Drug Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, and Death Rates

Drug Overdose Death Rates

In 2022, nearly 108,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses, including both illegal and prescription drugs. Drug overdose deaths increased drastically from years prior, reaching 107,941 deaths in 2022.

Other notable drug overdose statistics include:

• Deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl rose to 73,838 in 2022. Stimulant-related deaths, including those from cocaine and methamphetamine, also went up, with 27,569 and 34,022 deaths respectively in 2022.
• Opioid overdose deaths grew from 49,860 in 2019 to 81,806 in 2022. Prescription opioid deaths rose from 3,442 in 1999 to 17,029 in 2017, then slightly dropped to 14,139 by 2019, followed by a small increase to 16,416 in 2020, and dropped again to 14,716 in 2022.
• Heroin-related deaths increased from 3,036 in 2010 to 15,469 in 2016, then decreased to 5,871 by 2022. Psychostimulant-related deaths jumped from 5,716 in 2015 to 34,022 in 2022. Cocaine overdose deaths rose from 6,784 in 2015 to 27,569 in 2022.
• Benzodiazepine overdose deaths increased from 1,135 in 1999 to 11,537 in 2017, then dropped to 9,711 in 2019, rose to 12,499 in 2021, and declined to 10,964 in 2022.

Signs & Symptoms of an Overdose

Recognizing the signs of an overdose can save a life. Acting quickly and knowing what to look for is essential in these situations.

Watch for the following indicators of a drug overdose:

Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness

If someone can’t be woken up or doesn’t respond when you shake them or call their name, this is a major red flag. They might appear to be in a deep sleep or even in a coma-like state.

Slow or no breathing

Watch for very slow breathing or if the person has stopped breathing entirely. You might notice long pauses between breaths or hear choking and gurgling sounds, which can indicate a blocked airway.

Small pupils

Check their eyes: tiny, pinpoint-sized pupils are a common sign of an opioid overdose. Their eyes might not react to light as usual.

Blue or pale skin

Look for changes in skin color. The person’s skin might turn blue or gray, especially around the lips and fingernails, which means they are not getting enough oxygen.

Chest pain

The person might clutch their chest or complain of a tight feeling. This could signal a heart problem related to the overdose, which is very serious.

Foaming at the mouth

In some cases, you might see foam at the person’s mouth, which is a bad sign and indicates that immediate medical attention is needed.

Seizures

Overdoses can cause seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled shaking movements. This requires immediate medical attention to prevent injury.

Less Apparent Symptoms of Overdose

Other, less noticeable overdose symptoms may also include:

• Confusion or strange behavior: The person might act very confused, not know where they are, or say things that don’t make sense. This can be a sign that their brain is not functioning properly due to the overdose.

• Vomiting: Throwing up can be a symptom of an overdose. If the person is unconscious, they could choke on their vomit, which is extremely dangerous.

• Sweating or clammy skin: The person might sweat a lot or have skin that feels cold and damp to the touch. This is a sign that their body is in distress.

• Extreme drowsiness: The person might be very sleepy and unable to stay awake, even if you try to keep them alert. This could lead to them becoming unconscious.

Recognizing these signs early can help you take quick action to get the person the help they need. Always call for emergency services if you suspect someone is overdosing.

What Can You Overdose On?

Many substances can cause an overdose if taken in large amounts. Overdosing can be dangerous and can lead to serious health problems or even death, especially if no medical intervention is received.

Common substances that lead to overdose include:

Over-the-Counter Medications

OTC (over-the-counter) medications are drugs you can buy without a prescription. They are often used to treat common health problems but taking too much can be harmful and may lead to OTC overdose. The following medications are associated with overdose risk.

Examples include:

Pain relievers: Too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Too much ibuprofen can damage the stomach, intestines, and kidneys.

 Cold and flu medications: Can cause drowsiness, high blood pressure, heart problems, and confusion if taken in large amounts, leading to over-the-counter overdose.

 Antihistamines: Can cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and even seizures or coma.

 Antacids: Overuse can cause stomach problems, affect calcium levels, and lead to kidney stones.

 Laxatives: Can cause dehydration, severe digestive problems, and electrolyte imbalances.

Prescribed Medication

Prescribed medications are given by a doctor to treat specific health conditions. It’s essential to take them exactly as directed.

Examples include:

Pain Medications: Can cause drowsiness, slow breathing, unconsciousness, and death.

 Benzodiazepines (benzos): Can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, slow breathing, and coma. Combining with alcohol increases the risk of overdose.

 Blood pressure medications: Can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and shock.

 Insulin: Too much insulin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), leading to shakiness, confusion, seizures, and even death.

 Antibiotics: Can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. Overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.

 Antidepressants: Can cause confusion, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and coma.

Drugs & Illegal Substances

Illegal drugs are controlled substances that are against the law to use, sell, or possess. These drugs can be very dangerous and can cause serious health problems or death.

Examples include:

 Fentanyl: Extremely high risk of overdose, even in very small amounts. Can cause slow or stopped breathing, unconsciousness, and death, meaning any use of fentanyl is perhaps the easiest way to overdose.

 Heroin: Can cause slow or stopped breathing, unconsciousness, and death. Varying purity levels increase the risk of overdose.

 Cocaine: Can cause heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and death. Even small amounts can be deadly.

 Methamphetamine: Can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, overheating, seizures, and death.

 Ecstasy (MDMA): Can cause dehydration, overheating, heart problems, and long-term brain damage.

 Marijuana: Can cause severe anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. Very high doses can lead to serious health issues, although overdose is extremely rare.

Illegal drugs are highly risky. Always seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse.