Drug Overdose: The Preventable Death

Drug overdose is one of the leading causes of injury-related death in the United States alone, particularly for individuals in their 30s and 40s. Most of these deaths are preventable, which is the most alarming flip side. Because of the increase in drug overdose deaths, avoidable measures and tactics have been created and adopted. This article will discuss different ways to help someone experiencing a drug overdose or severe withdrawal from a substance.

Need help, or need to talk with someone? You can call us toll-free at 888-446-5952 or reach out to us via WhatsApp.

How To Tell If Someone Is Experiencing a Drug Overdose

When an individual is experiencing a drug overdose or severe withdrawals, you may notice that he or she becomes exhausted, their breathing slows down significantly, and they can even become unconscious. Some other overdose symptoms are listed below and vary depending on the drug that has been abused or used:

• Change in the size of the individual’s pupils
• They may become very irritable and agitated.
• Drug overdose can, and typically does, cause convulsions
• Death is one of the most significant symptoms of an overdose
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Vomiting and extreme nausea
• The individual may become very sweaty or hot to the touch.
• Tremors
• Violent behavior toward others

The same symptoms may result from drug withdrawal, but it is essential that if you suspect someone is experiencing a drug overdose, you rush them to the hospital for immediate treatment. Also, be on the lookout for these symptoms, as they may be the result of drug withdrawals:

• Cold sweats
• Depression
• Diarrhea or other stomach-related issues, such as abdominal cramping
• Shaking or tremors
• The individual may become somewhat restless
• Death can even be a part of a drug withdrawal

What Do You Do If Someone Is Experiencing Drug Overdose?

When you have confirmed a drug overdose has occurred, the first step is to dial emergency services to assist you. While you wait for medical assistance, be sure to perform specific First Aid procedures. These are outlined for you below:

1. Check the individual’s breathing – has it become very shallow? Also, check their airway to ensure nothing is blocking them from breathing. Additionally, you will want to check for a pulse. If it becomes necessary and the individual has become unconscious and is not breathing, begin performing CPR. If he or she is living but is unconscious, place the person in a safe “recovery” position.
2. If the person is conscious, ensure that he or she is warm and keep them or her calm until emergency personnel arrives. One important thing to do if you suspect an overdose has occurred is to ensure no more drugs are taken.
3. Monitor the individual’s vital signs, such as heart rate, pulse, breathing, etc.) until emergency personnel arrives.
4. While waiting for help, try to figure out what drug has been taken and when it was taken. Save any information or drugs and provide them to the emergency personnel; this will help them to treat the individual better.

Need help, or need to talk with someone? You can call us toll-free at 888-446-5952 or reach out to us via WhatsApp.