Recognising and Responding to Overdose

What is an overdose?

An overdose happens when a person takes more of a substance, or a mix of substances, than their body can handle.

This can cause severe symptoms or life-threatening conditions.

Understanding how to spot and respond to an overdose, including an overamping situation (a term used for stimulant overdose), could help save a life and keep people safe when using substances.

Signs of overdose

For depressants (opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines)

Depressants slow down the body's functions. If someone’s taken too much, you might see:

• Breathing problems: shallow, slow, or even stopped breathing.
• Unresponsiveness: they can’t wake up or respond to your voice or touch.
• Pale or clammy skin: their skin might feel cold and sweaty, and look bluish, especially around the lips and fingernails.
• Limp body: they seem floppy and can’t control their movements.
• Slow or irregular heartbeat: their heart isn’t beating properly.

For stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA)

Stimulants speed up the body's functions. Overdosing, or overamping, can look like:

• Extreme agitation or paranoia: they might be jittery, twitchy, or freaking out about things that aren’t there.
• Chest pain or breathing problems: their heart feels like it’s pounding out of their chest, and they might be gasping for air.
• Overheating: they could be sweating a lot, even if it's not hot.
• Seizures or muscle twitching: their body might be jerking uncontrollably.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat: their heart is racing or skipping beats.

For hallucinogens (LSD, Psilocybin, PCP)

Hallucinogens affect what someone sees, hears, or feels. An overdose might include:

• Intense hallucinations: they're seeing or hearing things that aren’t real, and it’s overwhelming.
• Confusion and disorientation: they can’t make sense of where they are or what’s happening.
• Paranoia and panic: they are scared and anxious, feeling trapped by their fears.
• Psychosis: they're disconnected from reality, can't communicate properly, and might be acting bizarrely.
• Dangerous behavior: they might try to hurt themselves or others because they’re scared or confused.

How to respond to an overdose

General steps for all overdoses

• Stay calm: even though you may be stressed, try to keep your voice level and take your time to think about each step. Shouting, moving too quickly or making rushed decisions might make it more difficult to help the person.
• Call emergency services (000 in Australia): tell them what the person has taken, how much, and their symptoms. It is important to be honest with paramedics if you know which substances have been taken. Police won’t be called to a drug overdose unless there is violence or a risk to the paramedics.
• Comfort and reassure: keep them safe and calm. Let them know help is on the way.

Responding to a depressant overdose

Check their breathing: If they're not breathing or it's really weak:

• 1. Clear their airway: make sure nothing's blocking their mouth or throat.
• 2. Administer naloxone if available: especially for opioid overdoses, naloxone can reverse the effects temporarily. Even if the person has taken something else, the substance may contain opioids without them knowing.
• 3. Start rescue breathing: tilt their head back, lift their chin, and give slow breaths until they start breathing or help arrives.
• 4. Put them in the recovery position: if they're breathing but not awake, roll them on their side to prevent choking.

Responding to stimulant (overamping) overdose

• 1. Help them cool down: move them to a cooler place and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.
• 2. Calm and reassure: speak gently to help them relax. Too much noise and fuss can make things worse.
• 3. Monitor their heart: if they complain of chest pain or you notice their heartbeat is irregular, tell this to the emergency operator.
• 4. Start rescue breathing if they lose consciousness (pass out): If you need to do this, look at the depressant overdose steps listed above.

Responding to a hallucinogen overdose

• 1. Keep them safe: make sure they’re in a safe spot where they can’t hurt themselves.
• 2. Speak calmly: use simple, comforting words. Avoid arguing with their hallucinations — just reassure them.
• 3. Don't restrain them: only hold them gently if they’re at risk of hurting themselves. Otherwise, stay close and observe.

Knowing how to recognise and respond to overdoses, including overamping from stimulants, can save lives. Being prepared and understanding these situations is essential for everyone, especially if you or someone you know uses substances. Remember, in any overdose, calling 000 is the first step to getting the help needed.