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Medication, alcohol and drugs can all cause serious harm if too much is taken. The threat of an overdose increases exponentially when substances are mixed. If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, call an ambulance immediately and follow the rest of this article to find out what you can do next.
What is an overdose?
An overdose happens when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a substance. This can result in serious and harmful symptoms including death.
While an overdose has many of the same effects as poisoning, they are not the same. Poisoning is when something exposes a person to a dangerous chemical or harmful substance without their knowledge.
What are the symptoms of an overdose?
Overdose symptoms can vary widely depending on the person and the substance they have taken. You can still spot one by knowing the most common symptoms.
- Limp body
- Seizures or fits
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Blue fingernails or lips
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance or co-ordination
- Being awake but unresponsive
- Agitation or paranoia
- Pale or clammy face
- Hallucination
What helps with an overdose?
If you think someone is experiencing an overdose there are several things that you can do to help that person.
As with all emergencies, it is important that you stay calm. The next thing you should do is call for an ambulance. While the ambulance is on its way, place the person on their side and in the recovery position.
Ensure their airway remains open by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Check for breathing and do not try to make the person vomit, eat or drink. If there are any substances or pill bottles, keep them for the help that arrives.
What can I do if I’m having an overdose?
If you think you are experiencing an overdose and don’t know what to do, the course of action is similar.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital. You could pass out behind the wheel. It’s important that you call an ambulance. While you are waiting for help, lie down on your side and in the recovery position. Focus on breathing, making sure that you are as comfortable doing that as possible.
Do not eat or drink anything or try to make yourself vomit. If you know what substances have caused the overdose, make sure to have them with you when help arrives.
Who can help me after an overdose?
Experiencing overdose symptoms is a serious wake-up call to find help, but who can you turn to?
Our friendly staff is here for you. You can contact us in any way you prefer with the options below and we will give you the best advice and a step forward after experiencing an overdose.
