In the short term, recreational drug use can be dangerous. Street drugs might be cut with other substances that cause adverse chemical interactions in the body. Without a box or pamphlet that indicates dosage, it is also impossible to tell how potent a street drug is. A substance could be more highly concentrated than anticipated, or you could overestimate how many hits your body can handle. In these cases—especially with cocaine, heroin, and prescription painkillers—recreational use can lead to an overdose.

What is an overdose?

An overdose describes what happens to your body when it is overwhelmed by a heavy or toxic amount of a drug (or multiple drugs). In the worst cases, they are lethal, but even if they don’t kill you, they can result in comas and/or permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, or other vital organs.

How common are overdoses?

No one sets out to overdose from recreational drug use, but unfortunately, over 70,000 people in the United States died from drug overdoses in 2017. Opioids, including prescription opioids, account for two-thirds of the total number of drug overdose deaths. Furthermore, in the United States, an average of six people die of an alcohol overdose (alcohol poisoning) every day.

What does an overdose look like?

Not all substances behave similarly, and not all bodies are wired similarly, so overdoses affect people differently. Sometimes, in particularly scary situations, they are accompanied by very few symptoms. They may include any of the following:

Depressant overdoses, including alcohol poisoning (an overdose of alcohol), slow—or in the worst cases, stop—the function of the central nervous system.

• Irregular breathing (shallow, slow, or stopped)
• Blue lips or fingernails, which indicate lack of oxygen
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Slowed heart rate
• Vomiting, nausea, and/or diarrhea
• Choking or gurgling noises
• Loss of consciousness
• Lack of response to stimuli (e.g., no response when you call their name, touch them, or try to wake them up)

Stimulant overdoses are not often portrayed in movies or television. Some people may not know that it is possible to overdose on speed, for example. Stimulant overdoses increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and seizure.

• Irregular breathing (shallow, slow, or stopped)
• Blue lips or fingernails, which indicate lack of oxygen
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid pulse
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Tremors or shakiness
• Amphetamine psychosis (anxiety, hallucinations, panic, paranoia)
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

What are the legal repercussions of seeking treatment for an overdose?

If you think someone has overdosed on anything—OTC medications, illicit drugs, alcohol—get help immediately.

Some people are afraid of legal repercussions, so they decide not to call 9-1-1. This is a huge mistake which leads to many deaths. First and foremost, when you call to request an ambulance, the police will not be dispatched unless someone has died at the scene or paramedics feel threatened by the situation once they arrive. Avoiding this is simple: Call an ambulance as early as possible. Not only will your friend have the best chance of survival, but the police will not need to be involved. Once the ambulance arrives, cooperate with emergency services so that they feel safe and supported as they try to save your friend’s life. Do not lie, act suspicious, or hide anything. If the paramedics feel secure at the scene, they will not call the police.

Additionally, many states have “Good Samaritan” laws that provide legal immunity if you seek help for yourself or a friend during an overdose. To receive immunity, you must have a reasonable concern that someone has overdosed and you must be seeking help in “good faith.” This means that you show concern by staying at the scene until help arrives and cooperating with emergency services. Sometimes, Good Samaritan policies do not apply if you were the person that provided the drugs, but it is still important to call for help. If you are indicted, your sentence may be shorter if you were the one to place the Good Samaritan call.

Good Samaritan States Map

Good Samaritan States Map Overlay

The extent of these laws varies state to state. Some protect in the case of controlled substance possession or possession of drug paraphernalia, while other Good Samaritan laws may extend protections to individuals who are in violation of their parole. The protections offered may be from formal charges, arrest, or prosecution. For detailed information on your state’s Good Samaritan policies, refer to the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System.

Even if you do not live in a state in which Good Samaritan laws are enacted, seek help. Many colleges and campuses will do their best to protect you and the student in need, but immediate medical help is the priority. When someone’s health is on the line, you must act quickly.

How can an overdose be treated until an ambulance arrives?

When you call 9-1-1, keep the operator on the phone until the ambulance arrives. Meanwhile, if you can find a second phone, call campus emergency services as well. Campus paramedics or EMTs may be able to arrive at the scene more quickly than a regular ambulance. Help your friend get the fastest help available.

Give the emergency operator and first responders as much information about the situation as possible. Do you know what or how much your friend took? Did you find a pill bottle nearby? Let them know. Describe your friend’s condition and symptoms. You may be instructed to check for a pulse or perform CPR. Whether or not you’re well versed in first aid, the operator will talk you through any steps that he or she wants you to perform. It’s important to remain calm.

Sometimes, people choke or “snore” during overdoses because a substance has reduced the size of their airway. In these cases, you may need to roll your friend onto their side to facilitate breathing. Doing so may also prevent your friend from choking on vomit. If anything about the situation seems abnormal (strange noises, seizures, etc.), and you are unsure what to do, consult with the 9-1-1 operator.

Stay with your friend until emergency personnel arrive, and do your best to help the first responders. They may ask you questions to get a handle on the situation. Answer to the best of your ability.

Page last updated: 04/2019