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Drug overdose can be intentional or not. This can occur through the abuse of illegal drugs, including alcohol, to get drunk and high, or when a person takes medical drugs - prescription, nonprescription, even herbal products - more than the recommended dosage and the body does not have time to expel excess drugs to avoid the effects. dangerous side.

A drug overdose can occur suddenly, when a large number of doses of a drug are taken at one time, or gradually as the drug substance slowly builds up in the body over a long period of time. Drug overdose is a medical emergency.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a drug overdose

Knowing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and the right actions to take can help you avoid tragedy. It is not necessary for a person to have all the signs or symptoms to be classified as an overdose. Just showing one or two symptoms can still mean they are in trouble and need emergency help.

Symptoms of a drug overdose can include:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Dizzy
• Lost balance
• Seizures (depending on the situation and conditions)
• Sleepy
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing / not breathing
• Internal bleeding
• Hallucinations
• Visual disturbances
• Slitting heavily
• Blue skin
• Coma

ALSO READ: Steps to Help People Who Have Seizures

Symptoms of a depressant drug overdose

Opioids (heroin, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone), benzodiapines, and alcohol are depressants. Symptoms of a depressant drug overdose include:

• Shortness of breath or no breathing at all
• Snoring or making a sound like gargling (blocked airway)
• Lips or fingertips turn blue
• Legs and feet drooping
• Does not respond to stimuli
• Disorientation
• Loss of consciousness that cannot be awakened

Symptoms of an amphetamine overdose

Symptoms of an amphetamine overdose are different from those of an opioid overdose. Amphetamine overdose increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, seizures, or drug-induced psychotic episodes. Symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• confusion / disorientation
• Severe headache
• Seizures
• High body temperature (hot, but not sweating)
• Difficulty breathing
• Aggressive and paranoid
• Hallucinations
• Loss of consciousness

ALSO READ: 4 Most Popular Types of Drugs in Indonesia and Their Effects on the Body

Symptoms of paracetamol / acetaminophen overdose

Apart from depressants and stimulant drugs such as amphetamines, paracetamol is the non-prescription pain reliever that most often results in accidental overdoses in children. Paracetamol is also commonly taken by people who intend to harm themselves (suicide attempts). Signs of paracetamol overdose include drowsiness, coma, seizures, abdominal pain, and nausea and vomiting. Another name for paracetamol is acetaminophen (often known by the brand name, Panadol). There is only a small difference between the maximum daily dose of paracetamol and drug overdose, which can cause liver damage.

The body's tolerance for overdose will vary from person to person depending on age, general health, what substances are consumed and how much, and a variety of other factors. In general, the body will heal on its own with or without treatment. However, death is a major risk in a large number of cases. Death can occur immediately or may be gradual if organs are permanently damaged.

What can be done to help people who have overdosed on drugs

1. Immediately call the emergency department (118/119), if the person has:

• Collapsed unconscious
• Stop breathing

If you can't get a response from someone who is unconscious, don't assume they are sleeping. Not all overdoses happen quickly and it can sometimes take him hours for him to lose his life. Actions taken as quickly as possible at critical times can save lives.

BCA ALSO: Recognizing Symptoms of Drugs and Treatment

If the victim is conscious, sometimes the patient may appear paranoid, confused, upset and restless. Ask family or friends to cool off. Consider contacting the police if the safety of the patient or those around him is threatened.

2. If she is unconscious and is not breathing, start CPR

The emergency personnel who speak to you on the phone can guide you through this until help arrives. Or, for example, the steps to perform CPR, here.

3. If the person is unconscious but breathing

Lay him on his side. Ensure that the airway remains open by tilting your head back and lifting your chin. This position can also prevent the person from choking on the vomit, if any. Some medications can cause serious body heating. And if this is there, remove unnecessary clothing to allow air to reach the surface of the skin to stabilize its body temperature.

Check their breathing and monitor their condition until help arrives. Do not try to induce vomiting, or provide food / drink.

4. Find out what drug he overdosed

• If the person is conscious, ask what they are consuming, how much, when was the last time they drank it, and how they consumed it (swallowed, inhaled, or injected).
• If the victim is unconscious, check their surroundings. Collect any bottles, plastics, needles, or syringes you find in one plastic bag. If there is vomit, take a small sample. It is intended as evidence to be given to emergency personnel handling it and further analyzed.

5. Do not leave the victim alone until help arrives, as someone who has overdosed can go in and out of consciousness

Some basic first aid knowledge can make the big difference between life and death in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid course, so you will be able to know exactly what to do if someone is injured or sick.

• First Aid Training (PP) PMI DKI Jakarta: (021) 3906666
• Emergency First Aid Course (EFAC) BSMI Jakarta: (021) 29373477