What is an overdose?

An overdose happens when someone takes too much of a drug (or a mix of drugs) for their body to handle. This can happen with any drug, including prescription medications. It’s important to know the signs of an overdose, which can vary depending on the drug. Always follow your prescribed dosage, avoid mixing drugs, and seek help if you feel out of control.

Types of Overdose

The International Overdose Awareness website explains different types of overdoses, like opiate, alcohol, and stimulant overdoses. Knowing these can help you spot the signs and act quickly.

Overdose: Everything you need to know

Risks Leading to Overdose

1. Injecting Drugs: Injecting drugs like heroin increases the risk of overdose because the drug enters the bloodstream quickly.
2. Mixing Drugs and Alcohol: Combining drugs and alcohol raises the risk of overdose. Even small amounts of heroin can be deadly when mixed with other substances.
3. Low Tolerance to Opiates: After a break from opiates, your tolerance drops, making it dangerous to return to previous doses.
4. Unknown Drug Purity: Street drugs can vary in purity, and higher purity can cause severe harm or fatal overdose.

Signs of an overdose

If someone is unconscious, check their airway and place them in the recovery position. Signs of unconsciousness include:

• Deep snoring
• Turning blue
• Not breathing

What to do in case of overdose

1. Stay Calm: Panicking can make things worse.
2. Recovery Position: Place the person on their side.
3. Call 999: Ask for an ambulance right away.
4. Stay with the Person: Keep an eye on them until help arrives.

Naloxone: A Lifesaving Drug

Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse an opiate overdose. It’s becoming more available in Cornwall through drug treatment services, family members, and accommodation services. South West Ambulance Service vehicles carry Naloxone, and it is also available in pre-charged syringes called Prenoxad.

Learn more and get help

Visit our Naloxone page to find your nearest supply and watch videos on how to use Naloxone and assemble the Prenoxad kit.

Busting Myths about dialling 999

Watch this short film where drug users interview ambulance staff to clear up fears of arrest or prosecution when reporting a drug overdose. This helps reduce drug-related deaths by encouraging timely calls for help.