AllRefer Health - Drug Abuse First Aid (Overdose from Drugs)

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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Injuries & Wounds > Drug Abuse First Aid

Drug Abuse First Aid


•	Definition
•	Overview & Considerations
•	Causes
•	Symptoms & Signs
•	Prevention
•	First Aid
•	Do Not
•	Call Immediately for Emergency Medical Assistance if
•	Pictures & Images
•	Go To Main Page

Alternate Names : Overdose from Drugs

Definition

Drug abuse is the misuse or overuse of any medication or drug, including alcohol.

Pictures & Images

Adult CPR Breathing and Pulse Check

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Overview & Considerations

Many street drugs have no therapeutic benefits. Any use of these drugs is a form of drug abuse.

Legitimate medications can be abused by people who take more than the recommended dose or who intentionally take them with alcohol or other drugs.

Drug interactions also produce adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to let your physician know about all the drugs you are taking.

Many drugs are addictive. Sometimes the addiction is gradual, while with others (such as cocaine), an addiction can happen after only a few doses.

Someone who has become addicted to a drug will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it. Withdrawal is greatly assisted by professional help.

A drug dose that is large enough to be toxic is called an overdose. Prompt medical attention may save the life of someone who accidentally or deliberately takes an overdose.

Drug emergencies are not always easy to identify. If you suspect someone has overdosed, or if you suspect someone is experiencing withdrawal, give first aid and seek medical assistance.

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• Definition
• Drug Abuse First Aid: Overview & Considerations
• Drug Abuse First Aid: Causes
• Drug Abuse First Aid: Symptoms & Signs
• Drug Abuse First Aid: Prevention
• Drug Abuse First Aid: First Aid
• Drug Abuse First Aid: Do Not
• Call Immediately for Emergency Medical Assistance if
• Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

• Paranoid Personality Disorder
• Tremor

Tests & Exams

• Blood Pressure
• Pulse
• Toxicology Screen

Other Topics

• Abdominal Pain
• Agitation
• Alcoholism - Resources
• Breathing Difficulties - First Aid
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chemical Dependence - Resources
• Consciousness - Decreased
• Convulsions
• CPR
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Drug Abuse
• Movement - Uncoordinated
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Paleness
• Poison Control Centers - Emergency Number
• Rapid Deep Breathing (Hyperventilation)
• Respiratory
• Seizures
• Shock
• Skin - Clammy
• Skin Discoloration - Bluish
• Stimulants
• Sweating - Excessive
• Unconsciousness - First Aid
• Vital Signs
• Walking/Gait Abnormalities
• Weakness

Review Date : 2/19/2002
Reviewed By : Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Main Page of Drug Abuse First Aid

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