International Overdose Awareness Day: What You Should Know

We want to normalise the conversation around drugs and overdose. When it comes to keeping yourself and your peers safe from overdose, knowledge is power. Here, you can learn more about how to recognise an overdose, how to respond to an overdose, and what you can do to minimise the risks of taking drugs.

What is an overdose, and how does it happen?

An overdose occurs when the body can't cope with the amount of a drug or a combination of drugs in its system. Not all overdoses are fatal, but they can be. The body struggles to maintain its essential functions, like breathing or thinking.

What are the signs of an overdose?

The signs of overdose depend on the substance that the person has taken. Overdose on a stimulant will look different to overdose on a depressant. However, you can still keep an eye out for sensations or behaviours that may indicate an overdose. Bianca, an alcohol and other drugs (AOD) counsellor with Thorne Harbour Health in South Australia, shared some of the main signs to look for when concerned about an overdose:

• Altered mental state, such as extreme confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
• Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
• Blue or grey skin tint
• Lips, fingers, or wounds turning blue
• Irregular heartbeat or chest pains
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Extremely high or low body temperature
• Loss of consciousness, fainting, or unresponsiveness

How can I tell if it’s an overdose or a normal response to the drug?

According to Bianca, an overdose will be extreme when compared to the typical side effects of a high. Someone who is overdosing won’t just vomit a bit – they’ll vomit to the point of dehydration or loss of consciousness. Similarly, an increased heartbeat or high body temperature from an overdose may be accompanied by a struggle to breathe, while similar effects from dancing on a stimulant would not.

Additionally, you can use the internet to do some research beforehand. Familiarising yourself with information about a drug and its side effects will help you differentiate between a normal experience and an overdose.

Can prescription drugs or drugstore medications cause an overdose?

Yes. A common misconception is that you can only overdose on illegal substances. Doctor-prescribed drugs, even over-the-counter medication like Panadol, can also cause an overdose if taken in excess or mixed dangerously with another drug. Read the label carefully or speak to your care provider or pharmacist to determine the correct dosage, timings, and combinations for your medication.

How do I know if I can combine drugs safely?

Touchbase is a great resource for learning which drugs can be mixed safely. When thinking about taking other substances with your prescription medication, your doctor can provide you with the best information for staying safe and ensuring your medication remains effective.

How can I minimise my risk of overdose?

Bianca suggests testing a small amount of a drug to see how it makes you feel before going all in. If something doesn’t feel right, you should avoid taking more to make sure you are safe and not in danger of overdosing.

Because fentanyl has recently been found in stimulants in Australia, you may also consider adding Fentanyl Testing Strips to your party night routine. Fentanyl is an extremely strong and dangerous depressant. It can affect your central nervous system and ability to breathe in a way you wouldn’t expect while using stimulants, which can put you at greater risk of overdose.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose of opioids. If you use or know someone who uses opioids, naloxone is freely available for you to keep on hand just in case of an emergency.

How should I respond if I think someone is overdosing?

First, you should check to see if they are responsive. If so, find out what they took, how much they took, how they took it, and when they took it. Contact emergency services and share that information with them.

If that person is completely unresponsive, put them in the recovery position, if possible, and then contact emergency services. Emergency services will then be able to help you through those steps of what to do until medical attention arrives.

Don’t hesitate to contact emergency services – your speed can make all the difference to someone’s survival and long-term wellbeing.

Education about drugs and overdose is the best way to dispel misinformation and reduce stigma. Together, we can learn to keep ourselves and our communities safe from the risk of overdose.

For more information about International Overdose Awareness day, head here.