31 August : International Drug Overdose Prevention Day

An overdose is an excessive intake of a substance, producing effects that the body can no longer tolerate. This consumption surpasses the body's tolerance threshold, which is unique to each person based on morphology, usual consumption, lifestyle habits, etc.

Regardless of the drug or medication taken, an overdose is possible. Today, the illegal market for illicit substances is growing, affecting more and more users, whether they are new to consumption or not. Lack of knowledge about the consequences and uses among consumers makes this consumption even more dangerous. An overdose can occur accidentally following drug use or intentionally, as in a suicide attempt.

Moreover, it is difficult to truly know what the consumed substance contains. Products are often mixed with other substances that can be much more dangerous even in small doses, such as fentanyl or carfentanil. An overdose can manifest through altered states of consciousness, potentially leading to comas. Symptoms such as excessive sweating, reduced respiratory rate, and changes in heart rate (either slowing down or excessively speeding up) can be experienced, often leading to death if resuscitation is not administered very quickly.

If you see someone suffering from these symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

Regarding prevention, it is challenging to prohibit someone who wants to use drugs from doing so. They will not listen to or heed your advice. However, you can always try to prevent, guide, and support the person. It is true that drug use is often due to underlying distress that one tries to numb with a substance that temporarily eases the pain. Try to understand the composition of the drug the person is using. Do not judge but accept their consumption. This understanding can help in addressing the person's distress and facilitate guiding them towards a healthcare professional. If this person is using drugs in your presence, encourage them to hydrate regularly. It is important that they do not use drugs alone. Overdoses often occur when there is no one to call for help and assist the person. But can you stay with this person while they use? It is important not to use other substances simultaneously and to start with small doses. Be ready to alert emergency services if necessary.

The most important thing if you want to help someone who uses drugs is not to make them feel guilty but to show that you are ready to listen and help guide them towards another professional. You can call a drug information center or an addiction center such as a CSAPA or CAARUD. They can also provide anti-overdose kits that you can use on the person if they lose consciousness (instructions are on the packaging). Overdose death can be prevented if you administer naloxone, present in these kits, either by spray or injection, and perform certain first aid measures while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Follow the instructions you have and what emergency responders tell you. There may sometimes be shortages, so always try to have some on hand or ask the person who uses drugs to carry one with them.

If you are unsure about someone's drug use and have doubts about their behavior, certain signs can provide clues. Not all drugs have the same symptoms, but these can give you an indication. You may notice changes in the person's daily activities and hygiene, significant weight changes, unstable sleep patterns, extreme fatigue, and an unpleasant body odor. Impulsive, aggressive behaviors and excessive daydreaming, accompanied by severe anxiety or depressive symptoms, may also be noticed.

Physically, you might see unusual marks on the body, syringe marks, red eyes with dilated pupils, tremors, abnormal redness or paleness, nosebleeds, and a dry cough.

If you think you have detected these signs in someone you know, you can try to talk to them about possible solutions in a supportive manner. Remember that drug use is often a crutch and a solution found to cope with another underlying problem. You can invite them to get a consumption assessment from a professional. There are specialized addiction clinics, hospital services, or psychiatrists who can help.

In any case, do not try to bear the weight of the person's consumption on your own, but help them get redirected to a professional or center that can provide appropriate assistance.