Overdose happens when someone consumes a toxic amount of one or multiple drugs. An overdose is a medical emergency, so if you think that you or another person is experiencing an overdose, it is critical to call 911 immediately. Overdose (OD) happens when a toxic amount of a drug, or combination of drugs overwhelms the body. People can overdose on lots of things, including alcohol, Tylenol, opioids or a mixture of drugs. Find overdose prevention and intervention resources for public health professionals. Information on overdose prevention strategies and partnerships for healthcare professionals. Preventing drug overdose and reducing substance use-related harms is a CDC priority. The word overdose implies that there is a common safe dosage and usage for the drug; therefore, the term is commonly applied only to drugs, not poisons, even though many poisons as well are harmless at a low enough dosage. CDC works to prevent drug overdose, the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. An overdose is when you take more than the recommended amount of something, often a medicine or drug. An overdose may result in serious, harmful symptoms or death. Learn the identifying signs and symptoms of a drug overdose so that you can get the help you or a loved one needs and possibly save a life. Overdose is the term used when someone enters into a critical state from ingesting too much of a substance or blend of substances. Ending drug-related overdose deaths through education, medical intervention, and public awareness. When someone experiences an overdose, their body becomes overwhelmed by the toxic effects of the substance they've consumed. Learn more.