Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is an Overdose?Signs and SymptomsTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is an Overdose?
Signs and Symptoms
Treatment
An overdose (OD), or drug overdose, is when someone accidentally or intentionally consumes more than a safe or typical amount of a substance such as a prescription medication or drug. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and what to do if you think you or someone else may be overdosing is life-saving information.
This article will explain what an overdose is, the signs and symptoms of overdose to watch for in yourself and others, and what to do in case of an overdose.
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An overdose is when a person consumes “over” the recommended or typical dose of a substance.An overdose can be accidental (i.e., you were prescribed a dose of medication, and your body does not handle it as expected), or it may be intentional. Intentional overdosing is perceived as suicidal behavior.
In a 2020 study, 75% of overdose deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid, including 62% that involved a synthetic opioid other than methadone, such as fentanyl.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Do not leave it up to the person to tell you they are overdosing; they may not know or not be able to communicate it to you. When it comes to drug overdose, being proactive is essential to reversing overdose and preventing death. If you see these signs of overdose, do not abandon the person out of fear of getting in trouble.
These are the signs and symptoms of an opioid drug overdose:
If a person is overdosing on stimulants like cocaine, ecstasy, or methamphetamine, though, the signs and symptoms are different, and include:
These symptoms of stimulant overdose can lead to a seizure, stroke, heart attack, or death.
Substance Use Disorder & Addiction
Good Samaritan laws and similar legal protections exist across states to ensure you will not get into trouble for helping someone experiencing an overdose.
Summary
Drug overdose is when a person ingests more the recommended, safe, or typical dose of a prescription medication, recreational drug, or illicit substance. It may happen accidentally or intentionally; both are emergencies. It can be difficult to determine if someone is overdosing, but erring on the side of caution can save a life. Drug overdose requires emergency help. Naloxone can be administered to reverse an opioid overdose. Always call 911 and never leave the person alone.
A Word From Verywell
If you think you or someone you may know is experiencing an overdose, the best thing you can do is treat it like an emergency. Afterward, you may experience many complicated emotions about the overdose, how you reacted, and what to do to prevent future overdoses. Know that medical and mental health community support is available, and you don’t need to go through this alone.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Pennsylvania Health System.What all the words mean-a glossary.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Intentional vs unintentional overdose deaths.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC’s efforts to prevent overdoses and substance use-related harms – 2022-2024.CDC.Preventing opioid overdose.National Harm Reduction Coalition.Training guide: opioid overdose basics.Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System.Good Samaritan overdose prevention laws.CDC.Life-saving naloxone.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Pennsylvania Health System.What all the words mean-a glossary.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Intentional vs unintentional overdose deaths.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC’s efforts to prevent overdoses and substance use-related harms – 2022-2024.CDC.Preventing opioid overdose.National Harm Reduction Coalition.Training guide: opioid overdose basics.Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System.Good Samaritan overdose prevention laws.CDC.Life-saving naloxone.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Pennsylvania Health System.What all the words mean-a glossary.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Intentional vs unintentional overdose deaths.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC’s efforts to prevent overdoses and substance use-related harms – 2022-2024.CDC.Preventing opioid overdose.National Harm Reduction Coalition.Training guide: opioid overdose basics.Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System.Good Samaritan overdose prevention laws.CDC.Life-saving naloxone.
University of Pennsylvania Health System.What all the words mean-a glossary.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Intentional vs unintentional overdose deaths.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC’s efforts to prevent overdoses and substance use-related harms – 2022-2024.
CDC.Preventing opioid overdose.
National Harm Reduction Coalition.Training guide: opioid overdose basics.
Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System.Good Samaritan overdose prevention laws.
CDC.Life-saving naloxone.
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