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Signs and Symptoms of a Drug Overdose

 Injury - 911 graphic

  • Won't awaken when aroused
  • Bluish purple skin tones for lighter skinned people and grayish or ashen tones for darker skinned people
  • Slow, shallow, erratic, or absent breathing
  • Loud snoring
  • Gurgling or choking sounds
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Vomiting
  • Irrational behavior or confusion

*Signs and symptoms of an overdose may differ depending upon the type of drug consumed.

DO NOT:

  • Allow the victim to "sleep it off."
  • Put the victim in a bath or shower.
  • Leave the victim alone.
  • Treat the victim with home remedies - they do not work and often delay potentially life-saving medical treatment.
  • Delay calling 911 to clean up the scene. 

Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr. Ave Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406

Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr. Ave
Oklahoma City, OK

Telephone: (405) 426-8440
Fax: (405) 900-7588

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