The risk of drug overdose—particularly among those who are dependent on substance use disorder—is something that has always been a present factor in encouraging addiction recovery. With the recent death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, more people have turned their attention back to the lingering threat of drug overdose. However, while many understand “overdose” as something that ultimately leads to death, Chapters Capistrano feels it is important to fully define this term.

What many may be surprised to learn is that drug overdose does not always result in fatality. In fact, some involved with substance use disorder may discover that they have encountered some form of overdose without ever addressing it.

What is “Overdose”?

Drug overdose is defined as the moment when the body has too much of a substance—drugs or alcohol—in its system. Essentially, overdose refers to any situation in which an individual has “poisoned” his or her body with a substance. Typically, the human body will experience a type of physical reaction, but will not always result in death.

There is no set standard for what classifies as “overdose,” which is why individuals must be very careful when turning to alcohol, prescription medications or illicit drugs. The danger for overdose is so present that there are no real guidelines to prevent it from occurring. Individuals may react differently to how much they use due to the type of substance, their body and the amount taken.

Different Signs of Overdose

It is important to understand that not all overdoses will create the same reaction in individuals. Learning how to recognize signs of overdose could not only help encourage individuals to save lives of loved ones, but also discover the presence of substance use disorder early on to encourage someone to seek addiction recovery.

• Lack of Oxygen

In the case of depressants, such as opioids, users may experience a loss of breathing. These drugs—which are often noted as prescription medications—can cause individuals to breathe more slowly than usual. If unconscious, an individual’s lack of oxygen can be deadly or cause brain damage. Snoring can be an early sign of impaired breathing due to drug use, but more serious symptoms include bluish skin and lack of response to stimulus.

• Heart Attacks and Seizures

Unlike depressants, stimulants can cause a different reaction in the body in overdose. Drugs, such as any form of amphetamine, can quickly cause individuals to experience an intense wave of physical activity. Stress on the body can result in headache and disorientation; however, irregular chest pain and heart attack are also common and can develop rapidly in situations of misuse.

In some cases, individuals may experience seizures as the result of using too many stimulants. Since the chemical makeup of amphetamines—especially those made illegally—can vary, it is very hard to avoid these risks. In fact, individuals who use stimulants for the first time may often experience overdose, resulting in hospitalization, brain damage and fatality.

• Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is often more common than what is reported to medical authorities, but is nevertheless a form of overdose. In severe cases of binge drinking, individual may raise their blood alcohol content level to nearly fatal levels that cause extreme disorientation, unconsciousness or seizures.

However, less noticeable signs of alcohol poisoning can include vomiting, loss of coordination and slowed breathing. Since these signs are commonly associated with “being drunk,” many have come to disregard these symptoms without fully understanding the possibility of overdose.

Responding to Signs of Overdose

In any situation where you or a loved one is displaying any of the signs above, it is important to contact emergency personnel immediately. Recognizing the symptoms of drug overdose as soon as possible could help save a life with the help of medical intervention.

While medical attention is often necessary, some may find that they or a loved one has displayed signs of overdose without ever having sought out help. Those who encounter these symptoms on a regular basis are encouraged to seek out options for addiction recovery, such as those offered at Chapters Capistrano.

Since addiction may lead individuals to encounter some form of drug overdose on a regular basis, the risk of long-term damage to the body is high. Fortunately, Chapters Capistrano has a comprehensive detoxification program and many wellness activities that allow individuals to seek a refreshing life away from substance use disorder in whole health.