Drug abuse is the misuse or overuse of any medication or drug, including alcohol. This article discusses first aid for drug overdose and withdrawal.

Many street drugs have no therapeutic benefits. Any use of these drugs is a form of drug abuse.

Legitimate medications can be abused by people who take more than the recommended dose or who intentionally take them with alcohol or other drugs.

Drug interactions also produce adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to let your doctor know about all the drugs you are taking.

Many drugs are addictive. Sometimes the addiction is gradual, while with others (such as cocaine), an addiction can happen after only a few doses.

Someone who has become addicted to a drug will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it. Withdrawal is greatly assisted by professional help.

A drug dose that is large enough to be toxic is called an overdose. Prompt medical attention may save the life of someone who accidentally or deliberately takes an overdose.

An overdose of narcotics can cause sleepiness and even unconsciousness.

Uppers (stimulants) produce excitement, increased rate of heartbeat, and rapid breathing. Downers (depressants) do just the opposite.

Mind-altering drugs are called hallucinogens. They include LSD and other street drugs. Using such drugs may cause paranoia, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, or extreme social withdrawal.

Cannabis-containing drugs such as marijuana may cause relaxation, impaired motor skills, and increased appetite.

Legal prescription drugs are sometimes taken in higher-than-recommended amounts to achieve a feeling other than the therapeutic effects for which they were intended. This may lead to serious side effects.

Drug overdose symptoms vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:

• Abnormal pupil size
• Nonreactive pupils (pupils do not change size when exposed to light)
• Sweating
• Agitation
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Staggering or unsteady gait (ataxia)
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness
• Unconsciousness (coma)
• Hallucinations
• Delusional or paranoid behavior
• Violent or aggressive behavior
• Death

Drug withdrawal symptoms also vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Agitation
• Cold sweat
• Convulsions
• Delusions
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Restlessness
• Shaking
• Death