Symptoms that occur during an overdose episode depend on the substance responsible for triggering the reaction.
Overdoses are toxic reactions that occur when the effects of a given substance push the brain and body too far outside their normal operating limits. In many cases, severe forms of these reactions can ultimately have fatal consequences. The specific effects of overdose-producing substances vary widely – this means that the sensations that occur during an overdose episode depend on the type of substance responsible for triggering the reaction.
Whether consumed in the form of prescription medications or illegal street drugs, all opioids have a similar core effect once they enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain. Namely, they significantly reduce the normal flow of signals traveling from cell to cell in the central nervous system. It is this property that makes an overdose possible in a person who consumes opioids in excessive amounts.
The physical and mental sensations of a heroin overdose[i] illustrate the symptoms common to all opioids. They include:
Some of the other symptoms of an opioid overdose may not be directly perceived by the affected person. These symptoms include:
Like opioids, alcohol has the potential to trigger an overdose because it slows down the normal rate of activity in the central nervous system. However, the sensations associated with alcohol poisoning[ii] only partially overlap those associated with opioid overdoses. They commonly include:
As with opioid overdoses, some of the effects of alcohol poisoning may not be perceived directly such as:
In contrast to opioids and alcohol, cocaine and other stimulants speed up the central nervous system’s normal rate of activity. In the case of cocaine[iii], potential overdose-related sensations include:
A person overdosing on cocaine can also develop an unusually high body temperature.
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Methamphetamine[iv] produces overdose symptoms that partially overlap those associated with cocaine. The list of potential sensations includes:
Additional symptoms of a methamphetamine overdose can include:
Long-term consumption of the drug can lead to something called a chronic methamphetamine overdose. Sensations common in people affected by this condition include:
Benzodiazepine tranquilizers are frequently used to treat insomnia, medically serious anxiety and epilepsy. Sensations associated with a benzodiazepine overdose[v] include:
A benzodiazepine overdose can also lead to unusually low blood pressure, an unresponsive loss of consciousness and coma.
Many people overlook the potential for a marijuana/cannabis overdose[vi], in part because the possibility of a directly lethal outcome is minimal. Still, anyone who consumes too much of a cannabis product can experience some extremely unpleasant sensations, including:
Overdose sensations and other symptoms can be significantly magnified in a person who consumes more than one type of substance. A special area of concern is the additive effect produced by consuming two substances that have the same general impact on the central nervous system (e.g., alcohol and opioids). However, unique problems can also occur in people who consume substances that alter the central nervous system in different ways. An excellent example here is the combination of heroin and cocaine (sometimes known as a “speedball”).
In 2016, America suffered a record number of overdose-related deaths[vii]. Alcohol still kills more people than any other substance. However, the 21st century has been marked by a steep and continuing rise in the number of deaths related to opioid overdose. Benzodiazepines, cocaine and methamphetamine also rank high on the list of drugs and medications linked to overdose-related fatalities.
The best possible way to avoid an overdose is to avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and/or drugs or medications. Unfortunately, many of the people who consume substances in large amounts suffer from diagnosable symptoms of substance abuse and addiction. This means that substance treatment frequently forms a necessary first step in overdose avoidance.
At Transformations Treatment Center, we provide treatment programs for people dealing with all manner of alcohol, drug and medication-related substance problems. All clients receive professional help geared toward their unique circumstances, this customized approach maximizes the benefits of treatment for sustainable, long-term sobriety.
