OVERDOSE? FIRST AID AND SAFETY TIPS FOR DRUG USE

You might know the scene: the vibe is great, the music is perfect, everyone is in the zone. You decide to take half a pill or a lick of an LSD blotter. But then things go wrong. Your heart races, your hands sweat, your body trembles, or your thoughts spiral. Chances are you're experiencing an overdose. This happens more often than you'd think, but fortunately, there are things you can do. In this article, you'll learn what to do in case of an overdose.

What does “overdose” mean?

When someone has an overdose, their body and mind are overwhelmed by a psychoactive substance. It isn't always life-threatening, but it can cause intense anxiety, panic, physical discomfort, or even psychosis. Sometimes you just have to wait it out safely, but in other cases, medical help is necessary.

What to do in case of an overdose with different substances

What you should do depends on the substance taken. Below are practical tips for common drugs.

XTC (MDMA)

Move to a cool, calm space. Sip small amounts of water (no more than 0.5 liters per hour). Have someone stay with you to talk. Lie down, close your eyes, and focus on slow, steady breathing. For severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

Truffles, LSD, and other psychedelics

Choose a quiet setting away from bright lights and loud sounds. Have a sober “tripsitter” stay with you. Offer calm, reassuring words like “You took something, it will pass,” and help them focus on slow breathing (“keep breathing,” “you’re safe”). Gentle music or tea can help. For severe agitation or unresponsiveness, call for medical help immediately.

GHB

Call emergency services right away. Place the person in the recovery position and stay with them until help arrives. Never try to wake someone forcefully or give them caffeine.

Ketamine

Ensure the person is lying safely (ideally in the recovery position). Speak calmly and reassure them that the effects are temporary. Watch their breathing carefully. If in doubt, call emergency services.

General tips for handling an overdose

Always follow these safety tips if you suspect an overdose:

1. Stay calm: Panic can make the situation worse.
2. Never leave them alone: Especially if they’re unconscious.
3. Don't let them walk if overheating: This can make it worse.
4. Monitor body temperature: Too hot? Cool with wet towels. Too cold? Use a blanket.
5. Don’t give alcohol or other substances: This can make things much more dangerous.
   
   

Common mistakes to avoid or to prevent an overdose

These mistakes increase the risk of overdose. Avoid them whenever possible:

1. Guessing instead of measuring: Never eyeball doses. Potency varies between people and batches. Always use a precision scale and a test kit.
   
   
2. Mixing substances: Combinations like alcohol + GHB or MDMA + speed dramatically raise overdose risk. Tip: stick to one substance at a time, especially if you're inexperienced.
   
   
3. Redosing too quickly: Substances like 2C-B or truffles can take 30–90 minutes to take effect. People often take more too soon. Always wait at least 2 hours before considering another dose—but ideally avoid it altogether.
   
   
4. No tripsitter: Always have a sober friend who can stay calm and help if anything goes wrong.
   
   

When to call emergency services

Always call for help if someone:

• Is unconscious (doesn’t respond to talking)
• Has trouble breathing
• Is dangerously overheated (hot to the touch, unable to speak)
• Is severely confused or hallucinating in a dangerous way
• Has panic attacks that don’t improve with reassurance

Calling emergency services is never illegal—even if drugs are involved. First aid and saving lives always come first.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not encourage drug use in any way. Drug use always carries risks and is often illegal. Always consult medical professionals if in doubt.