Overdose and drug-related emergencies

There’s always an element of risk involved in taking any drug – prescription or illegal. And, different drugs carry different risks.

These risks increase significantly when you mix drugs, or mix alcohol and other drugs together.^1,2

So, if you or your friends are going to use alcohol or other drugs, know what to look out for in case things go wrong.

Recognising the signs of a drug reaction or overdose, and knowing how to respond, can save a life.

Signs of an overdose

Signs of a depressant or opioid overdose include:

• slow breathing, abnormal breathing or not breathing at all
• slow or no heartbeat and pulse
• cool, pale or clammy (wet and sweaty) skin
• vomiting
• choking or gurgling sounds
• small pupils.^7,8

Signs of a stimulant overdose include:

• chest pain
• racing heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• hot, flushed (red) or sweaty skin
• spasms or seizures
• severe agitation, confusion or panic.^7,8

How to respond in an overdose

If someone is not responding or not breathing, take the following steps straight away:

• use Naloxone, if you have access to it.
• call triple zero (000) and request an ambulance. Ambulances are there to help and can provide more instructions.
• check if anyone nearby knows CPR, in case they’re not breathing or they stop breathing
• lay them on their side in the recovery position
• stay with them until the ambulance arrives
• tell the ambulance officers anything you know, like what drug/s they’ve had and how much.^9,10

Some people can become impulsive and irritable when they wake up. We also have some tips for responding to someone who is upset or aggressive to find out how to calm the situation.

Naloxone

Naloxone temporarily reverses opioid overdoses. But it won’t reverse other drug overdoses, like alcohol or benzodiazepines.¹¹

It comes as a nasal spray, pre-filled syringe or ampoule.

Naloxone will not harm someone if they have not taken an opioid.^11,12

Increasingly, illegal drugs might have other drugs mixed in that you don’t know about or be something different than expected. ^13-15 Giving naloxone to someone who is unresponsive could save their life.

If a person doesn’t start breathing or responding within 2 minutes of giving Naloxone, you can give a dose every 2 minutes until they do, or the ambulance arrives.¹⁰

Don’t give more naloxone if they are responding, as this can cause very unpleasant opioid withdrawal symptoms for the person.¹¹

Naloxone only lasts for 30 to 90 minutes, and a person can overdose again when it wears off, without having taken any more opioids. Because of this, it’s important to still call triple zero (000) when giving naloxone, even if they have woken up.⁹

Other signs and responses

If a person gets really drowsy (one of the risks with alcohol, heroin or benzodiazepines):

• call triple zero - 000
• try to keep them awake
• lay them on their side (recovery position) and talk to them
• don’t try to ‘wake them up’ with coffee, shaking or shouting.¹⁶

If a person gets tense, anxious or panicky (one of the risks with speed, MDMA (ecstasy), LSD and magic mushrooms):

• talk to them calmly
• reassure them and explain the feelings will pass
• take them to a quieter place away from bright lights, loud music and crowds
• encourage them to take long, slow, deep breaths.¹⁶

If someone is dehydrated (symptoms include cramps, sudden tiredness, headache or fainting – one of the risks with speed and MDMA (ecstasy)):

• take them outside or to a cooler place
• encourage them to sip water or non-alcoholic drinks (no more than 250ml per hour)
• remove any excess clothing to cool them down
• if they feel faint, lie them on their side (recovery position)
• if symptoms continue call triple zero 000.¹⁶

Getting help for alcohol or other drug use

If you’re worried about your own, or a friend’s, alcohol or drug use, the following services can provide information and support.

Path2Help: the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s free, online platform that helps you find alcohol or other drug services near you.

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015
A free and confidential hotline that provides support and advice about alcohol and other drugs. including available treatment options and local services. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Counselling Online: A free and confidential online service that provides support to people across Australia affected by alcohol or drug use. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

YoDAA (Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice): 1800 458 685
Phone and online information, advice and support for young people (up to 25 years) and/or their carers. (Phone service available 9am – 8pm, Mon to Fri).