Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
Alternative names
Overdose from drugsDefinition Return to top
Drug abuse is the misuse or overuse of any medication or drug, including alcohol.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 physician 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.
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.
Causes Return to top
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 victim's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin CPR at once. If the victim is unconscious but breathing, carefully place him or her in the recovery position. If the victim is conscious, loosen the clothing, keep the person warm, and provide reassurance. Try to keep the victim calm. If an overdose is suspected, try to prevent the victim from taking more drugs. Call for immediate medical assistance.
2. Treat the victim for signs of shock, if necessary. Signs include: weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, clammy skin, paleness, and decreasing alertness.
3. If the victim is having convulsions, give convulsion first aid.
4. Keep monitoring the victim'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
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Return to top
Prevention Return to top
A variety of resources are available for treating substance abuse and chemical dependency. They can be found through local libraries, your healthcare provider, and the yellow pages under "social service organizations". See also drug dependence - resources and alcoholism - resources. Update Date: 1/22/2004 Updated by: Cherlin Johnson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |