Overdose

Defined as too great a dose; a lethal or toxic amount. Or simply, taking too much of something – beyond the toxicity level.

Overdose 101

Overdoses can happen with any substance - some are just more toxifying than others.

Here are some examples of how effects can vary by the substance:

Caffeine - nausea, rapid heart rate or “the jitters”
Cannabis (marijuana) – nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, low blood pressure, poor balance and/or coordination
Tylenol (acetaminophen) – potentially deadly liver disfunction
Methamphetamine (meth, clear) – rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, passing out, headache, extreme anxiety and agitation, stroke or potential death
Alcohol - confusion, difficulty staying conscious, vomiting, slow heart rate, clammy skin, dulled responses (no gag reflex which prevents choking), low body temperature, seizures or potential death
Cocaine – Rapid heart rate, rise in body temperature, chest pain, tremors, seizure, cardiac arrest or potential death
Benzos – difficulty staying conscious, prolonged sedation, incoherency, decreased reflexes, respiratory distress or potential death
Opioids (i.e. heroin, morphine, fentanyl, oxycontin) –unresponsive, low heart rate and blood pressure, respiratory distress or potential death

Combining different substances can increase the potential of an overdose:

Alcohol interacts with opiates and other drugs increasing chance of overdose.
- Alcohol and cocaine together create a whole new chemical, which increases euphoria that masks how intoxicated someone is, giving the feeling that person can tolerate more of either substance.

Mixing pills is another common way to overdose. For example, opiates mixed with benzos.
- Try using the opiates first to assess the high before taking other drugs.
- Go “slow and low” to begin with, assessing the strength and your own tolerance; try a small/or partial shot, press the plunger slowly; start with just a “sip” from a pipe.