Overdose

Overdose can happen when:

• You mix drugs
• You do too much of one drug
• You are taking too many drugs at once
• After a period of time not doing drugs, you use the same amount as before you stopped
• You are not aware of what you used, or how much

Signs of overdose from stimulants

(i.e., cocaine, crystal meth, ecstasy, bennies, crank, ice, speed, uppers):

• Redness in the face
• Pain and numbness in the chest, arms, and neck
• Rapid breathing, eye movement, pale skin
• Hot to the touch
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Twitching
• Seizures
• Blue lips
• Shallow breathing

How to care for someone you think is experiencing an overdose from stimulants: 

• Call 911 and give as much information as possible about substances used (if known)
• Clear space if seizing or convulsing
• Time seizures
• Apply cold towel or ice if burning up
• Check signs of heart attack (chest pain, numbness in the arm, neck or jaw)
• Check for breathing, if not breathing, perform CPR, if properly trained
• Put in recovery position. If you can’t, tilt body forward and keep airway open

Signs of stimulant overdose from depressants

(i.e., heroin, fentanyl, Oxycontin, alcohol, downers, barbiturates):

• Blue around the mouth
• Weak or absent pulse
• Passed out or unconscious
• Loss of bladder control
• Low body temperature
• Seizures
• Confusion

How to care for someone you think is experiencing an overdose from depressants:

• Call 911 and give as much information as possible about substances used (if known)
• Check breathing and pulse
• Keep person as alert as possible
• Be prepared to do CPR, if you have the proper training
• Put person in recovery position (turned on their side)

What NOT to do when dealing with any overdose:

• Avoid calling 911 for fear of getting in trouble
• Stick anything in the person’s mouth
• Restrain person if he/she is seizing
• Leave person unattended
• GIVE SOMEONE DRUGS TO COUNTERACT AN OVERDOSE (except Naloxone for opioid overdose)