Drug addiction and overdose can happen to anyone. If you know the signs of drug overdose and how to respond you could save a life and give loved ones a chance at recovery. Opioid overdoses can be fatal if not treated quickly. Learn the signs, treatment options and how to respond in an emergency. 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. A person on the verge of an overdose rarely realizes what is happening to them, but there are easily recognizable signs that other people might spot, including extreme drowsiness, cold hands. Overdose is the term used when someone enters into a critical state from ingesting too much of a substance or blend of substances. 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. Drug overdose is sometimes used as a means to commit suicide, as the result of intentional or unintentional misuse of medication. Intentional misuse leading to overdose. When someone experiences an overdose, their body becomes overwhelmed by the toxic effects of the substance they’ve consumed. Typically, the body processes and eliminates drugs, but when the amount of a drug exceeds what the body can handle, it leads to dangerous and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Understanding these symptoms and the immediate aftermath can save lives and prevent long. 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. Opioid overdoses happen when there are so many opioids or a combination of opioids and other drugs in the body that the victim is not responsive to stimulation and/or breathing is inadequate. This. 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. With the right tools, bystanders can act to prevent overdose deaths. Anyone can carry naloxone, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life.