More than 140,000 people will overdose on drugs every year in the U.S. Drug use impairs a person’s judgment, and people will often mix different drugs and alcohol, producing near-fatal effects. Millions of people in the U.S. struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, and the longer a person goes without treatment for drug addiction, the chances for overdosing increase. It’s critical that people can recognize the symptoms of a drug overdose and contact emergency services before it is too late. The following article will explore the rates and statistics regarding drug overdoses, and the symptoms of a drug overdose.

What are the rates of drug overdoses in the U.S.?

The U.S. has the highest rate of overdose drug mortality in the world. The drugs most responsible for overdose deaths are opioid derivatives. In 2016, the CDC estimated that 64,000 people died from opiate overdoses. In 2016, opioid-related overdoses rose by 5.6% each quarter, indicating that the problem regarding drug overdoses is worsening, and not getting better. People who are dependent on an opioid drug are the most likely to experience an overdose and to overdose on the drug repeatedly.

What are the signs and symptoms of a drug overdose?

The majority of drug overdoses are unintentional. A user may overdose by taking a regular dose of a drug after their tolerance has lowered. Sometimes, people accidentally combine substances without realizing that the drugs can interact dangerously. In some cases, a user may forget that they’ve already taken a dose of their medication and can overdose accidentally on a prescription.

With illegal drugs, a user doesn’t know how much of the substance is in a dose. For example, powder cocaine can be mixed with heroin, and ecstasy tablets can sometimes be made with methamphetamine. People who drink alcohol in a nightclub setting can have drugs like Rohypnol slipped into their drinks, and suffer an overdose as a result. When someone overdoses on a drug, whether legal or illegal, the situation is always a medical emergency.

The symptoms of a drug overdose can be difficult to recognize because some drugs have similar effects to the symptoms of an overdose. Often, users don’t even realize that they are overdosing on a drug. Some of the symptoms of an overdose include:

After a user exhibits these initial symptoms of an overdose, they may begin gasping for air, vomiting, breathing erratically, and lose consciousness. Overdoses that are not treated quickly can lead to seizures, coma, and death. People who reach the end stages of an overdose and survive may live with permanent brain damage or other disabilities. When the initial signs of an overdose first begin to show, it’s critical that the person is taken to the emergency room immediately.

Many states have Good Samaritan Laws in place that protect the overdose victim and the person who calls 911 from prosecution for drug-related possession and crimes. Always call 911 immediately in the case of a suspected overdose. If the person is unconscious, position them onto their side. If they are left on their back, they can choke on their vomit and asphyxiate. Do not give them anything to eat and drink.

When contacting emergency responders, tell them what drug the person is suspected of overdosing on. There are overdose reversal medications that emergency responders can give to the individual. Never leave a suspected overdosing individual alone, and stay with them until emergency responders arrive.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug abuse and addiction, the representatives at Windward Way can help. Please contact us today to get treatment for drug abuse for you or a loved one.