Yes, You Can Overdose On Stimulants!

Taking too many stimulants like ice, ecstasy, speed and coke can result in an overdose that can affect your body or your mind – and sometimes both.

Body

Physical symptoms

• Very thirsty

• Sweating and body chills

• Nausea/vomiting

• Trouble breathing

• As OD progresses, may stop sweating and get very hot

• Seizure/fits

• Stroke

• Unconsciousness

When does fitting happen?

When someone uses repeatedly for a few days, pushing their body hard into toxic overload and doesn’t eat or sleep during that time.

Will it stop?

It will stop on its own after a few minutes. However they may fit again and need to be checked by ambos.

How can I help a friend who is fitting?

1. Make the area safe, moving hard edges away

2. Hold them gently but firmly, without restraining them

3. Don’ t put anything in their mouth – they will NOT swallow their tongue

4. Call an ambulance on 000

5. After fitting stops, put them in the recovery position (on their side) to keep the airways clear

6. Stay with them till help comes.

Mind

Psychological symptoms

• Anxiety

• Sudden mood swings

• Extreme fearfulness

• Paranoia/delusions

• Extreme anger/violence

• Psychosis

When can psychosis happen?

Psychosis can happen after 1 big dose but more usually after using stimulants for a few days.

Will it stop?

It usually stops on its own 6 hours to a few days after stimulant use stops.

How do I help a friend in psychosis?

1. Stay calm, talk quietly, be nonthreatening and soothing

2. Move to a quiet, lowlight area

3. Acknowledge what is going on for them – don’t tell them to “just calm down”

4. Offer food and water

5. Distract them by talking about their interests

6. Monitor physical signs. If they get aggressive, make sure you are safe

7. Call 000 for an ambulance or take them to Emergency at your closest hospital.