Overdoses can happen quickly, often with life-threatening consequences. Understanding what an overdose is and what to do in an emergency can save lives.
Dr. Matt Boyer, MD, FASAM, an addiction psychiatrist at Rogers Behavioral Health in Philadelphia, shares vital information about overdose risks, warning signs, and steps you can take to prevent tragedy.
What is an overdose?
An overdose happens when a person uses too much of a drug, such as fentanyl or oxycodone. An overdose can also occur by mixing drugs that interact.
Overdoses can happen with prescription medications, illicit substances, or even over-the-counter medications if they’re not taken properly.
What happens when a person overdoses?
Overdoses create toxic effects in the human body. Normal bodily functions can become overwhelmed. Important organs, such as the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys can be affected.
How common are overdoses and which substance do people most commonly overdose?
In 2024, there were approximately 220 overdose deaths every day in the U.S. Most overdose deaths involve opioids, such as fentanyl. Methamphetamine and cocaine also cause many overdose deaths every year.
What are warning signs of an overdose?
The signs and symptoms of an overdose vary depending on the drug or drugs used.
Opioid overdoses result in:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Blue lips
- Pinpoint or small pupils
- Unresponsiveness
A methamphetamine overdose can result in:
- Chest pain
- High body temperature
- Rapid heart rate
General signs of an overdose include:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
What should a person do if they witness an overdose?
An overdose is a medical emergency, and a person should take the following steps:
- Call 911 immediately. Prompt treatment can save a life!
- Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, even if you’re not sure which substance or substances the person has taken
- Stay with the person until emergency services arrive
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing
- Place them on their side to prevent choking
How can an overdose be prevented?
Overdoses can be prevented by:
- Double checking the dose of prescribed and over-the-counter medication
- Making sure health conditions are properly treated
- Being mindful if mixing different substances
Understanding the strength or contents of a substance is important to prevent overdose. Fentanyl test strips, if legal in your state, can help to identify whether a substance contains fentanyl. The presence of fentanyl in the drug supply has made many substances more dangerous. It’s often mixed with other drugs without users realizing it.
For individuals with substance use disorder, prescription medication such as buprenorphine and methadone has been shown to decrease opioid overdose death. Additionally, be aware of tolerance changes after periods of abstinence. Tolerance for a substance decreases when a person stops using the substance for a while, increasing the risk of overdose.
How does mental health connect to substance use and overdose risk?
Many people who struggle with addiction also have mental health challenges. For example, many turn to substances to help with feelings of depression or anxiety. Oftentimes, substances make struggles with mental health worse, which can lead to a vicious cycle of increased use and an increased risk for overdose.
What hope would you offer for people struggling with drug use?
The hope I offer is twofold: recovery is possible, and there are people who want to help you. Millions of people are living proof that recovery is achievable. Building a meaningful and fulfilling life is within reach and struggles with addiction do not define anyone.
Rogers offers fast and easy access to buprenorphine for opioid use disorder
We understand the challenges individuals face with opioid use disorder and we’re here to help. Our Wisconsin-based program offers quick and easy access to buprenorphine, an FDA approved, gold-standard treatment for opioid use disorder. Click here to find out more.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, you’re not alone.
To get started, call 833-308-5887
