According to the CDC, there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2023. An overdose occurs when a person consumes more of a drug—or a combination of drugs—than their body can handle. Overdoses can happen with any drug, whether prescribed by a doctor or purchased illegally. However, certain factors can increase the risk of overdose.
Poly-substance Use: This refers to the use of more than one drug or type by an individual simultaneously or sequentially (Penington Institute, 2024). The interaction between different substances can amplify or mask the effects of the drugs, and produce unpredictable side effects.
Tolerance: After prolonged use of a substance, the body develops a tolerance, requiring more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. However, after a period of abstinence, using the "usual" amount can be dangerous, as the body is no longer accustomed to that quantity.
Contaminated Substances: The drug supply is increasingly being contaminated with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, a substance 50-100 times more potent than morphine. The DEA reports that just one kilogram of fentanyl can potentially kill 500,000 people (DEA, n.d.).
The CDC reported that bystanders were present in more than one in every three opioid overdoses (CDC, 2024). If you suspect someone has overdosed, it is crucial to understand the signs and react swiftly. Signs of an overdose can include seizures, snoring, gurgling sounds, severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, paranoia, agitation, and confusion (Penington Institute, 2024). If you cannot get a response from someone who you know or suspect has taken substances, do not assume they are asleep—death can occur hours after an overdose.
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications (CDC, 2024). If you believe someone is overdosing, follow these steps:
Administer one dose of naloxone and wait 2-3 minutes to see if normal breathing returns before giving a second dose.
Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.
Two forms of naloxone can be used without medical training: prefilled nasal spray and injectable, which are both safe and effective. Naloxone is important to carry if you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use disorder or is prescribed a high-dose opioid medication. While you can’t administer it for yourself, inform others that you carry it in case of an emergency.
August 31st is observed as International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to reaffirm our commitment to ending overdose, increasing awareness and education, and honoring the memory of those we've lost to overdose. Understanding drug overdose and the signs of it are the first step in combatting this public health crisis. Recognizing these signs and administering naloxone can make the difference between life and death. By using this essential tool in combating the opioid crisis, we can help reduce the tragic impact of drug overdoses in our communities. In honor of this year's International Overdose Awareness Day theme---"Together we can!".
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