The warning signs for drug overdose vary from substance to substance.
Cocaine, meth, ecstasy, and adderall are all examples of STIMULANTS.
Oxycontin, vicodin, xanax, and heroin are all examples of DEPRESSANTS.
Won’t Wake Up
If the person is unresponsive, try nudging them or gently pinching their arm. Whether using stimulants or depressants, if someone passes out and will not wake up, it is a warning sign for drug overdose. JUST CALL 9-1-1.
Abnormal Temperature
Stimulants increase temperature.
If the person’s skin feels very warm to the touch or they are sweating profusely in otherwise normal conditions, it is a warning sign for drug overdose. JUST CALL 9-1-1.
Depressants decrease temperature.
If the person’s skin feels cool to the touch in otherwise normal conditions, it is a warning sign for drug overdose. JUST CALL 9-1-1.
Abnormal Breathing
Stimulants speed up breathing.
If the person is breathing faster than usual or they seem to be short of breath, it is a warning sign for drug overdose. JUST CALL 9-1-1.
Depressants slow down breathing.
Less than 13 breaths per minute or more than 8 seconds between breaths is considered slow breathing and is a warning sign for drug overdose. JUST CALL 9-1-1.
Abnormal Skin Color
Stimulants make skin flushed.
Flushed or reddish skin is a warning sign for a drug overdose. JUST CALL 9-1-1.
Depressants make skin pale.
If the person’s skin looks paler than usual, they have bluish lips or sweaty/cool skin, it is a warning sign for drug overdose. JUST CALL 9-1-1.
Abnormal Pulse
Stimulants increase pulse.
A person overdosing on a stimulant may report a racing heart or chest pains. These are warning signs for drug overdose. JUST CALL 9-1-1.
Depressants decrease pulse.
Place the tips of your index and second fingers on their lower neck, on either side of their wind- pipe. Count the beats for 10 seconds and multiply this number by 6. If lower than 60, it is a warning sign for drug overdose. JUST CALL 9-1-1.