Overdose is a physical condition provoked by taking a toxic amount of substance. Substances that can cause overdose are not limited to drugs and medications only but also include alcohol and even some natural remedies. Although not all overdoses are lethal, some of them may have severe, even life-threatening symptoms.
Drug overdose has the most adverse symptoms and requires an emergency reaction. In severe cases, such as heroin overdose, successful recovery may require comprehensive heroin addiction treatment in a rehabilitation facility.
As it is crucial to remain calm when an overdose is suspected to occur or has occurred, it is worth considering getting a comprehensive first aid course always to be prepared. This article will provide you with first aid information on how to act in the case of someone’s Drug Overdose. Read on to learn more about recovering from a drug overdose as well!
Symptoms of Drug Overdose
Drug overdose is the condition of taking a toxic (poisonous) amount of drug substance.
The term “overdose” describes both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) poisoning symptoms. This is a severe medical condition, which requires immediate medical treatment.
The most common symptoms of drug overdose include:
- unsteadiness
- confusion
- shallow breathing
- chest pain or discomfort
- abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- dry mouth
- cold and clammy skin
- slowed heart rate
- coma
The severity of overdose symptoms varies depending on the person’s health condition and the type of substance taken. This is why it is crucial to immediately call 911 if you suspect someone has overdosed.
Although not all overdoses are deadly, most of them can cause severe short-term and long-term effects on your health if they are not treated immediately. Some of these effects include seizures, fevers, severe headache, heart attack and stroke.
First Aid for Drug Overdose
If you believe that someone may have overdosed, especially if they are unconscious, it is crucial to call 911 immediately. It is also critical to keep in mind that calling 911 is necessary not only when a person overdoses but also when the condition worsens after first aid measures.
The following are some vital first aid measures to take in case of an overdose:
Call 911 and inform them about the situation and location. Try to explain where you are and what happened to the emergency services operator. They will notify the paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and help them find you quickly.
Administer CPR. If the victim has stopped breathing, perform CPR to keep them alive until the paramedics arrive. Keep in mind that there is one specific order for administering CPR (chest compressions and breaths). After every 30 compressions, administer rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth). Do not forget to check the pulse after every two minutes of CPR.
Apply pressure to wounds. In case there are any wounds or injuries on the person’s body due to the overdose, apply direct pressure to them to stop bleeding or prevent further bleeding.
Stay with the victim. Try to stay calm and stay with the victim even while waiting for help. Keep talking to them and ask them questions to keep them conscious until help arrives. Do not leave the victim alone, even if you have to wait for long.
Call 911 again if needed. It is vital not to waste any time calling 911 again if you believe the victim’s condition has worsened or gotten worse since speaking to the EMTs for the first time.
Take care of yourself. Although tending to someone who overdosed can be a very stressful situation, you need to take care of yourself at all times. If you are experiencing anxiety symptoms, try to relax by concentrating on breathing to avoid any possible mistakes. Know that help will arrive promptly, and try your best to remain calm until they arrive.
Recovering from an Overdose
Recovery from an overdose depends on what substance was taken and how much was taken. Usually, it takes approximately four hours for a lethal amount of most substances – especially alcohol – to metabolize and get out of your system. Symptoms generally last from 24 to 72 hours after an overdose occurs.
Depending on the overdose severity, recovery may require extensive medical treatments, such as treatment in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. However, this only applies to severe cases; most people who have gone through an overdose will recover completely within a week or two without having any adverse effects on their bodies.
However, there are cases when complications occur due to overdose and require further medical treatment. If you have concerns about your or your close one’s recovery after an overdose, make sure to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Drug overdose is a highly dangerous situation for a body that requires immediate medical help. Paying attention to its symptoms like unsteadiness and shallow breathing will allow you to detect an occurring overdose and call for help timely.
Basic first aid rules, such as calling 911, remaining calm, and administering CPR, and taking care of injuries, if needed, will ensure the necessary support for an overdosed person until the help arrives.
FAQs
What is a drug overdose?
A drug overdose occurs when an individual takes an excessive amount of a substance, whether it be prescription medications, illicit drugs, or even alcohol. It can have serious, and in some cases, life-threatening consequences.
What are the signs of a drug overdose?
Signs of a drug overdose can vary depending on the substance involved. Common symptoms include confusion, unconsciousness, slow or shallow breathing, seizures, vomiting, or irregular heartbeat. It’s important to note that an overdose can be a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
What should I do if I suspect a drug overdose?
If you suspect a drug overdose, call emergency services right away. While waiting for help to arrive, ensure the person’s airway is clear, monitor their breathing and pulse, and provide basic first aid if trained to do so. Do not leave the person unattended and avoid administering any medications or inducing vomiting unless directed by emergency services.
Can drug overdose be reversed?
In some cases, drug overdose can be reversed with the timely administration of an antidote, such as naloxone for opioid overdoses. However, the effectiveness of reversal treatments depends on the specific drug involved and how quickly medical help is received. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for the best chance of recovery.
What happens after a drug overdose?
After a drug overdose, medical professionals will provide necessary treatment and monitoring to stabilize the person’s condition. Depending on the circumstances, individuals may be connected with support services, such as counseling or rehabilitation programs, to address underlying substance use issues and promote recovery. It’s important for individuals who have experienced an overdose to seek ongoing support and treatment to reduce the risk of future incidents.