| Drug Overdose
How to avoid an overdose
What to do if an overdose
occurs.
Recognizing drug overdose
When to call 911
How to avoid an overdose
- Inform yourself about the drug you are going to use.
- Do not be afraid to ask someone who is knowledgeable about the
effects of the drug.
- Check the drug before ingestion (who gave it to you, what does
it contain).
- Think of ingesting small quantities and do not mix drugs.
- Avoid mixing drugs that have the same effect.
- Attempt to pace yourself between doses.
- Before your second dose, wait until you feel the effects of
the first dose to better judge if you need more.
- Attempt not to consume drugs alone or with strangers. Have friends
around who can call 911in case you experience an overdose.
What to do if an overdose
occurs.
- If someone is having difficulty breathing, and the face begins
to turn blue, you should call 911 immediately.
- If someone is experiencing an overdose, you should respond quickly.
- Check to see if the person is conscious and able to speak.
- If the person does not respond, attempt to wake the person up.
- If the person does not respond, forcefully rub the center of
the person’s chest.
- Do not submerge the person in water. He/she may drown.
- It is better if the person takes a shower, but do not allow
water to enter his/her nose or mouth.
- Do not leave the person alone.
- If you are at a club, ask for help from security personnel.
Recognizing drug
overdose
Alcohol
Altered vision, dizzy spells, nausea, and vomiting.
Poppers
Sharp headaches and rapid heartbeat.
Cocaine
Excessive sweating, incremental rise in cardiac activity and high
blood pressure. Increase in respiratory rhythm and in body temperature.
Inability to remain standing.
Crack
Similar to cocaine but more aggressive.
Special K
Feeling of disconnect, feeling unsteady, hallucinations, and inability
to move.
Ecstasy
Cotton mouth, grinding of teeth, excessive sweating, nausea, and
dehydration.
Crystal
Abnormal elevation of body temperature. Rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat,
and constricted arteries. Confusion, shivers, anxiety, paranoia,
aggressive demeanor, and convulsions.
GHB
Altered vision, dizzy spells, nausea, vomiting, and coma.
When to call 911
Some people may feel scared to call 911 in case a friend
experiences an overdose. Be that because of:
- Fear of the police
- Being a minor
- Lacking legal documents to live in this country
- Being a drug user or having drugs at home
- Simply not knowing what to do.
You may still feel uncertain around calling 911; however
the moment will come when you will have to make decisions to best
help your friend who is overdosing:
- Attempt to remain calm.
- Look to see if somebody with legal documentation or an adult
can remain with him/her.
- Look for a security guard or a doorman that can look after him
while help arrives.
- Before the paramedics arrive, make sure to rid yourselves of
anything related to drugs and their use.
- Be respectful with the paramedics. Their job is to assist the
sick, not necessarily to call the police.
- Taking him to the hospital is in many cases the best way to
save a life. This may avoid a coma because of an overdose with
GHB or cardiac arrest from using too much cocaine. In New York,
emergency rooms are obligated by law to tend for the sick, even
if the person does not have money or medical insurance.
© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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