Drug overdose is a serious and potentially fatal issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Whether it be prescription medication, illicit drugs, or alcohol, an overdose can occur when the body is overwhelmed by too much of a substance. Recognizing the signs of an overdose can save lives and it is crucial to educate ourselves on this important matter.

If you or a loved one is at risk of an overdose, our addiction treatment programs in Illinois can help. Don’t wait to get the help you need.

What Is An Overdose?

​​An overdose occurs when an individual takes more than the prescribed or recommended amount of a certain substance, often resulting in harmful side effects and potential death. This can happen with both prescription medications and illegal drugs.

Overdoses can be accidental or intentional. Accidental overdoses may occur due to misreading medication instructions, confusion between similar-looking pills, or taking multiple medications that interact with each other. Intentional overdoses are often associated with suicidal behavior.

The severity of an overdose depends on several factors including the type and amount of substance taken, the individual’s overall health and tolerance to the substance, and how quickly they receive medical attention.

For those struggling with addiction, seeking help from our substance abuse treatment in Northern Illinois can prevent future overdoses.

Overdose Facts

Drug overdose is a serious and growing issue in the United States, with deadly consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose is now the leading cause of injury death in the country.

Contrary to popular belief, drug overdose does not only affect those who are addicted to illegal drugs. In fact, among people between 25 and 64 years old, drug overdose causes more deaths than motor vehicle accidents. One of the most alarming facts about drug overdose is that it often involves prescription drugs. Approximately 60% of all overdose deaths involve prescription medications.

It is important for family members and loved ones to be aware of the signs of an overdose. One common scenario is finding a loved one alone in their room after they have overdosed on drugs. An overdose can occur within just 1-3 hours after using the drug. This means that even first-time users are at risk of overdosing and should exercise caution when taking any type of medication.

Drug overdose is a serious problem that can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or background. Individuals and communities must educate themselves and seek help from our alcohol and drug detox center in Illinois if necessary.

Symptoms And Signs Of An Overdose

Some symptoms and signs of an overdose may include:

1. Difficulty breathing or shallow breathing: This is one of the most common signs of an overdose. The person’s breathing may become slow, erratic, or even stop altogether.

2. Extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness: A person who has overdosed may find it difficult to wake up or may not respond to any stimuli. They may also appear confused, disoriented, or unresponsive.

3. Changes in heart rate: An overdose can cause the heart rate to increase, decrease, or become irregular. This can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
4. Nausea and vomiting: Many drugs can cause stomach upset and nausea when taken in large doses. If a person is vomiting excessively after taking medication, it could be a sign of an overdose.
5. Seizures: Certain drugs can lower the seizure threshold, causing a person to have seizures during an overdose.
6. Bluish skin or lips: In severe cases, a lack of oxygen due to slowed or stopped breathing can cause the skin and lips to turn blue.
7. Muscle spasms or tremors: Overdoses on certain drugs can cause muscles to tense up and spasm uncontrollably.

If you suspect someone has overdosed on medication or drugs, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately. Following overdose stabilization, it is crucial to seek substance abuse treatment. Learn how our medication-assisted treatment at Northern Illinois Recovery can help you overcome drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Risk Factors and Causes Of An Overdose

Risk Factors

• Polydrug Use: Taking multiple drugs at the same time significantly increases the risk of an overdose.
• Tolerance: When a person builds up a tolerance to a drug, they may increase their dosage to achieve the desired effect, leading to an overdose.
• Age and Gender: Young adults aged 18-25 and men are at a higher risk for drug overdose.
• Mental Health Issues: People with mental health disorders are more likely to misuse drugs and are thus at a higher risk for overdose.
• History of Substance Abuse: Those who have struggled with substance abuse in the past may be more susceptible to overdosing.
• Lack of Social Support: Individuals without a strong support system are more likely to turn to drugs as a coping mechanism, increasing their risk of overdose.
• Poor Physical Health: Chronic illness or physical disabilities can lead to increased pain medication use, which can also increase the risk of an accidental overdose.

Causes

• Accidental Overdose: The most common cause of drug overdose is taking too much of a prescribed or recreational drug without realizing its strength or potential interactions with other substances.
• Intentional Overdose/Suicide Attempt: In some cases, people intentionally take excessive amounts of drugs as a means of self-harm or suicide.
• Mixing Drugs and Alcohol: Combining drugs with alcohol can intensify their effects and increase the risk of an overdose.
• Poor Quality/Contaminated Drugs: Illicitly obtained drugs may be laced with other substances that can lead to an unexpected and potentially fatal reaction.
• Changes in Tolerance Levels: A period of abstinence or decreased use can lower one’s tolerance, making them more susceptible to overdosing if they resume using their usual dosage.
• Prescription Errors: Mistakes made by healthcare providers when prescribing medications can result in dangerous levels of medication being consumed.
• Lack of Education: Many people are unaware of the dangers and risks associated with drug use, leading to unintentional overdoses.

Mental health issues can exacerbate substance abuse and lead to an overdose. Learn how our dual diagnosis treatment addresses substance abuse along with any co-occurring mental health disorder.

What to do if Someone is Overdosing

1. Recognize the signs of an overdose: Some common signs of an overdose include difficulty breathing, blue lips or fingertips, loss of consciousness, and unresponsiveness. Other signs may vary depending on the substance that was taken.
2. Call for help: If you suspect that someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. The emergency responders will be able to provide medical assistance and transport the person to a hospital.
3. Stay with the person: While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, stay with the person and monitor their condition. If they are still conscious, try to keep them calm and awake.
4. Administer naloxone (if available): Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. If you have access to naloxone and are trained in how to use it, administer it according to the instructions provided.
5. Do not leave the person alone: Do not leave someone who has overdosed alone until medical professionals have arrived. If they stop breathing or lose consciousness, perform rescue breathing if you are trained in CPR.
6. Gather information: Take note of any drugs or substances that were involved in the overdose and inform medical personnel when they arrive. This can help them determine the best course of treatment.
7. Provide support after treatment: After receiving medical treatment, individuals who have overdosed may need emotional support and resources for addiction treatment. Offer your support and encourage them to seek professional help.

Remember that recognizing the signs of an overdose and calling for help immediately is crucial in saving someone’s life. With prompt action and proper care, many people can recover from an overdose and receive the necessary treatment for drug abuse and addiction in Illinois.

How to Prevent an Overdose

One of the most important steps to prevent an overdose is to always stick to the prescribed dosage recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended amount, even if you feel that it is not providing enough relief.

It is also crucial to keep track of all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. This will help you avoid accidentally doubling up on doses or taking two medications that may interact with each other. Some medications may interact with each other and cause adverse effects or increase the potency of one drug, leading to an overdose.

Next, never mix prescription drugs with alcohol or illicit drugs, as they can be dangerous and increase the risk of an overdose. Alcohol, in particular, can enhance the effects of certain medications and make them more potent.

Never share your prescription medication with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms as you. Each person’s body reacts differently to medication, so what may be safe for you could be harmful to someone else. If you have any leftover or expired medication, do not keep it in your medicine cabinet. Instead, dispose of it safely by following local guidelines or returning it to a pharmacy for proper disposal.

If you are struggling with addiction or have a history of substance abuse, seek professional help from our residential inpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Illinois and talk to your doctor about alternative pain management methods.

Helping to Save Lives At NIRC

At Northern Illinois Recovery Center (NIRC), our mission is to help individuals struggling with addiction find hope, healing, and a path toward lasting recovery. We understand the devastating impact that substance abuse can have on individuals, families, and communities.

Our facility offers a range of evidence-based treatment programs tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Our team of experienced professionals includes licensed therapists, medical doctors, nurses, and support staff who work together to provide personalized care and support throughout the recovery journey.

We are committed to making a positive impact in our community by helping individuals overcome addiction and lead fulfilling lives. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey.