Five Common Signs of a Drug Overdose

FOREVER 27 CLUB

(musicians who overdosed at age 27)

* Jim Morrison - heroin overdose

* Janis Joplin - heroin overdose and alcohol

* Jimi Hendrix - sleeping pills and wine 

Forever 27 Club: Musicians who died at the tender age of 27

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drug overdose now ranks as a leading cause of preventable death, second only to car accidents.

Many times a drug overdose is accidental.  A night of partying turns into a night of accidental overindulgence leading to an overdose.  An  overdose is the use of a substance in a toxic amount.  Below are five common signs to watch for if you think a person is having an overdose: 

1. CHANGE IN VITAL SIGNS: The vital signs are temperature, pulse rate, breathing rate and blood pressure.  Vital signs can be too high or too low - or not at all.

2. DROWSY OR CONFUSED: A person who has become intoxicated may become confused or drowsy.  If they are overdosing they may fall asleep and into a coma.  Some people will die from passing out, throwing up and choking. 

3.  HOT OR CLAMMY SKIN:  Touch the skin - check for coolness, sweaty skin, or hot and dry.

4.  CHEST PAIN: Pain in the chest could be a problem with the heart or lungs.  There may be difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath.  Breathing could be rapid, slow, shallow or labored.

5. ABDOMEN PAIN:  Nausea and pain in the abdomen may occur with an overdose.  The person may vomit or have diarrhea.  There may even be throwing up of blood or blood in the stool. 

Overdoses are preventable deaths.  Be aware and call for help if you think someone you know is having a sign of possible overdose.  Never be afraid to call emergency help. You may save a life.

More Famous Overdoses:

Model Anna Nicole Smith - pill overdose

Musician Sid Vicious - heroin overdose

Actor Heath Ledger - prescription pills overdose

Singer Whitney Houston - prescription pills
Singer Michael Jackson - acute propofol intoxication 

For more information on substance abuse and addiction check out: www.stages2change.com