Many substance abusers often feel the urge to take higher doses to achieve the desired effects. After taking a given drug for an extended period, the body develops tolerance, which increases the craving for higher doses, leading to an overdose. Tens of thousands of Americans lose their lives to drug overdose-related deaths every year. As such, any drug overdose symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you’re ready to get treatment for addiction before or after an overdose, it’s time to get help. Contact Summit Estate today by calling 800.701.6997.
The Dangers of a Drug Overdose
Different drugs result in distinct withdrawal symptoms. However, there are red flags for victims facing possible danger or life-threatening overdose cases. If you suspect that you are overdosing on any given drug, it is vital to immediately call the paramedics.
Drugs and substances (such as opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, and sedative-hypnotics) may cause severe respiratory complications when taken in excess. Overdosing on a stimulant like cocaine, on the other hand, can result in conditions like seizures and heart attacks.
It is possible to prevent most drug overdose deaths if the victims access timely medical attention. For you or your loved one to get emergency medical services, you need to understand the overdose symptoms.
There is a range of drug overdose symptoms that you can look out for. The symptoms depend on the type of drug and the amount a victim has consumed.
Heart Rate
Drugs impact the heart in different ways. Whereas depressants slow down the heartbeat, stimulants will increase the heart rate or cause it to beat irregularly. Therefore, check for a slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat if you suspect a drug overdose has occurred.
Behavioral Changes
Besides changes in heart rate, stimulant-related overdoses can result in agitation and anxiety. You can also watch out for tendencies of violence and aggression. Some victims can appear to be confused or display unpredictable behavioral patterns.
Seizures
Furthermore, an overdose victim may suffer from seizures or uncontrolled electrical disturbances that occur in the brain, resulting in behavioral changes. Stimulant and alcohol overdose make users more vulnerable to seizures. If you have a loved one experiencing drug-related seizures, call the paramedics and wait until help arrives. Do not leave the person alone.
Changes in Skin Temperature and Color
A healthy person’s average body temperature ranges between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. However, a drug overdose can result in a sharp drop in temperature, making the skin feel clammy. Also, a pale skin color indicates that you are in danger of experiencing drug overdose symptoms.
Unconsciousness and Death
Drugs such as alcohol slow down the activities of the central nervous system, making you unconscious. An alcohol overdose is more dangerous because people may assume that the victim is sleeping. More absorption of alcohol from the stomach even after you stop drinking increases the risk of permanent brain damage. Furthermore, an unconscious victim can choke on vomit, increasing the risk of death.
Seek Overdose Treatment at Summit Estate Today
Drug overdose is a life-threatening situation that requires emergency help. If you detect the signs of overdose in another person, seek professional assistance to save a life. Share all relevant information, including the drug that the person has consumed.
Once the victim receives emergency help and is out of the danger zone, it is essential to seek residential rehab treatment in California, to address the root cause.
People who are battling substance use disorders need to check into rehab to access a comprehensive program of recovery services, such as:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Men’s intensive outpatient program
- Women’s intensive outpatient program
- Dual-diagnosis treatment program
Drug overdose symptoms indicate the possibility that you may be battling addiction. If you are struggling with this condition, seek professional help to enhance your chances of permanent recovery. Contact Summit Estate Recovery Center at 800.701.6997 to get started today.