Overdose

An overdose is the result of excessive consumption of a drug or drugs. The patient consumes more than their body can cope with. This results in a loss of consciousness and, in some cases, death.

Knowing the risk factors is one way of avoiding overdoses, which are often fatal.

Risk factors

There is a risk of overdose with nearly all psychotropic substances (medicines, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, methadone, etc.). This risk varies according to age, weight, the individual's level of dependence and the quality of the product being consumed.

Good habits to avoid overdose

• Never take drugs when you are alone. If you are alone, nobody will be able to help you in an emergency.
• Take a smaller dose after a period of abstinence. If you have not taken any drugs for several days, take a smaller dose. Your risk of overdosing is higher, for example, after a detoxification or withdrawal treatment. A smaller dose is therefore advised.
• Avoiding mixing different types of drug. Mixing illegal drugs with alcohol and/or medication is extremely dangerous. It increases the risk of overdosing.
• Test out new products. If you are not familiar with the product or if you have changed supplier, test out the new product by taking a smaller dose. The risks of overdosing are higher if you do not know where the product has come from.
• Avoid injecting drugs. Injecting increases the risk of overdosing, as the drug reaches your bloodstream immediately. Injections too close together are also dangerous. You need to give your body time to eliminate the drug and recover.
• Take a smaller dose if you are feeling less physically fit. Also reduce your dose if you have respiratory problems (like asthma or bronchitis).

Symptoms of an overdose

The first symptoms of an overdose can vary depending on the substance taken. Some symptoms include:

• Severe drowsiness
• Gradual loss of consciousness
• Shallow, irregular or very fast breathing
• Extreme paleness
• Blue lips
• Blue nails
• Epilepsy and/or coma
• Major acceleration in heart rate

In the event of an overdose

If you see someone showing signs of an overdose, call 112 immediately.

If the person is conscious, it is important to stimulate them to keep them conscious and stop them falling into a coma. You should make them talk and, if possible, make them stand up and walk around.

If the person is unconscious and breathing, place them in the recovery position and loosen their clothing to help them breathe. It is important that you continue watching the person until help arrives.

If the person stops breathing, artificial respiration (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) should be performed.

In the event of cardiac arrest, chest compressions should be administered.

First-aid courses

Some of these procedures can only be performed correctly after first-aid training.

The Civil Protection Service and the Red Cross organise first aid courses to teach people how to administer basic first aid.

Action familiale et populaire (AFP-Services) also offers first-aid courses for children.