Drug Over Dose : Triage

Drug overdose remains a significant public health challenge globally, posing a critical risk to individuals across various demographics and lifestyles. Understanding the risk factors and identifying high-risk times are essential for preventing these potentially fatal incidents. The complexity of drug overdose risk is multifaceted, influenced by physiological, psychological, and social factors, as well as the characteristics of the drugs themselves.

Risk Factors for Drug Overdose

Several key risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing a drug overdose:

• Tolerance: The body's adaptation to a drug can lead to higher doses being required to achieve the same effect, increasing overdose risk.
• Using Alone: Without someone present to call for help, the chances of surviving an overdose decrease significantly.
• Mixing Drugs and Alcohol: Concurrent use can lead to unpredictable effects and increased toxicity.
• Injecting Drug Use: This route of administration can increase the risk of overdose due to the rapid onset of drug effects.
• Using Too Much: Intentionally or accidentally consuming large quantities can overwhelm the body's ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug.
• Purity Levels: Variability in drug purity, especially with illicit substances, can make dosing unpredictable and dangerous.
• Transitional Periods: Individuals leaving prison,...