What is an Overdose?
A drug overdose or alcohol overdose is a biological response when the body receives too much of a substance or a mix of substances. Sometimes an overdose can be accidental or intentional. Overdoses can occur with drugs, alcohol, prescription medications and other substances. In certain situations, overdoses can be fatal; however, most individuals who overdose can be saved if medical treatment is received quickly.
Signs of opioid drug overdose
Opioids are one of the most common substances to overdose on, given how strong they are and how they function once consumed. Opioid receptors are found throughout the body but have the highest concentrations in the brain, central and peripheral nervous systems and the gastrointestinal tract. When someone uses an opioid, all the receptors are activated and slow down the body. Here are some signs that someone is having an opioid overdose:
- Someone cannot be woken up or is 0not moving
- Discolouration of lips and nails
- Breathing slow or absent
- Choking or coughing, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- Pupils tiny, also known as Pinpoint Pupils
- Cold or clammy skin
- Dizziness and disorientation
If you suspect someone is experiencing these symptoms, please stop reading and call 911 immediately.
Signs of alcohol overdose
Alcohol overdose, better known as alcohol poisoning, happens when you drink more alcohol than your body can safely process. A general rule of thumb is to consume 8-10g of alcohol an hour (the amount of alcohol in a standard drink). Suppose someone consumes more alcohol than this in shorter periods. In that case, the alcohol builds up in the body due to the liver not being able to metabolize the alcohol fast enough, and an accumulation of alcohol spreads throughout the body.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Mental confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
- Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
- Hypothermia, bluish skin colour, paleness
- Cardiac arrest due to hypothermia
If you suspect someone is experiencing these symptoms, please stop reading and call 911 immediately.
Signs of stimulant drug overdose
Stimulants like methamphetamines or cocaine also work on the central nervous system but are opposite to opioids and alcohol. They stimulate the central nervous system, increasing the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and breathing. A stimulant overdose occurs when the respiratory, blood circulation rate or cardiovascular system is overworked to the point of breaking down. Some signs of stimulant overdose include:
- Jerking or rigid limbs
- Irregular or shallow breathing
- Sudden onset of high fever
- Rapidly increasing pulse
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
- Severe headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Irritability or agitation
- Disorientation or mental confusion
- Stroke
- Cardia arrest
If you suspect someone is experiencing these symptoms, please stop reading and call 911 immediately.
Statistics on Overdoses and Deaths
A report from the Government of Canada posted in June 2022 discusses opioid and stimulant-related harms in Canada.
Opioid toxicity deaths
During the first year of the pandemic, there was a 96% increase in opioid toxicity deaths compared to the year before. At least 29,052 people died from opioid toxicity between January 2016 and December 2021. The statistics show that 7560 people have died due to opioids in 2021 (Jan-Dec). Approximately 21 deaths per day.
Stimulant toxicity deaths
Available information indicates that the number of stimulant toxicity deaths in 2021 was high, and almost all deaths (98%) were accidental. Of the unintentional stimulant toxicity deaths in 2021, 62% involved cocaine, while 55% involved methamphetamines. More than half (59%) of accidental opioid toxicity deaths in 2021 also involved a stimulant.
Alcohol-induced deaths
StatCan shows that in 2020 the number and rate of alcohol-induced deaths increased among those under the age of 65. Among those aged 0-44, alcohol-induced deaths rose from 325 in 2019 to 480 in 2020. These deaths are related to several diseases and conditions associated with the chronic use of alcohol but exclude unintentional deaths, like traffic accidents.
How to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Overdosing
If you or someone you know is using opioids, cocaine or methamphetamines, follow these tips to reduce the chance of experiencing an overdose:
- Don’t use alone
- If using with someone, stagger your dosing.
- Start with a small amount.
- Mixing substances, including alcohol, increases the risk of overdose
- Use where help is readily available (Toronto Safety Sites)
- Make a plan/know how to respond in case of an overdose
- Carry a take-home Naloxone kit
- Use the LifeGuard App
- Call the National overdose Response Service (1-888-688-6677)
Although alcohol poisoning isn’t as fatal as opioid & stimulant toxicity, there are some ways to prevent it:
- Avoid drinking games
- Stay hydrated, drink water after every alcoholic beverage
- Don’t mix alcohol and medicine
- East first
- Avoid a drink if you don’t know its contents.
The opioid crisis and overdoses, in general, are climbing at alarming rates. The good thing is that the more we educate and create opportunities for those to thrive, the more we can slow down this epidemic and make long-lasting societal changes.
If you know someone who could benefit from a safe environment that encourages and helps individuals achieve long-lasting results in their recovery process, please reach out to [email protected] or contact us using our contact form.