Dignity Health: Visit the ER to Treat an Overdose in the Sacramento Region

An overdose is taking too much of a substance. When people do this on purpose, it is an intentional overdose. However, overdoses can also be accidental or unintentional. In the US, accidental overdoses are a leading cause of death for people between the ages of 35 and 54.

All six of Dignity Health hospitals of Greater Sacramento provide expert care and treatment for overdose. If you need emergency medical attention for an overdose in Sacramento or a surrounding area, call 911 or go to one of our emergency rooms immediately. You can trust our professionals to deliver exceptional care.

Causes of Overdose

Certain risk factors make you more likely to have a drug overdose. These risk factors include:

• Using drugs or drinking alcohol while alone
• Poor health
• Mental health issues, including depression
• Injection drug use
• History of drug or alcohol overdose in the past
• Heavy drug use over a short period of time
• Combining drugs and alcohol or mixing different kinds of drugs

Symptoms of Overdose

The signs and symptoms of an overdose vary widely and depend on the kind of substance used. Mild symptoms can include drowsiness, unsteadiness, and slurred speech.

More severe overdose symptoms can include:

• Delusions
• Breathing problems
• Tremors
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Vomiting

Seek emergency medical care or dial 911 for severe symptoms.

Trusted Treatment for Overdose at Dignity Health

Your treatment plans depend on the substance involved in the overdose. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 for medical help. Do not put your own safety at risk if the person is out of control or aggressive. However, here are some steps you can take to help until medical personnel arrive:

• Try to determine what substance the person took. This may involve collecting containers, equipment, or even vomit to give to the health care team.
• Help the person stay calm and comfortable. Stay with them until help arrives.
• Keep the person from taking any more of the substance.
• If the person is unconscious, check their breathing and pulse. Start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if necessary and continue until medical help arrives. If CPR is not necessary, try to lay the person on the side and cover with a blanket or other item for warmth.