Signs & Symptoms of Overdosing

The number of deaths caused by overdosing has significantly grown over the past few years. In 2014 The United States alone had a total of 47,055 drug overdose deaths, an increase of 6.5% from 2013. The number has been growing rapidly. Many of these overdose deaths are related to opioid pain relievers, taking up almost 61% of all overdose deaths.

It’s important that people are told about this and that they understand the risks of not knowing how much their body can handle. Luckily there are people who want to help others with this problem. August 31^st is International Overdose Awareness Day, so if you know anyone who might be involved with any type of drugs please be aware of the dangers and symptoms of overdosing.

Causes

Drug overdoses can happen both accidently and intentionally, occurring when someone takes a higher amount of the medically recommended dose for a drug. In many cases, drug overdoses occur due to an accident. It happens to people of all ages. Young children might get their hands on a bottle of prescription drugs and may swallow the pills inside. There are also some cases of old adults taking the incorrect medication or dose which will lead to an overdose.

With the use of illicit drugs many adults, in an attempt to get high, may intake a higher amount than their body can handle. Taking in many of the toxins that are in illicit drugs will poison the user if their body doesn’t detox the drug fast enough. Other times an overdose can be caused intentionally by the user in an attempt to hurt themselves.

Signs & Symptoms

Drugs take effect through the user’s entire body, so when going through an overdose the user will feel a higher level of those effects. Depending on the drug, the effects of an overdose can be minimal, or it can be severe. There are many symptoms that go along with a drug overdose. Here are some of the most common:

Abdominal pain will occur during an overdose with the user feeling nauseous throughout the process. Vomiting and diarrhea might also occur. There also might be traces of blood in vomit and in bowel movements. Chest pain might also occur which will cause a shortness of breath. The person’s skin will also be affected, either being cool and sweaty, or hot and dry.

There will also be problems with the user’s vital signs. Their body temperature, pulse rate, repertory rate and blood pressure will all be affected, moving and changing at a rapid pace. Sleepiness and confusion will also occur during an overdose. This is very dangerous because of the chance of the person breathing vomit into their lungs while sleeping.

If any of these symptoms present themselves after someone has taken any type of drug it’s important to get to a medical center as soon as possible. The person could be facing serious damage or even death. Drugs need to be worked with carefully, addictions are real and have ruined lives in the past. It’s important to share this with anyone you might know that might be struggling with these types of problems. Remember, International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31st!

If someone you know is at risk for overdosing, get them help before it is too late Kairos Healthcare and Holy Cross Counseling are here to help.