The Dangers of Overdosing
An overdose on alcohol or other drugs can be extremely dangerous, and can cause serious illness or even death. Between 1999 and 2006, there was a 65% increase in the number of people in the United States hospitalized because of poisoning from steroids, tranquilizers, sedatives, and other drugs. Prescription drugs tend to be the most common substances on which people overdose, and studies suggest that this is because prescription drugs are not publicly viewed like other drugs—they are seen as a part of everyday society, not as illegal. Because of easy access to prescription drugs, there is a greater chance of overdosing, especially in young adults.
If you or someone you love has overdosed, you should seek emergency medical help immediately. The Bellaire Emergency Center in Houston, TX offers confidential and safe treatment of overdoses. Contact us today at 713-669-9900.
Treatment of Overdosing
Overdosing on prescription drugs causes many deaths each year in the United States. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, over 20,000 people died from either unintentional or intentional overdosing in 2005. Some of the methods that emergency care facilities use to combat an overdose include:
- Forcing a patient to vomit
- Pumping a patient’s stomach
- Using activated charcoal to hold the drugs in the stomach
None of these treatments are particularly pleasant, but they have been known to save the lives of people who have accidentally or intentionally overdosed.
Contact Us
If you have questions about overdosing or its treatment, or if you are worried about a friend who may have overdosed, contact the Bellaire Emergency Center today at 713-669-9900 to see how we can help you.
