Drug overdoses happen when more medication is taken in higher doses or frequency than the body can metabolize. Some overdoses are accidents and some are intentional. Mixing prescription medications with street drugs and alcohol can also result in overdose. Depending on the drug taken, symptoms of overdose include:

• Slurred speech

• Abnormal breathing (slow or fast)

• Loss of coordination

• Low or high temperature

• Small (pinpoint) or enlarged pupils

• Red and flushed face

• Sweating

• Drowsiness

• Hallucinations and delusions

• Loss of consciousness

• Death

First Aid for Drug Overdose

If you think someone is having a drug overdose, perform the following first aid:

• Check for ABCs and start CPR if necessary.

• Manage for shock and seizures.

• Place unconscious person in the recovery position.

• Call 911 for any serious or life-threatening symptoms, concerns about the person's safety, or possible intention of self-harm.

Do not try to make the person throw up. Call the Poison Control Center even if the person seems to be all right. Look for pill bottles or drug paraphanelia to try to find out what the person has taken so you can give accurate information and the bottles or paraphanelia to medical providers.

Call 911 for violent or irrational behavior and take care of your own safety. Don't expect someone on drugs to be rational or try to reason with her — call for help. Try to keep your feelings and opinions separate from action, because you don't need to know why, you just need to provide first aid.