drug overdose: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Oct. 14, 2026

Photos and Videos

Young woman with curly hair sits on the floor in a dimly lit space, preparing a dose of heroin with drug paraphernalia visible beside her.

A young woman with green-streaked hair sits facing a therapist holding a clipboard in a modern office, engaged in a counseling session.

The video thumbnail image shows the packaging of Narcan nasal spray.

See All Videos, Images and Interactives →

Topics

drug use opioid cocaine methamphetamine substance use disorder benzodiazepine trauma poison wound endocrine disruptor electrical shock carcinogen antigen barotrauma allergen