Overdose and poisoning

Overdose and poisoning both mean that a toxic level of a substance has been consumed. The terms are often used interchangeably but can imply different things.

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Overdose typically implies

• Usually involves ingesting too much of a known substance, resulting in illness or death

• Though an overdose might be accidental, it could also be an attempt to end one’s life

• Overdose can happen after ingesting one substance or a combination of substances

Poisoning typically implies

• Usually involves ingesting an unknown substance, resulting in illness or death

• Almost always accidental

• Can occur when individuals think they are taking one kind of substance that is actually something else or laced with an additional substance, such as counterfeit medication that has fentanyl in it

• Many poisonings happen from substances provided by close friends or trusted sources, who also did not know the substances were fake or laced

While overall levels of substance use have declined, between 2019-2022, the rates of overdose among teens doubled, largely due to opioids, and remain above pre-pandemic levels.

Each year, 40% of college students in the U.S. have had an encounter with overdose – witnessing one, experiencing one, or intervening in one, often due to mixing substances (polysubstance use).

How to recognize signs of poisoning and overdose

  • Respiratory depression: slow and shallow breathing or cessation of breathing

  • Heavy snoring, choking, or gurgling sounds

  • Tiny “pinpoint” pupils

  • Limp body

  • Unable to talk

  • Disorientation

  • Pale, gray, or bluish skin, lips, or nails

  • Cold or clammy skin

  • Decreased level of awareness or consciousness

  • Extremely sleepy or passing out

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer Narcan, if it’s available.

Bystanders may be scared that they will be charged with drug possession, which deters them from calling for help.

Most states offer amnesty policies that protect from criminal charges – resulting from illegal activities like underage drinking or using prohibited substances – in the event of a medical emergency.

California’s 911 Good Samaritan law provides limited protection from arrest, charge, and prosecution for people who seek emergency medical assistance at the scene of a suspected drug overdose.  

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