Overdose awareness: knowing when to get help

Overdose awareness: knowing when to get help

An overdose can happen when someone takes more of a drug or medicine than their body can safely process. It can also happen when different drugs are taken together. Alcohol can cause overdose too, which is often called alcohol poisoning.

An overdose can happen to anyone. It may be linked to prescribed medicines, illegal drugs, or medicines that have been prescribed to someone else. An overdose can be life-threatening, so getting medical help quickly is very important.

Know when to call for help

If you think someone has overdosed, call 999 straight away. Do not wait to see if they get better.

People may worry that calling an ambulance could lead to the police or social services becoming involved. But getting urgent medical help should always come first. Calling 999 could save someone's life.

A person who has overdosed may still be awake and talking but could be seriously ill. Signs can include a seizure, chest pain, severe headache, breathing problems, a very fast or unusual heartbeat, confusion, agitation or paranoia.

They may have one or more of these signs.

If you are worried that someone may have overdosed, trust your instincts and get help. Tell the emergency services what you know about what the person may have taken, if you can.

Talking about overdose can save lives

Talking openly about drugs, alcohol and medicines can help us spot the signs of an overdose and know what to do. It can also help reduce the shame and stigma that can stop people asking for support.

There is a lot of misinformation about drugs and alcohol, so it is important to use trusted sources. The NHS, Government and local support services can provide reliable information and help.

If you would like to share your experience of health and social care in Southend, you can contact us info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk 01702 416 320

Support in Southend

If you or someone you care about is affected by drugs or alcohol, you do not have to deal with it alone.

STARS: Southend Treatment and Recovery Service supports people aged 18 and over with drug and alcohol problems 01702 431889

STARS

Open Road Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service provides free and confidential support for people under 18 and those aged 18–29.

Open road

NHS advice on poisoning which covers overdose:

NHS advice

Remember: if you think someone has overdosed, call 999. Getting help quickly can save a life.