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Drug abuse first aid

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Alternative Names   

Overdose from drugs

Definition    Return to top

Drug abuse is the misuse or overuse of any medication or drug, including alcohol. This article discusses first aid for drug overdose and withdrawal.

Considerations    Return to top

Many street drugs have no therapeutic benefits. Any use of these drugs is a form of drug abuse.

Legitimate medications can be abused by people who take more than the recommended dose or who intentionally take them with alcohol or other drugs.

Drug interactions also produce adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to let your doctor know about all the drugs you are taking.

Many drugs are addictive. Sometimes the addiction is gradual, while with others (such as cocaine), an addiction can happen after only a few doses.

Someone who has become addicted to a drug will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it. Withdrawal is greatly assisted by professional help.

A drug dose that is large enough to be toxic is called an overdose. Prompt medical attention may save the life of someone who accidentally or deliberately takes an overdose.

Causes    Return to top

An overdose of narcotics can cause sleepiness and even unconsciousness.

Uppers (stimulants) produce excitement, increased rate of heartbeat, and rapid breathing. Downers (depressants) do just the opposite.

Mind-altering drugs are called hallucinogens. They include LSD and other street drugs. Using such drugs may cause paranoia, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, or extreme social withdrawal.

Cannabis-containing drugs such as marijuana may cause relaxation, impaired motor skills, and increased appetite.

Legal prescription drugs are sometimes taken in higher-than-recommended amounts to achieve a feeling other than the therapeutic effects for which they were intended. This may lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms    Return to top

Drug overdose symptoms vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:

Drug withdrawal symptoms also vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:

First Aid    Return to top

1. Check the patient's airway, breathing, and pulse. If necessary, begin CPR. If the patient is unconscious but breathing, carefully place him or her in the recovery position. If the patient is conscious, loosen the clothing, keep the person warm, and provide reassurance. Try to keep the patient calm. If an overdose is suspected, try to prevent the patient from taking more drugs. Call for immediate medical assistance.

2. Treat the patient for signs of shock, if necessary. Signs include: weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, clammy skin, paleness, and decreasing alertness.

3. If the patient is having seizures, give convulsion first aid.

4. Keep monitoring the patient's vital signs (pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) until emergency medical help arrives.

5. If possible, try to determine which drug(s) were taken and when. Save any available pill bottles or other drug containers. Provide this information to emergency medical personnel.

DO NOT    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Drug emergencies are not always easy to identify. If you suspect someone has overdosed, or if you suspect someone is experiencing withdrawal, give first aid and seek medical assistance.

Try to find out what drug the person has taken. If possible, collect all drug containers and any remaining drug samples or the person's vomit for analysis.

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

Prevention    Return to top

A variety of resources are available for treating substance abuse and chemical dependency.

See also:

Update Date: 7/18/2007

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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