Drug Overdose Signs

Recognizing Drug Overdose Signs and Seeking Help at Agape Recovery House

Drug overdoses are a critical public health issue, claiming thousands of lives annually across the United States. Recognizing the signs of a drug overdose can be the difference between life and death, as immediate action is essential. At Agape Recovery House, with NARR-certified sober living homes in Atlanta, Marietta, Woodstock, and Kennesaw, Georgia, we provide a supportive environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. Our programs integrate individual therapy, peer support, and evidence-based care to help residents achieve lasting sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, understanding overdose signs and accessing professional care are vital steps toward recovery.

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately. After stabilization, contact Agape Recovery House to explore our sober living and outpatient programs by visiting our admissions page.

What is a Drug Overdose?

A drug overdose occurs when an individual consumes a toxic amount of a substance, leading to severe physical or mental harm, or even death. Overdoses can disrupt vital bodily functions, including breathing, heart rate, and consciousness, requiring urgent medical intervention. They can occur with illegal drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or alcohol, particularly when substances are mixed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2021, with opioids like fentanyl driving the majority of cases. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that structured recovery programs, including sober living, reduce relapse rates by up to 50%, highlighting the importance of professional care post-overdose.

The following drugs are among the most frequently involved in overdose deaths, based on a 2018 report:

• Fentanyl

• Heroin

• Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin, Lortab)

• Methadone

• Morphine

• Oxycodone (e.g., Oxycontin)

• Alprazolam (e.g., Xanax)

• Diazepam (e.g., Valium)

• Cocaine

• Methamphetamine

Recognizing Drug Overdose Signs

Recognizing drug overdose signs is critical for timely intervention. Symptoms vary depending on the substance, the amount consumed, and whether multiple substances were used. Below are detailed signs for common substances, which can be compounded when mixed, such as combining depressants (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines) with alcohol or stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine).

Alcohol Overdose

Alcohol overdose, often called alcohol poisoning, occurs when excessive alcohol consumption overwhelms the body’s ability to process it. Symptoms include:

• Low Body Temperature: Cold, clammy skin due to impaired thermoregulation.

• Confusion and Disorientation: Inability to think clearly or respond coherently.

• Labored Breathing: Slow, irregular, or shallow breathing, sometimes fewer than eight breaths per minute.

• Weak Pulse: Faint or irregular heartbeat, indicating cardiovascular strain.

• Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle spasms due to alcohol’s impact on the nervous system.

• Vomiting: Persistent vomiting, increasing the risk of choking or dehydration.

• Coma: Loss of consciousness, requiring immediate medical attention.

Opioid Overdose

Opioid overdoses, driven by drugs like fentanyl, heroin, or prescription painkillers, are a leading cause of overdose deaths. They can often be reversed with Narcan (naloxone). Symptoms include:

• Labored Breathing: Slow or stopped breathing, known as respiratory depression.

• Weak Pulse: Faint or irregular heartbeat, signaling cardiovascular distress.

• Confusion: Disorientation or inability to respond to stimuli.

• Small Pupils: Pinpoint pupils, a hallmark of opioid intoxication.

• Vomiting: Nausea or vomiting, increasing choking risks.

• Unconsciousness: Unresponsiveness or coma, requiring urgent intervention.

Benzodiazepine Overdose

Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) are commonly prescribed for anxiety but are dangerous when misused or combined with alcohol or opioids. Symptoms include:

• Confusion: Disorientation or difficulty processing information.

• Hallucinations: Visual or auditory disturbances, often when mixed with other substances.

• Labored Breathing: Slow or irregular breathing, especially when combined with depressants.

• Unconsciousness: Loss of consciousness, increasing the risk of coma.

• Slow Coordination: Slurred speech, unsteady movements, or impaired motor skills.

Cocaine Overdose

As a stimulant, cocaine accelerates bodily functions, leading to life-threatening symptoms. Signs include:

• Rapid Heart Rate: Tachycardia or irregular heartbeat, risking cardiac arrest.

• Sweating: Excessive perspiration, often accompanied by overheating.

• Confusion: Disorientation or agitation, impairing decision-making.

• Cardiac Arrest: Sudden heart failure, a leading cause of cocaine-related deaths.

• Hallucinations: Visual or auditory disturbances, increasing distress.

• Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle spasms due to overstimulation of the nervous system.

Crystal Meth Overdose

Crystal methamphetamine, another stimulant, causes hyperactivity and cardiovascular strain. Symptoms include:

• Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle spasms, risking injury or brain damage.

• Tremors: Involuntary shaking due to nervous system overload.

• Chest Pain: Severe pain indicating potential heart attack or cardiovascular stress.

• Vomiting: Nausea or vomiting, increasing dehydration risks.

• Rapid Heart Rate: Tachycardia, potentially leading to heart failure.

• Coma: Loss of consciousness, requiring immediate medical attention.

What to Do If You Suspect an Overdose

If you suspect a drug overdose, immediate action is critical. Follow these steps:

1. Call 911: Provide the operator with the person’s symptoms, location, and any known substances used. Stay on the line for guidance.

2. Administer Narcan (if applicable): For opioid overdoses, use Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray if available. Administer as directed and monitor the person until help arrives.

3. Perform CPR: If the person stops breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR if you are trained to do so.

4. Stay with the Person: Monitor their condition and keep them safe until emergency services arrive.

5. Be Honest with Medical Professionals: Share details about substances used to ensure proper treatment.

Accessing Narcan

Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses by restoring breathing. It’s available without a prescription at:

• Narcan.com: Provides guides on obtaining and administering Narcan.

• CVS and Walgreens: Offer Narcan nasal spray over the counter.

• Naloxone Exchange: Delivers Narcan directly to your home.

• GoodRX: Provides discounts for Narcan, making it more accessible.

• Local Health Departments: Many Georgia counties, including Cobb and Cherokee, offer free or low-cost Narcan through harm reduction programs.

Training on Narcan administration is available through community organizations and pharmacies, empowering families and friends to act quickly in emergencies.

Risk Factors for Drug Overdose

Several factors increase the risk of a drug overdose, including:

• Increased Dosage After a Break: Resuming a previous dosage after a period of reduced use can overwhelm the body due to lowered tolerance, common after detox or incarceration.

• Unknown Ingredients: Illicit drugs like fentanyl may contain potent additives, increasing overdose risk. The CDC notes fentanyl’s involvement in over 70% of opioid-related deaths.

• Polysubstance Use: Mixing substances (e.g., alcohol with opioids or benzodiazepines) amplifies effects, heightening overdose risk.

• Using Alone: Overdosing without others present delays help, increasing fatality risks.

• Poor Medical Health: Chronic conditions like heart or liver disease exacerbate overdose risks, especially when mixing prescribed medications with illicit drugs.

• Mental Health Disorders: Co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression, affecting 37.9% of those with addiction, can lead to self-medication and overdose.

Preventing Drug Overdoses

Preventing overdoses requires proactive measures, including:

• Education: Learn drug overdose signs and risks through community workshops or resources like NIDA.

• Safe Storage: Keep medications in secure locations to prevent misuse.

• Avoid Mixing Substances: Educate yourself on the dangers of combining drugs or alcohol.

• Carry Narcan: Ensure access to naloxone for opioid-related emergencies.

• Seek Support: Engage with recovery programs like Agape’s to address addiction early.

• Mental Health Care: Address co-occurring disorders through individual therapy to reduce self-medication risks.

Community resources in Atlanta, Marietta, Woodstock, and Kennesaw, such as harm reduction programs and AA/NA meetings, provide education and support to prevent overdoses.

How Is Drug Addiction Treated?

Treating substance use disorders requires a comprehensive approach, starting with medical detox and followed by tailored treatment to address addiction’s root causes. Agape Recovery House offers a continuum of care to support long-term sobriety.

Detoxification

Detox clears the body of toxic substances under medical supervision, typically lasting 5 to 10 days. It addresses withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe for opioids or alcohol, ensuring safety and comfort. Agape partners with trusted detox facilities in Georgia to provide referrals.

Residential Treatment

Residential programs involve living in a treatment facility for 30 to 90 days, offering intensive therapy and 24/7 support. They include individual therapy, group counseling, and medical care to address addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs allow individuals to live at home while attending therapy sessions, ideal for those with work or family responsibilities. Agape’s outpatient partners in Atlanta, Marietta, Woodstock, and Kennesaw offer:

• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Full-day sessions, 5–6 days a week, with individual and group therapy.

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): 3–5 sessions per week, 3 hours each, with flexible scheduling.

• Standard Outpatient: Weekly or biweekly therapy for ongoing support.

Sober Living Homes

Agape’s NARR-certified sober living homes in Atlanta, Marietta, Woodstock, and Kennesaw provide a structured, supportive environment for those transitioning from rehab or outpatient care. Residents live in gender-specific homes with modern amenities like private rooms, Wi-Fi, and fitness areas. Programs include:

• Individual Therapy: Weekly sessions using CBT or DBT to address personal triggers and mental health.

• Recovery Coaching: One-on-one guidance to set and achieve sobriety goals.

• Peer Support: Daily group activities and 12-step or SMART Recovery meetings.

• Life Skills Workshops: Training in budgeting, job readiness, and stress management.

Over 80% of Agape residents maintain sobriety six months post-program, reflecting our effective approach.

Get Help at Agape Recovery House

If addiction or a recent overdose has impacted your life, Agape Recovery House offers a safe, supportive environment to rebuild a sober future. Our sober living homes in Atlanta, Marietta, Woodstock, and Kennesaw provide the perfect setting for individuals attending outpatient treatment or transitioning from residential care. With individual therapy, peer support, and partnerships with local IOPs, we empower residents to achieve lasting sobriety.

Resident David shares, “After surviving an opioid overdose, Agape’s sober living home in Marietta gave me structure and hope. Individual therapy helped me address my triggers, and I’ve been sober for over a year.”

Our certified staff, with over 15 years of experience, deliver compassionate, evidence-based care. We also offer resources like detox referrals and intervention support to guide you or a loved one toward recovery.

Contact Agape Recovery House

Struggling with addiction? Agape Recovery House is here to help with compassionate, client-focused care. Whether you need sober living, outpatient treatment, or detox referrals, our team is ready to support you.

Call (470) 470-4698 or fill out our contact form to begin your journey to sobriety today.