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Drug Overdose takes place when you consume more drugs than your body can tolerate. Overdose is a relative term, with symptoms that range from the uncontrollable nodding of heroin, to the shakes of crack cocaine powder. Drug users are constantly flirting with the risk of a Drug Overdose. There is a fine line between the high they're seeking and serious injury or death.
The most common cause of Drug Overdose deaths is when drug users use more than one drug at a time. One example would be mixing drugs such as heroin, pills and alcohol. Drugs taken together can interact in ways that increase their effects. Different drugs have specific Drug Overdose symptoms. Drugs that are classified as depressants (drugs that slow you down) can cause the user to pass out or even stop breathing altogether. Stimulants drugs that speed you up) can cause seizures or heart attacks.
There are many factors that can influence one’s chances of having a Drug Overdose. Changes in your health or body can put you at risk for an overdose. Getting sick, or losing weight, affects your tolerance and your body's ability to adjust to the drug. Using alone also increases the chance of fatality overdosing, because there is no one there to call for help or take care of you if you pass out.
All drugs have the potential to be misused; whether legally prescribed by a doctor, purchased over-the-counter at the local drug store, or bought illegally on the street. Taken in combination with other drugs or with alcohol, even drugs normally considered safe can cause death or serious long term consequences. Many accidental Drug Overdose deaths are the result of misuse of prescription medicines or commonly used medications like pain relievers and cold remedies.
Often, victims of a drug overdose recover without long term effects. That does not mean that there are not serious consequences. Some Drug Overdoses cases cause the failure of major organs like the kidneys or liver, or failure of whole systems like the respiratory or circulatory systems. Patients who survive a Drug Overdose may need kidney dialysis, kidney or liver transplant, or ongoing care as a result of heart failure, stroke, or coma. Death can occur in almost any Drug Overdose situation, particularly if treatment is not started immediately.
Drugs are generally classified as either:
- PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
These require a doctor's authority to purchase them. Some common examples are; `Valium', `Morphine', and `Benzodiazepines' (sleeping tablets).
- NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Are drugs which may be purchased without prescription. They consist of headache compounds, cough elixirs, and similar mild medications, and can be purchased at virtually any chemist or retail outlet. Common examples are; `Panadol', `Aspro', `Vick's Cough Syrup', alcohol, and nicotine (cigarettes).
- ILLICIT DRUGS
Are drugs that are imported, grown or manufactured illegally. All illicit drugs are dangerous and usually imply a degree of dependence, or in some cases, addiction. Examples are; heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, `ecstasy', marijuana, meth and LSD.
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