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The Dangers and Effects of Taking Drugs

How to Deal with Someone who has Taken a Drug Overdose

Apr 15, 2009 Pam Griffin

Whether they are prescribed, bought over the counter or bought illegally, drugs can cause serious damage if they are taken in the wrong way or in overdose quantities.

The effects of drug overdoses and misuse vary depending on the type of drug, how it is taken, and how much is taken. It can also depend on other factors, such as if the casualty has been drinking alcohol or is on prescription medicine which may have caused a reaction to another drug.

When you call the emergency services, give as much information as possible. If there are any pill bottles, or items which look as if they may have been used to take drugs, keep them to give to the ambulance crew. If there are hypodermic needles lying around be very careful not to prick yourself, and if possible, wait for the ambulance crew to arrive and for them to remove it.

There are many different types of drugs and they can be taken in a variety of ways - injection, inhalation (smoking or 'snorting'), ingestion (swallowing), or absorbed through the skin or through the eye.

Types of Drugs

These are some of the more common drugs which you might come across:

Painkillers

Over the counter painkillers are typically less dangerous than illegal drugs, but can still do serious harm to anyone who takes an overdose.

Asprin - swallowed - Can cause upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, ringing in the ears, a "sighing" noise when breathing, confusion and delirium, and dizziness.
Paracetamol - swallowed - May have little effect at first, but abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may develop. Irreversible liver damage may occur within three days - malnourishment and alcohol increase the risk of this.

Nervous system depressants and tranquillisers

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines - swallowed - Taking these drugs can cause lethargy and sleepiness, leading to unconsciousness. The casualty may have shallow breathing, and a weak, irregular, or abnormally slow or fast pulse.

Stimulants and hallucinogens

Amphetamines, including Ectasy, and LSD - swallowed; Cocaine - inhaled - Any of these drugs can cause excitable, hyperactive behaviour, wildness and frenzy. The casualty may be sweating and have a tremor of their hands. They may also experience hallucinations.

Narcotics

Morphine and heroin - commonly injected - The casualty will have small pupils, and be sluggish and confused. He may have needle marks, which may be infected, and his breathing will be slow and shallow, and may stop altogether.

Solvents

Glue and lighter fuel - inhaled - 'Glue sniffing' can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches and hallucinations. The more serious consequences of solvent abuse can include unconsciousness, and in rare cases the casualty may have a heart attack.

Treatment

In all these cases the casualty should be got to hospital as soon as possible where treatment can be given and the patient's condition can be fully monitored.

Call the emergency services as soon as possible and monitor the casualty until they arrive. If the casualty becomes aggressive towards you keep yourself safe, but if possible try to keep an eye on him so that if his condition suddenly deteriorates you will be able to help. If he goes unconscious carry out the ABC checks and be prepared to start CPR if the casualty stops breathing.

It may be appropriate to call the police as well as the ambulance in certain circumstances, for example if the casualty claims a drink was spiked, or if they seem to be in posession of a large quantity of illegal drugs.

There may also be the possibility of the casualty having taken an intentional overdose. If you suspect this is the case tell the ambulance personnel. If the casualty had written a suicide note make sure it is preserved as doctors and/or police may want to see it.

The copyright of the article The Dangers and Effects of Taking Drugs in General Medicine is owned by Pam Griffin. Permission to republish The Dangers and Effects of Taking Drugs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Even painkillers can be deadly if overdosed on

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Comments

Apr 15, 2009 1:59 PM

Guest :

All medication can be very dangerous if not taken correctly. To remove such threats simply TAKE AS DIRECTED and notify your healthcare provider of any problems. With drug abuse out of control the majority of healthcare professionals thinks anyone who complains of pain and wants relief is a "druggie". Antibiotics are prescribed more often when NOT needed nor help the patients condition but to pasify a whiney patient or parent. So who is the one propagating the idea if it hurts take a pill!!! Is it the Hypocratic Oath or the hypocracy of the system and the doctors that can't stand the thought of losiing the yuppies with insurance and the heck with the poor slob that is in such pain he/she cannot work!!!!!

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