WHAT IS AN OPIOID POISIONING?
An opioid poisoning occurs when a person uses more of a drug, or combination of drugs, than their body can handle. This causes, the brain to slow or stop normal body functions. The person may pass out, stop breathing, experience heart failure or seizures. A person can experience a poisoning as soon as the opioid is taken, or it may take many hours. An opioid poisoning can happen when using prescription, over-the-counter, legal and/or illegal drugs. Drug poisoning/overdoses may be accidental or intentional.