Drug poisoning happens when someone takes a drug (intentionally or unintentionally) that harms the body. This can be either through overdose, dangerous interactions, or improper use. It can occur quickly and without warning, often turning a seemingly minor situation into a life-threatening emergency.
While drug poisoning is something that can happen to anyone at any time, far too few people not only know what it is but also know how to spot it. Since the overwhelming majority of people have used a substance of some kind, whether it be a supplement, a prescription medication, an over-the-counter substance, or even an illicit drug, knowing about drug poisoning is crucial.
Definition of Drug Poisoning
Drug poisoning is a type of acute toxicity in which a person suffers harmful, toxic, or even fatal effects from a drug or combination of drugs. It can occur for a number of reasons, including:
- The drug was taken in the wrong way
- The drug was more potent than expected
- The drug interacted with another substance
- The person was unaware of what they were taking
It’s important to note that, while similar, drug poisoning is not the same as a traditional overdose. While a typical overdose occurs due to substance misuse or addiction, drug poisoning is often accidental. The person may not even be aware of what’s going on until it’s too late. An example of this is someone thinking they are taking their regular medication, but the pill they are ingesting is contaminated or counterfeit.
It’s also important to remember that drug poisoning is not limited to only substances taken legally. Drug poisoning can also occur with illicit substances, or with substances taken in ways other than directed.
Examples of this include:
- A person snorting what they think is cocaine, but ends up overdosing due to fentanyl that was mixed into it without the person’s knowledge.
- Someone injects a prescription painkiller meant for oral use, which is then distributed through the body faster than expected and leads to rapid respiratory failure.
Unlike a regular overdose, drug poisoning doesn’t occur as a result of taking too much, it’s the result of something in the drug acting like a toxin in the body. The rapid and unexpected impact is much of what sets drug poisoning apart.
Drug Poisoning vs. Drug Overdose
A drug overdose generally refers to consuming too much of a substance (accidentally or intentionally) that then overwhelms the body’s ability to process it safely.
Drug poisoning specifically refers to the toxic or harmful effects of a drug that may happen when the person did not originally intend to take a dangerous substance. It’s important to remember that both are considered medical emergencies and should be treated accordingly.
How to Tell if Someone is Experiencing Drug Poisoning
While symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance involved, the dose, and the person’s health history, there are common signs that can indicate someone is in trouble:
- Sudden confusion or disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular breathing
- Loss of consciousness or fainting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Sweaty, clammy, or pale skin
- Bluish lips or fingernails
- Dilated or pinpoint pupils
- Irregular heart rate
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Chest pain or tightness
- Muscle rigidity or twitching
Recognizing drug poisoning quickly is critical to saving lives. Many of these symptoms can develop within minutes, especially if the drug was injected or snorted. If any of these signs appear after recent drug use (or even suspected drug use), treat it as a medical emergency.
What Causes Drug Poisoning?
Understanding what causes drug poisoning can help prevent it. Some common causes include:
- Counterfeit Pills: Illegally manufactured pills may look identical to legitimate medications but may actually contain fentanyl, xylazine, or other dangerous additives.
- Polysubstance Use: Mixing drugs, especially depressants like alcohol, opioids, and benzos, can suppress vital functions like breathing.
- Incorrect Dosing: Taking more than prescribed or misreading a label can easily lead to poisoning. This can be especially dangerous with high-potency medications or those with many potential interactions.
- Wrong Method of Administration: Some drugs are safe when swallowed, but become dangerous when injected or snorted. These alternative methods can drastically increase how quickly the drug travels throughout the body.
- Low Tolerance or Relapse: People who’ve recently detoxed or temporarily stopped using drugs are more vulnerable to overdose (and drug poisoning) if they ingest their former dose.
Signs of Drug Overdose or Drug Poisoning
Different substances affect the body in different ways. These are common poisoning and overdose symptoms categorized by the type of drug that may be responsible for those symptoms:
Opioids (specifically the highly addictive fentanyl) can cause drug poisoning in mere seconds.As little as two milligrams (about the weight of a few grains of salt) of fentanyl can be fatal.
Signs of a potential opioid-related drug poisoning include
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Unconsciousness
- Gurgling or choking sounds
- Limp muscles
- Pale or gray skin
- Slow heartbeat
These symptoms may also signify a potential opioid overdose.
Stimulants purchased illegally may contain traces of fentanyl or other opioids. When this occurs, it may result in the following symptoms:
- Restlessness and agitation
- Hyperthermia
- Rapid breathing
- Chest pain
- Paranoia or psychosis
- Seizures
- Heart attack or stroke
When benzos are combined with opioids or alcohol, the risk of death rises substantially due to the possibility of respiratory depression. The combination can also cause:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Slurred speech
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Confusion
- Slow breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Coma
While alcohol poisoning is dangerous enough on its own, it becomes even more dangerous when mixed with opioids, benzos, or sleep medications. Common signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Vomiting while unconscious
- Seizures
- Irregular breathing
- Low body temperature
- Slow heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
- Suppressed gag reflex
Synthetic drugs are often unregulated and contain highly toxic additives, making poisoning more of a risk even when using small amounts. This can lead to:
- Unpredictable mood changes
- Extreme agitation
- Seizures
- Heart palpitations
- Kidney failure
- Death
If you are concerned that either you or a loved one has had an accident resulting in drug poisoning, time is of the essence.
If you notice any of the signs listed above, do the following immediately:
- Call 911. Be honest with the dispatcher about what you think was taken.
- Administer Narcan (if available)
- Place the person on their side. This prevents choking in case of vomiting and helps maintain an open airway.
- Don’t leave them alone. Monitor their breathing and pulse until help arrives.
- Do not induce vomiting or give them food or drink unless instructed by professionals. These actions can make things worse.
Signs You May Need Addiction Treatment
While sometimes drug poisoning can be an honest mistake or accident, it can also be a sign of a larger issue. If you start to notice any of the following symptoms occurring in your life, it may indicate the development of a substance abuse problem:
- Loss of control over how much or how often you use addictive substances
- Continuing to use drugs despite harmful consequences
- Developing tolerance and needing more to get the same effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Avoiding responsibilities or relationships due to drug use
- Using drugs alone or in secret
- Experiencing an overdose or poisoning episode
Learn More About Drug Poisoning Symptoms and Get Help for Addiction at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery
At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we recognize the urgency and danger of drug poisoning. Our team understands the fears, confusion, and trauma that can follow a drug-related medical crisis, and we’re here to guide you or your loved one toward long-term healing.
We offer a full spectrum of addiction treatment services for men, including:
- Medically Supervised Detox: Safely manage withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision, with immediate medical assistance in the case of adverse health effects.
- Residential Inpatient Treatment: A structured, supportive environment to start recovery.
- Dual Diagnosis Programs: Treat addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions together, with special attention as to how they interact.
- Family Support Programs: Heal alongside loved ones, developing strategies for the future.
- Aftercare Planning: Prepare for sustainable sobriety post-treatment.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you get started on the road to recovery.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
