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Managing an Overdose in Central California

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An overdose can happen if you take too much of a substance. The most common types of overdose include those from drugs and alcohol. In the US, the leading cause of death among persons between the ages of 35 and 54 is accidental overdose.

As part of our emergency services, Dignity Health Central California offers comprehensive care to diagnosis and treat all types of poisoning and overdose.

If you notice signs of overdose, including drug overdose, in Central California, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER).

Overdose Symptoms: When to Go to the ER

Symptoms of overdose depend on the type of substance ingested and the amount. In general, mild overdose symptoms include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Unsteadiness
  • Drowsiness

More severe symptoms may include:

Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for signs of an overdose.

Overdose Causes

An overdose can occur for a variety of reasons, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of this happening. These include: 

  • Injection drug use
  • Drug or alcohol use while alone
  • Heavy drug use in a short period of time
  • Mental health issues, such as depression
  • Combining drugs and alcohol
  • Poor health
  • History of drug or alcohol overdose

Overdose Treatment at Dignity Health Central California

Treatment for overdose depends on the substance taken. In the event of a severe overdose, call 911 and follow these steps until help arrives:

  • Keep the person from taking any more of the substance.
  • Try to determine what substance was taken.
  • Reassure, comfort, and stay with the person until help arrives.
  • If unconscious, check breathing and pulse and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if necessary, and continue until help arrives.

To prevent a future overdose, meet with an experienced and compassionate provider at Dignity Health Central California at a location near you:

Dignity Health Central California delivers prompt medical care for all types of overdose in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.