What is an Overdose?
An overdose occurs when a person takes too much of a substance—whether it’s alcohol, prescription medication, or an illegal drug—beyond what the body can safely process. The result is often life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. Overdoses may happen accidentally or intentionally, and they can cause serious harm, including death, if not treated in time.
For more detailed information on overdose definitions and the various types, visit National Institute on Drug Abuse.
What Are the Signs of an Overdose?
Recognizing the symptoms of an overdose can be the difference between life and death. Common signs of an overdose include:
- Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
- Shallow, slow, or irregular breathing
- Vomiting or gurgling sounds
- Seizures
- Blue or gray-tinted skin, particularly around the lips or fingernails
- Slow heart rate or no pulse
Act immediately if you suspect an overdose. Visit MedlinePlus for more information on symptoms specific to different substances.
What Should You Do If Someone Is Overdosing?
If you believe someone is overdosing, follow these steps:
- Call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
- Administer naloxone (Narcan) if opioids are involved and the medication is available.
- Stay with the individual and try to keep them awake and alert.
- If the person is not breathing, perform CPR until medical help arrives.
For more details, check out SAMHSA’s guide on responding to an overdose.
Can You Survive an Overdose?
With fast action and medical intervention, many people can survive an overdose. The chances of survival significantly increase if naloxone is used in cases of opioid overdoses.
Find out more about overdose treatment and survival at Mayo Clinic.
What Are Common Causes of Drug Overdoses?
Common causes include:
- Taking higher-than-prescribed doses of medications
- Mixing substances, such as opioids and alcohol
- Using drugs that are stronger than expected (e.g., fentanyl-laced substances)
- Unintentional ingestion of medications by children or elderly individuals
For a detailed look at causes, visit the CDC.
How Can You Prevent an Overdose?
Preventing an overdose begins with careful management of medications and substances. Here are a few ways to lower your risk:
- Follow prescription instructions carefully.
- Never mix drugs with alcohol or other substances.
- Store medications securely, away from children.
- Educate yourself and others about the dangers of overdoses and naloxone use.
For more prevention tips, check out the FDA’s guidance.
What Drugs Cause the Most Overdoses?
Opioids are currently the leading cause of overdose deaths, particularly synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Other drugs frequently involved in overdoses include:
- Prescription opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines
- Alcohol, especially when mixed with other drugs
For more information, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
What Is Narcan, and How Does It Work?
Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors in the brain, effectively blocking the effects of the opioids and helping to restore normal breathing. Narcan can temporarily reverse the overdose, but it’s essential to seek medical help immediately after administering the drug.
Find more information about Narcan at Narcan.com.
Statistics on Overdoses
Drug overdoses continue to be a significant public health crisis in the U.S. Some alarming statistics include:
- Over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2021, a record-breaking year fueled by synthetic opioids like fentanyl (CDC Overdose Data).
- Opioids are involved in about 70% of all drug overdose deaths, making them the leading cause of fatal overdoses.
- Teen overdoses have also surged, with an increase of 19% in 2020 alone due to the rise of fentanyl-laced substances (NIH Report).
These statistics underline the urgent need for overdose prevention and access to treatment. For a more in-depth view, visit the CDC.
Start Your Journey to Recovery Today
If you or a loved one is at risk of an overdose or struggling with substance use, help is available. Contact Capistrano Beach Recovery today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs designed to help individuals achieve lasting sobriety. Your journey to recovery can start now—take the first step toward a healthier future.