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” Drug overdose” refers to the ingestion or abuse of any drug. It can be legal, illegal, or over-the-counter. You can overdose on drugs, either intentionally or not. Your health can be affected if you take more than the recommended dose of any medication.
A drug overdose can have serious medical consequences. Here are the facts.
Factors That Lead to Drug Overdose
There are many factors that increase the likelihood of overdose. Here are some examples:
Improper Drug Storage
Inadequately stored drugs can be easily accessed and abused by young children. Children, especially young ones, are at risk of accidental overdose if medicines are not properly stored and secured.
Dosage Instructions Not Followed or Ignored
If the directions aren’t followed, it is possible to overdose on medication at any age. Even with generally safe substances, an overdose can happen if you take too many or too quickly.
Over 60,000 visits annually are made to emergency rooms by patients who have not been attended to.
A History of Substance Abuse or Addiction
When people abuse prescription drugs or use illegal substances without permission from their doctors, overdosing on pharmaceuticals can be a problem. Overdosing can be caused by taking more than one drug simultaneously, using multiple drugs at once, and combining them with alcohol.
Previous History of Mental Illness
Mental health problems can make it more difficult to overdose on drugs. Overdose can be caused by suicide and depression. These symptoms can make the situation even worse if they aren’t treated.
Drug Overdose Symptoms
A variety of symptoms can indicate that a drug overdose occurred. The symptoms can be influenced by individual susceptibility, drug dosage, and other factors.
The most common symptoms are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constricted or enlarged pupils
- Perception loss
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty in breathing
- Moving can be difficult
- Drowsiness
- Tremors
- Blue lips or blueish fingernails
It should be easy for you to determine if someone you know or you have used drugs recently. If you notice any of these symptoms or they appear in someone else, get medical attention immediately.
Treatment for Drug Overdose
A protocol is not established for treating drug overdoses. It is important to know how much of a substance was consumed before treating a drug overdose. However, this information is not always conclusive.
The following are common treatments that medical professionals might recommend or use:
- If the victim has difficulty breathing, an airway can be cleared or a tube inserted.
- Forcing the victim to vomit to get rid of the substance in their stomach
- Pumping the stomach to remove the substance
- Administration of fluids intravenously can accelerate the removal of the drug from your body
Doctors may prescribe antidotes for specific drug overdoses. Naloxone can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose.
Preventing Drug Overdose
There are many ways to reduce the risk of drug overdoses. To prevent accidental overdoses or incitement to violence, the best way to do so is to eliminate any potential points.
Prescription and OTC medications should be kept safe from children. When taking prescription medication, you should always comply with your doctor’s instructions. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about the safety of mixing drugs. Your doctor should be consulted before you combine alcohol with other substances and medications.
Drug addiction can lead to fatal overdoses. It is best to quit using drugs.
There are safe and unsafe ways to use medicines. You need to know which ones you’re using. Inhaling or injecting drugs can increase the effects on the brain, which can lead to an increased desire for drug use. If you are having difficulty quitting the habit, seek medical attention or treatment from therapists who specialize in substance abuse.
Treatment programs for substance abuse can help people overcome drug dependence and lower their chances of overdosing. You should not allow yourself to reintroduce drug use once you have completed therapy. Because your tolerance will decrease as you go through treatment and standard doses can cause harm to your health.
Advocate MyMeds is available to help you if your treatment plan is not affordable. They provide full-service prescription drug assistance to help insured and uninsured Americans afford their medication. They offer financial aid for prescriptions.
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