What Does An Overdose Really Feel Like?

Alcohol Overdoses (Alcohol Poisoning)

Like opioids, alcohol has the potential to trigger an overdose because it slows down the normal rate of activity in the central nervous system. However, the sensations associated with alcohol poisoning[ii] only partially overlap those associated with opioid overdoses. They commonly include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• A confused mental state
• An inability to control or coordinate body movements
• Unusually slow or irregular breathing
• Convulsions (i.e., seizures)

As with opioid overdoses, some of the effects of alcohol poisoning may not be perceived directly such as:

• Pale or bluish skin
• A drop in normal body temperature
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

Cocaine Overdoses

In contrast to opioids and alcohol, cocaine and other stimulants speed up the central nervous system’s normal rate of activity. In the case of cocaine[iii], potential overdose-related sensations include:

• An intensely anxious mental state
• An intensely paranoid mental state
• The onset of hallucinations
• An extremely agitated mental state
• A panicked mental state
• A delirious mental state
• Chest pain
• Irregular breathing
• Trembling muscles
• Nausea and vomiting
• A pounding heartbeat
• Convulsions

A person overdosing on cocaine can also develop an unusually high body temperature.

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Methamphetamine Overdoses

Methamphetamine[iv] produces overdose symptoms that partially overlap those associated with cocaine. The list of potential sensations includes:

• An unusually agitated mental state
• Breathing problems
• A paranoid mental state
• Chest pain
• Convulsions
• Irregular heartbeat
• Extreme stomach pain

Additional symptoms of a methamphetamine overdose can include:

• An extremely high body temperature
• Damaged or failing kidneys
• The onset of a stroke
• The onset of a heart attack
• Unresponsive loss of consciousness
• Coma

Long-term consumption of the drug can lead to something called a chronic methamphetamine overdose. Sensations common in people affected by this condition include:

• An extremely paranoid mental state
• Large and unpredictable changes in mood
• Delusional thinking and behavior
• Extreme sleeplessness

Benzodiazepine Overdoses

Benzodiazepine tranquilizers are frequently used to treat insomnia, medically serious anxiety and epilepsy. Sensations associated with a benzodiazepine overdose[v] include:

• A confused mental state
• Lightheadedness
• An unusually agitated mental state
• An unusually anxious mental state
• Blurry vision
• Unusual sleepiness
• Slowed breathing
• An impaired ability to think
• Loss of control over normal body coordination
• Slurred speech
• Muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone
• Amnesia

A benzodiazepine overdose can also lead to unusually low blood pressure, an unresponsive loss of consciousness and coma.

Marijuana/Cannabis Overdoses

Many people overlook the potential for a marijuana/cannabis overdose[vi], in part because the possibility of a directly lethal outcome is minimal. Still, anyone who consumes too much of a cannabis product can experience some extremely unpleasant sensations, including:

• A psychotic state of mind that includes sensory hallucinations and/or paranoid delusions
• A panic attack accompanied by symptoms such as body tremors, shortness of breath, excessive sweating and a pounding heartbeat

Dangers of Multi-Substance Overdoses

Overdose sensations and other symptoms can be significantly magnified in a person who consumes more than one type of substance. A special area of concern is the additive effect produced by consuming two substances that have the same general impact on the central nervous system (e.g., alcohol and opioids). However, unique problems can also occur in people who consume substances that alter the central nervous system in different ways. An excellent example here is the combination of heroin and cocaine (sometimes known as a “speedball”).

Overdoses Are on the Rise

In 2016, America suffered a record number of overdose-related deaths[vii]. Alcohol still kills more people than any other substance. However, the 21st century has been marked by a steep and continuing rise in the number of deaths related to opioid overdose. Benzodiazepines, cocaine and methamphetamine also rank high on the list of drugs and medications linked to overdose-related fatalities.

Treatment Is the Best Way to Avoid an Overdose

The best possible way to avoid an overdose is to avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and/or drugs or medications. Unfortunately, many of the people who consume substances in large amounts suffer from diagnosable symptoms of substance abuse and addiction. This means that substance treatment frequently forms a necessary first step in overdose avoidance.

At Transformations Treatment Center, we provide treatment programs for people dealing with all manner of alcohol, drug and medication-related substance problems. All clients receive professional help geared toward their unique circumstances, this customized approach maximizes the benefits of treatment for sustainable, long-term sobriety.