijuana may produce euphoria, relaxation, impaired motor skills, and increased appetite.
- Legal prescription drugs are sometimes taken in overdose to achieve effects other than the therapeutic effects for which they were intended. This may lead to exaggeration of their effect (as can happen with uppers and downers), or serious side effects.
Symptoms
Drug overdose symptoms vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:
- Abnormal pupil size
o Dilated pupils (enlarged)
o Pinpoint pupils (very small)
o Nonreactive pupils (pupils do not change size when exposed to light)
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.