While our nation was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, among other historic events, the CDC reported that over 100,000 Americans lost their lives to drug-related overdoses in 2021. This report is disturbing, with the evidence suggesting that these numbers will continue to increase in 2022.
Fentanyl is the major culprit fueling the rise in overdose deaths, as this highly potent synthetic opioid has made its way into the illicit drug market. For example, someone thinking they have obtained a supply of Vicodin may have unknowingly purchased counterfeit Vicodin containing fentanyl.
With the amount of fentanyl-tainted substances increasing, more people could lose their lives to drug overdoses. Continue reading to learn more about overdoses, including signs, symptoms and what to do in the event one happens.
What is an overdose?
The term “overdose” refers to ingesting an excessive amount of any substance, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs or illicit substances, overwhelming the liver’s ability to metabolize. An overdose may either be an accidental or intentional act.
An overdose results in the onset of serious physical symptoms, including respiratory distress, seizures, coma, or death. The symptoms of overdose are specific to the substance and the amount ingested.
Signs and common causes of an overdose
Here are some ways that an overdose can occur:
- Mixing substances: Combining two or more substances, such as drinking alcohol while also taking sedatives or opioids, can lead to an overdose.
- Fentanyl: Fentanyl is at least 50 times more potent than morphine, and accounts for many of the overdose-related deaths in recent years, whether by fentanyl alone or combined with another substance.
- Relapse: After a sustained period of sobriety, there is danger of overdose if the individual relapses. The body is no longer accustomed to the drug, so a pre-recovery dosage can overwhelm the system.
- Suicide attempt: Someone wanting to end their life may intentionally ingest a lethal dose of a substance.
An overdose triggers catastrophic symptoms, as the brain becomes deprived of oxygen and system failure ensues. Here are some examples of the symptoms of an overdose depending on what type of substance:
Opioid overdose:
- Unable to talk
- Bluish tint on lips and fingernails
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Vomiting
- Pinpoint pupils
- Clammy, pale skin
- Slow pulse, or lack of pulse
- Respiratory arrest
- Loss of consciousness
Stimulant overdose:
- Jerking or rigid limbs
- High fever
- Increased pulse
- Irregular or shallow breathing
- Excessive sweating
- Intense headache
- Agitation
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Dehydration
- Chest pain
- Stroke
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Slow breathing
- Pale, clammy skin
- Unresponsiveness
- Choking on vomit
- Hypothermia
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of consciousness
In the event of an overdose, it is imperative the individual receives immediate medical attention. First responders are trained to administer Naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose, which can reverse the respiratory distress.
Regardless of the substance, an overdose is considered a medical emergency and time is of the essence. Once admitted to the hospital, interventions such as gastric lavage, charcoal therapy, and IV fluids may be successful in saving the individual’s life.
Ashley Addiction Treatment, formerly Father Martin’s Ashley, is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in integrated, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders. Our programs are accredited by The Joint Commission, and result in frequent publications of ongoing research into effective treatment methodologies. We offer holistic care that encompasses the mind, body and spirit through inpatient and outpatient treatment, provide drug detox, relapse prevention plans, family wellness programs and a variety of other services tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our driving principle — “everything for recovery” — reinforces our mission to transform and save lives through the science of medicine, the art of therapy and the compassion of spirituality, and is complemented by our philosophy of healing with respect and dignity. For information about our comprehensive programs, please call (866) 313-6307.