What Are the Signs of a Drug Overdose?

Annual drug overdose deaths have been on a downward trend, with data from the Centers for Disease Control showing they have declined by about 10% since 2023. However, that doesn’t mean the fight is over. There are still about 100,000 drug overdose deaths every year, increasing the need for preventive care. While taking preventative measures can help, it is important to know how to recognize what are the signs of a drug overdose.

A drug overdose happens when an individual consumes a toxic amount of a substance, causing harmful effects on the body. It can occur intentionally or unintentionally and involves prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances. 

Recognizing the signs of a drug overdose is crucial for intervention and treatment, as it can significantly impact the chances of recovery. Knowing what the signs of a drug overdose are is a critical first step in increasing awareness of this danger and adequately responding to a potential medical emergency.

That’s why at WhiteSands Treatment, we have made it our mission to help anyone dealing with substance abuse. Our facilities are located throughout Florida and are run by experts who treat addiction without judgment. 

What Are 5 Signs of an Overdose?

The overdose effects on the body can vary depending on the type of drug involved. However, certain signs are universally indicative of a potential overdose. Knowing what the signs of an overdose are can be critical in saving a life, as prompt medical intervention is often required. 

Below are five common signs of a drug overdose:

• Loss of consciousness: One of the most alarming signs of an overdose is when the person becomes unconscious. This can occur with opioids, alcohol, and some sedatives.
• Difficulty breathing: Shallow, slow, irregular, or even a complete lack of breathing can occur, especially with opioids, sedatives, and alcohol.
• Changes in heart rate or blood pressure: Overdose can cause the heart to beat too fast, slow, or irregularly. 
• Mental Instability: Mental and behavioral changes such as confusion, agitation, hallucinations, or paranoia are common overdose signs. 
• Severe nausea or vomiting: Many substances can lead to nausea and vomiting during an overdose, especially opioids and alcohol. 

These signs can differ depending on the drug involved. However, all these symptoms should be treated as an emergency, with immediate medical attention. If you’re unsure what the signs of a drug overdose are, don’t hesitate to contact professional addiction treatment specialists. 

Which of the Following May Indicate a Potential Drug Overdose?

A variety of physical, mental, and behavioral signs may indicate a potential drug overdose. Unresponsiveness is one of the most critical symptoms, especially if the person does not wake up. This is common in opioid overdoses or when excessive amounts of sedatives or alcohol are consumed. Irregular breathing can also indicate a depressed respiratory system, leading to inadequate oxygen levels. 

Other signs may include a rapid heartbeat, which may lead to fainting or dizziness. Meanwhile, mood swings or agitation are often seen with stimulant overdoses, where the person may act irrationally, appear paranoid, or become overly anxious. Conversely, some overdoses may cause the person to become unusually drowsy or disoriented. Vomiting can also be a major indication of an overdose. 

When combined, these symptoms should raise immediate concern and prompt a call to emergency services. To prevent an overdose, treatment centers like WhiteSands Treatment can get you or a loved one on the road to recovery with detox, rehab, medications, and various therapies.

What Is the First Remedy for Overdose?

The first and most critical remedy for a drug overdose is calling emergency services immediately. Regardless of the substance involved, an overdose is a medical emergency that requires rapid intervention by professionals. While waiting for emergency help to arrive, there are a few actions that can be taken, depending on the type of overdose:

• For opioid overdoses: If the person is unresponsive and breathing is slow or absent, administering naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly restore normal breathing in people who have experienced an overdose on opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers.
• For breathing problems: CPR can be life-saving if the person has difficulty breathing or has stopped breathing entirely. If you’re trained in CPR, this is a critical step while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
• For unconsciousness: If the person is unconscious but breathing, it is generally safest to place them on their side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs.
• For stimulant overdoses: The best course of action for overdoses on stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine is to keep the person calm and monitor them closely while waiting for emergency help. It’s important not to give them any additional substances like alcohol or drugs.

In all cases, do not wait for symptoms to get worse before seeking medical intervention. Avoid trying to treat an overdose yourself, as overdose reactions vary greatly depending on the drug involved. Calling emergency services is always the best first step, as they can inform you of precisely what the signs of a drug overdose are.

What Can I Use to Reverse Overdose?

The treatment used to reverse an overdose largely depends on the substance involved, but there are a few medications and interventions commonly used to address specific types of overdoses. 

Below are some of the most widely used remedies:

• Naloxone for Opioids: Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, including those from heroin, prescription painkillers, and fentanyl. It is available as an injectable or as a nasal spray.
• Activated Charcoal: This can reduce the severity of an overdose if administered in the first hour. It is used in overdoses from drugs like aspirin, certain sedatives, or barbiturates.
• Flumazenil for Benzodiazepine Overdose: Flumazenil is used to reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, or Ativan), which are commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, or seizures.
• Other Antidotes: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is used to prevent liver damage when someone overdoses on acetaminophen (Tylenol). Atropine and pralidoxime can also reverse poisoning from organophosphate chemicals.

While specific antidotes like naloxone for opioid overdose are critical in reversing certain types of overdoses, the first step in any suspected overdose is to call 911 for professional treatment. Doing so can give you or a loved one the best chance of surviving an overdose.

Contact WhiteSands Treatment to Know What Are the Signs of a Drug Overdose

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use and you’re concerned about what are the signs of a drug overdose, WhiteSands Treatment can offer the guidance you need. Our addiction treatment facilities provide expert care and resources for those facing addiction. Our team is trained to help individuals successfully navigate the process of treatment and recovery. 

If you’re worried about someone at risk of overdose or seeking help for yourself, reaching out to WhiteSands Treatment can be the first step toward healing. Our dedicated professionals are available to answer questions, provide immediate support, and guide you through the recovery process. Don’t wait to contact WhiteSands today at 877-855-3470 for assistance.

External Sources

• NPR – U.S. overdose deaths plummet
• Better Health Channel – Drug Overdose
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Opioid Reversal Medications

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.