In This Article
- Why someone could be having a bad trip
- More than one type of drug could be the cause of the problem
- How do I find out what they've taken?
- How to help them calm down and recover
- When things are serious - What to do in an emergency
- Long-term substance abuse death statistics + helpful resources.
- Video: Risk factors for drug use and drug abuse
- How to find out what drug they have taken and helpful resources
Why someone could be having a bad trip
This page aims to help anyone who needs urgent medical care, attention, or support due to the consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or any other unidentified substance.
Not all symptoms of disorientation and odd behaviour are from substance use. Sometimes, someone may be experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from drugs they've smoked, sniffed, drunk, or injected. Other times, they may not have taken anything but are dealing with a mental health issue or medical condition like epilepsy or diabetes.
Some health conditions can cause similar symptoms of drug use. For example, people with dementia may experience memory loss, confusion, and speaking difficulties. And if they're using offensive language or swearing, they might have Tourette's syndrome.
Other conditions like ADHD, chronic insomnia, narcolepsy, anxiety, mild agoraphobia, and Enochlophobia can also mimic drug-related behaviour. Therefore, if someone is exhibiting strange behaviour, it may not always be a direct result of drug use.
If someone has taken an illicit substance, it's vital to remember that the symptoms they are experiencing will depend on strength, purity, the individual's body weight, and metabolism.
If someone appears seriously unwell and hasn't taken any drugs, their drink or food may have been spiked (when someone places a substance in their drink or food). If this is the case, call an ambulance and gather as much information about their previous whereabouts as possible, including any items such as drinking glasses or bottles that could be helpful to the police.
Some people on drugs may look like they're half unconscious, but in reality, they feel great and 'high as a kite' on the substance, especially if they've taken heroin or spice. So, before calling for emergency services, ensure that the person is not simply enjoying the effects of the drug.
If the person has knowingly taken a drug and appears very sick, try to find out what substance they've taken, which can be difficult if they're semi-conscious or incoherent. my article, How Can I Tell What Drug Someone Is On? Things to Lookout For can be of assistance. Even if they don't want help, they may need urgent medical attention.
More than one type of drug could be the cause of the problem
They could be suffering from a bad trip or an adverse reaction to something, including one or a combination of the following: cannabis, heroin, magic mushrooms, acid tabs (LSD), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ecstasy, crack, amyl nitrate, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), synthetic marijuana, spice, solvents (gas & glue).
Heroin users can appear practically unconscious, known as 'gouching or 'nodding-off''. However, it's important to note that they may have taken other substances to heroin, such as cannabis or the synthetic drug 'Spice'. Spice is much more dangerous and addictive than regular cannabis and can cause users to feel agitated, experience uncontrollable body movements, pass out, and even suffer seizures. So, if someone appears to be very unwell after taking drugs,
How do I find out what they've taken?
Substances like LSD and magic mushrooms can artificially induce a state of psychosis, causing a person to lose touch with reality and resulting in behaviour that may appear crazy. But this state will pass once the effects of the drug have worn off.
If you're uncertain about what the person has taken, try asking them directly. If they can't respond, you can check their pockets for clues. Any information you gather can help the medical services to help prevent unnecessary medical procedures, such as having their stomach pumped unnecessarily.
How to help them calm down and recover
You can also try talking to them in a gentle tone or offering a soothing massage. If the person is agitated, don't push them. If they are in a cooperative mood, encourage them to lie down, preferably in a bed.
If the person is experiencing hallucinations, such as seeing "giant monsters" or "flying pigs," it's likely just a part of their drug-induced state and not a cause for alarm. So, you can avoid calling the medics or a mental asylum and instead create a safe and comforting environment for them until the effects wear off or until medical help arrives.
When things are serious - What to do in an emergency
If their temperature is high and showing signs of distress such as sweating, vomiting, or gurgling, and finding it hard to breathe, call for medical help immediately. Help them stay calm by explaining what's happening and reassuring them that everything will be okay.
If they remain unresponsive, seek immediate medical assistance. Call emergency services and give them as much information about the person's condition, the substances they may have consumed and medical history if known.
While waiting for medical help to arrive, monitor their breathing, pulse, and skin colour, and position them comfortably. Make sure their airways are clear and breathing normally. If their breathing becomes shallow or stops, start performing CPR.
It's essential to act quickly in these situations, as time is of the essence. When someone has ingested a potentially harmful substance, their health and well-being can deteriorate, and immediate medical intervention is crucial.
If the situation or individual becomes violent, it's best to maintain a safe distance while still being close enough to intervene if they pose a risk to themselves or others. Remain calm and alert, and be prepared to take action if necessary.
When medical assistance arrives, give them as much information as possible about what the individual ingested, including when they took it and how much they consumed. This information can be critical in helping professionals provide appropriate treatment.
Long-Term Substance Abuse Death Statistics
It is crucial to seek professional help or treatment immediately if someone experiences a substance overdose. When the person is no longer under the influence, get them to contact their local drug and alcohol services for assistance.
Unfortunately, drug overdose deaths continue to be a significant issue. In 2021, provisional data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States showed an estimated 100,000 drug overdose deaths, representing a new record high. In England and Wales, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 4,561 deaths related to drug poisoning in 2020, the highest number since records began in 1993. It is essential to prioritize access to drug treatment and prevention programs to combat this ongoing public health crisis.
Video: Risk factors for drug use and drug abuse
How to find out what drug they have taken and helpful Resources
Some individuals may not be truthful about their drug use or the types of drugs they are consuming. Additionally, many may not even be aware of the exact ingredients of the drugs they are taking, especially in the case of powders and pills that can easily be mixed with poisonous substances by criminals to increase their profits.
If you are concerned about a loved one or friend and want to help ensure that what they are taking has not been mixed with harmful substances, you can purchase a home testing kit from Amazon. These kits can help identify the contents of drugs to test their purity, and detect fake drugs. You can also buy a urine test kit or hair test kit from Amazon at a low cost to determine drug use.
Long-term misuse of illegal drugs can lead to serious mental and physical health problems, including death. To better understand addiction, educate yourself on the topic. Encourage your loved one or friend to seek professional support such as counselling or help from Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in their area or online virtual meetings.
Helpful resources
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prescription. Readers are advised to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional for any health-related questions or concerns.
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