Pharmacology

Using Too Much of a Drug on Purpose (Intentional Drug Overdose): What to Know

An overdose happens when a person takes in too much of a substance, such as alcohol, drugs, or medicine.

It can happen by accident or on purpose. If done on purpose, it's called an intentional overdose.

What are the causes?

A person may overdose if:

They're feeling very sad, overwhelmed, lonely, or mad.
They're trying to hurt themselves.
They're trying to take their own life.

It can be caused by:

Using too much of one or more substances.
Using different substances at the same time.
Taking medicine that's not theirs.
Taking more medicine than told by a health care provider.

What increases the risk?

A person may be more likely to overdose if:

They use drugs, drink alcohol, or both.
They have a mental health condition.
They aren't taking care of their mental health.
They've tried to hurt themselves in the past.
They have legal problems.
They're unhoused.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms may depend on what substance was used or taken. They may also depend on how much was used or taken. A person going through an overdose may:

Seem very sleepy or not wake up.
Not respond to questions.
Have breathing problems, such as:
- Breathing very slowly or not at all.
- Making snoring or gurgling sounds.
Have chest pain.
Seem confused.
Throw up or feel like they may throw up.
Have skin that:
- Looks pale, blue, or purple.
- Feels cold to the touch.
Have a seizure.

How is this diagnosed?

Your provider will ask about symptoms and do an exam. They may ask:

What substances were taken.
How much was taken or used.
How often drugs and alcohol are taken or used.
When the substances were last taken or used.

They may also do tests, such as blood or pee tests, to:

See what substances are in your body.
Look for any medical problems.

How is this treated?

Treatment will depend on what was used or taken. It may include medicines to:

Make you throw up.
Absorb the medicine or drug in your stomach.
Stop or undo the effects of the substance. One medicine that may be given is called naloxone.

Machines may be used to:

Help your body get rid of the substance.
Help you breathe.

How is this prevented?

Do not take medicine that's not yours.
Do not use illegal drugs.
Do not drink alcohol when taking drugs or some medicines.
Take your medicines only as told. Ask your provider about:
- Side effects of new medicines that you start taking.
- How the medicines you take can affect you if you take them with:* Other medicines.* Drugs.* Alcohol.
Keep a list of all the medicines that you take. Bring this list with you to all your medical visits.

Where to find more information

To learn more, go to:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at samhsa.gov/find-help.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at nami.org/support. You can also reach the helpline Monday–Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. by:
- Calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
- Texting "NAMI" to 62640.
- Sending an email to [email protected].
Poison Control Centers at poison.org. You can also reach the helpline (24/7, free and confidential) by:
- Calling 1-800-222-1222.
- Chatting online at triage.webpoisoncontrol.org.

Contact a health care provider if:

You struggle with substance use.
You have mental health symptoms.
You have new symptoms that worry you.
You have side effects from your medicines.

Get help right away if:

You think that you or someone you know may have taken too much of a substance.
You or someone you know:
- Has thoughts about hurting themselves or others.
- Has thoughts about taking their own life.
- Has other thoughts or feelings that worry you.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Take one of these steps right away:

Go to your nearest emergency room.
Call 911.
Contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free and confidential):
- Call or text 988.
- Chat online at chat.988lifeline.org.
For Veterans and their loved ones:
- Call 988 and press 1.
- Text the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255.
- Chat online at veteranscrisisline.net.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

Document Revised: 09/11/2025 Document Reviewed: 09/11/2025