Drug Overdose is a significant cause of death. Data showed that in the US, in 2024, over 80,000 deaths were attributed to drug overdose (DOD- drug overdose death). In the previous year, the number was much higher. Opioid, especially fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is the most involved drug in the DOD cases!
Interestingly, opioids, including fentanyl, are medically useful drugs. Opioids are prescribed as a pain medicine, but at the lowest effective dose. Fentanyl is used as a powerful painkiller during and after surgery! Misuse of these drugs brings trouble!
A Cleveland Clinic video mentioned three important signs of an opioid drug overdose. You will find the video at the end of this post. I am going to highlight the main points.
A person with an opioid overdose becomes very sleepy or passes out
The central nervous system becomes depressed, leading to impaired breathing (shallow or slower). Lack of oxygen supply to the brain, heart, and other vital organs (due to impaired breathing) is the cause of death!
The pupils of the eyes become pinpoint.
Prompt administration of a naloxone injection in a confirmed or suspected opioid (narcotic) overdose can save a person!