Treating the Most Common Overdoses

Tranquilizers Such as Valium, Halycon, and Librium

There was a time when doctors prescribed Valium for almost everything. Tranquilizers are still used to help people who suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, and insomnia. Unfortunately, they can become addictive and must be carefully monitored. Tranquilizers are considered a controlled substance, and prescriptions can only be filled a certain number of times each year. If someone overdoses on tranquilizers, he or she will fall asleep and will eventually become unconscious. Follow these steps if you suspect a tranquilizer overdose:

1. Call for help immediately. The person's stomach must be pumped.
2. Try to keep the victim up and moving around. Do everything you can to prevent him or her from falling asleep before help arrives.

Narcotics Such as Heroin and Opium

These are the most deadly drugs of all. Highly addictive and highly dangerous to the body, narcotics include opium and its derivatives, morphine and codeine, heroin, Demerol, and methadone. Because narcotics are not regulated, it's difficult to inject a safe amount, and overdoses happen frequently. Symptoms of a narcotics overdose include:

To treat an overdose of narcotics, follow these steps:

1. Call for help immediately.
2. Try to rouse the person who has overdosed, slapping his cheek gently if necessary.
3. If the victim is lying down, turn him to the side to keep airways clear and to prevent choking if he begins to vomit.
4. Don't show your anger or dismay—at least right now. Instead, reassure the victim as you wait for help to arrive.